APA Interact February 1, 2017

APA NEWS

What strengthening infrastructure means to APA members and partners

Earlier this month, APA asked our members and leaders of several national organizations to contribute to the energetic national conversation about infrastructure.

Head to the APA blog to read their responses, which approach the topic from diverse points of view. While APA members thoughtfully described what "improvements to infrastructure" would mean — for the nation as well as for helping to create stronger communities — organization leaders shared what, if any, governmental action on infrastructure they anticipate in 2017. Keep an eye on Interact this month for APA's Board-approved infrastructure principles to help shape the upcoming conversation about federal infrastructure legislation and for more resources in the Advocate's Toolbox.

Introducing the 2017 APA Ambassadors

More than 90 members across the United States have signed up to be this year's APA Ambassadors. Check the list to see who stepped up to help advance the profession and serve in your area. Ambassadors will volunteer their time, experience, and talents to share the value of planning and the important role of the planning profession at activities and events in their local communities. APA will share their stories on social media and in our blog. Thank you, Ambassadors!

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Advanced Post-Master's Program at Tufts University — Deadline Approaching — February 15, 2017

Sharpen your skills, reflect on big ideas, and satisfy your AICP CM requirements through the Tufts C.A.G.S. program. This low-residency program meets the needs of working professionals and includes coursework in social justice, sustainability, and community engagement. Study at a top-ranked university and pursue your own independent research. Learn more.

2017 NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE

Wanted: Hands-on helpers

Get out of the session room and into the park! Pitch in with your colleagues, sprucing up DeWitt Clinton Park during NPC17's Day of Service.

Or, take part in real planning (and keep your hands clean) at APA's annual Community Planning Workshop in Queens, where the low-lying Howard Beach neighborhood is frequently flooded by storms and high tides. Especially welcome are planners with experience in hazards planning, green infrastructure, water management, and similar areas to develop plans for sustainable water management and neighborhood resilience. Questions? Email CPAT@planning.org. (CM I 2)

Become a mentor — or find one — at NPC17

Sign up now to participate in NPC17's Mentor Match program as a mentor or protege. Need convincing? Experienced mentor Kurt Christiansen, FAICP, tells how mentoring benefits both parties.

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Penn State Community and Economic Development Degree

Learn how to navigate the complexities of communities and community organizations and inspire positive changes on a local, regional, and national level. Complete your course work online, studying where and when you want. Achieve your career goals with Penn State World Campus! Learn more at worldcampus.psu.edu/cedev.

EVENTS

Webinars

February 8 – "Assessing the Healthy Communities Landscape," hosted by Planners4Health CM I 1

February 15 – "Managing the Planning Commission Meeting," next in the Signature Webinar Series. CM I 0.5

RESOURCES

Planning

This month, Planning's cover story outlines subdivision design principles that can keep communities safe and dry in the face of more frequent and ferocious floods.

Read on for a preview of the 2020 Census and lots more, including special content for local board members and officials in "The Commissioner."

A Guide for the Idealist

Richard Willson, FAICP, says that although "Career Plans Are Useless," career planning is not. You can increase the probability of success by recognizing that career planning is a continuous process that has to be actively managed. Read his post to learn more about the "anticipatory governance model."

OPPORTUNITIES

What do you want to know about public art?

Forecast Public Art, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit, and APA are partnering to create educational materials about public art for city planners and other professionals involved in community development and place-based design. You are invited to complete an online survey to share your thoughts on how, where, and what planners want to learn about public art. The survey is open until February 28. Respondents could win a $50 Amazon gift card or a subscription to Public Art Review. For more information, email Jack Becker.

Work for APA

APA is looking for qualified candidates to fill several internships and a senior-level research position. Positions are based in both Chicago and Washington. Check our webpage to learn more about the jobs and their application deadlines.

AICP

Now that you’re AICP

Did you recently become an AICP member? Congratulations! Join Ethics Officer Jim Peters, FAICP, and APA staff on February 17 for an online overview of AICP membership requirements, specifically the AICP Code of Ethics and Certification Maintenance. Register now.