From the President

Over the past several years, the APA Board of Directors has set some broad policy goals and directions for the Association.  That’s what we do as a policy board; we provide direction to guide the long-term and daily activities of the APA.  As professional and citizen planners, we recognize the importance of taking the long view…and the comprehensive view…of things. We are working hard to strengthen APA and be seen as the voice for planning in the United States and, increasingly, throughout the world.  Our major initiatives currently include a multi-year membership growth strategy, a public information and communications plan, and a new initiative and emphasis on education and outreach throughout the Association.

During my term as President of APA, I have been committed to advancing the profession of planning, building the nation’s capacity for planning, and ensuring that APA and its members have the tools and information to make great communities happen. These are goals for the Association we have reached by consensus, among the leadership of APA, and which have been informed by the stated needs of our members.  These goals are long-term in nature…requiring an investment of time, commitment and resources.

This is a season of change. There is less than one year remaining in my term as President of APA. During that time I believe we can make additional progress in achieving the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves as an association.

On June 6th, Mary Kay Peck, AICP stepped down as Immediate Past-President of APA. Also on that date, Robert Hunter, FAICP took office as President-Elect of APA. I have worked closely with Mary Kay during the years she led our organization, and she was a wonderful President of the Association. Her vision, energy, and talent at building consensus have been of great service to APA. She was president of APA during the period of greatest membership expansion since the association was formed in 1978.

I have also worked closely with Bob Hunter during his recent term on the Board. Bob brings great talent and enthusiasm to the leadership of APA, and I have great respect for his abilities as a leader, as a planner, and as someone who believes passionately in our seizing the opportunity to position APA and APA planners as the leaders in the profession and practice of planning.  I am working closely with Bob to ensure that the long-term goals of APA are carried out today and into the future.

Please join me in thanking Mary Kay Peck for her years of service and good humor, and in expressing your commitment to Bob Hunter in his efforts to "advance the ball" for APA.  Once again, I thank you for your passion, your energy, and your efforts as agents of change in building communities of lasting value.  We’ve got a great year ahead of us, and with your support, we can set Bob and the new officers up for success.

David M. Siegel, AICP
APA President