News

National Conference Happenings

We encourage you to attend the following sessions and events organized by Gays and Lesbians in Planning and featuring some of our members as speakers:

Sessions

Saving Blue Collar Industrial Jobs
Monday, April 27, 11:00am-12:15pm.

Efforts are under way to protect traditional industrial lands and jobs in new-economy cities such as Seattle. Hear how planning, zoning, and permitting are preserving family wage jobs and how new development threatens to eat away Seattle's traditional economies. Discover techniques and policies being developed to preserve these valuable positions. Speakers: Linda Amato, AICP (City of Seattle Planning Commission), Ben Bakkenta (Puget Sound Regional Council), Sally Clark (Seattle City Council) and Dan Burke, AICP (Port of Seattle).

Whose Family Is It Anyway?
Wednesday, April 29, 9:30-10:45am.

Despite the issue's lengthy history, the definition of "family" for zoning purposes still ensnarls communities in debate. Challenges to commonly used definitions of "family" often cite inherent cultural biases or sociopolitical agendas. Explore both the need for objective, culturally neutral standards and examples of appropriate regulatory approaches. Speakers: Patrick J. Finn (City of Flossmoor, Illinois), Carrie Richter, Dwight H. Merriam, FAICP, Ellen J. Pader and Elizabeth Tyler FAICP.

Mobile Workshop

The Minneapolis GLBT Diaspora
Monday April 27, 1:30-5:30pm.

Once concentrated in Loring Park, the GLBT community has become decentralized, reflecting its involvement in the city as a whole. Examine the history and culture of a GLBT-friendly city, how the role of social institutions has changed, and how GLBT leaders are involved in larger planning issues, including arts and culture. Transportation: Motorcoach, walking. Speakers: Marjorie P. Press, Michael D. Larson, AICP (URS Corporation, Minneapolis), John Patrick Byers, AICP and Linda Amato, AICP (City of Seattle Planning Commission).
NOTE: This is a change from the time given in the conference registration materials.

Division Events

GALIP Division Reception
Saturday, April 25, 6:00-8:00pm.
Location: URS Corporation's Minneapolis office
(Fifth Street Towers, 100 S. Fifth Street, Suite 1500).

Enjoy appetizers and refreshments with other GALIP members.

APA Joint Division Reception.
Monday, April 27, 6:00-7:30pm.

Various topical and special interest divisions, including GALIP, come together. This event is open to all conference attendees and provides a chance to learn about all the APA divisions in one place.  Invite your colleagues and planner friends to attend even if they aren't specifically interested in GALIP.

GALIP Division Business Meeting.
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-6:30pm.

Meet GALIP's new officers and help conduct the business of the Division.

GALIP Division Dinner.
Tuesday, April 28, 7:30-9:00pm.
Location: Salsa a la Salsa Restaurant
1420 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.

$40 per person. Alcoholic drink tickets are $5 each. RSVP will be required for this event. Watch for further details!