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January 6, 2021 |
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The planning community met the challenges of 2020 with resiliency and pivoted to meet those challenges head on, producing many wins and lots of lessons learned.
We're looking ahead to the next set of challenges for planners and the communities we serve. From smart cities to design thinking and from cannabis to sustainability, the next year and beyond is ripe with opportunities for planners to step up to the plate and reinvent.
Check out our list of a few of the biggest wave-making areas to watch in 2021 (plus helpful resources on each!) |
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NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE |
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Exploring areas of disruption: Help shape NPC21
Deadline extended! You now have until Monday, January 11 at noon CT, to volunteer to review NPC21 session proposals or submit a session idea.
We are looking for new and diverse voices at NPC21 — share your experience or help review session concepts. |
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Highlighted opportunities:
- Storytelling sessions: Bring personal experiences to life by transporting the audience to that place and time. This is your chance to share your story in a 15-minute storytelling session at NPC21.
- Session proposal reviewer: Never volunteered before? No problem. We’re looking for new and diverse voices to review session concepts. The only experience necessary is knowledge of planning — we will help with the rest!
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RESOURCES |
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Planners' activism spurred Congress to act for communities
Several long-time APA legislative priorities were acted upon during this unusually contentious and unpredictable two-year congressional session. Take a look at the impact moments as the voice of planning had a lasting resonance — and stay tuned for how we will continue to move our planning priorities forward with advocacy in 2021. |
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From Planning
Preparing to thrive
In a time of massive flux, it can be hard to keep up — and know what to focus on. That's why Planning is taking a year-long look at the unexpected developments, existing challenges, and promising opportunities our communities are facing. From empty office buildings to climate migration and racial inequities to new tech, we'll tell you what you need to know about the disruptors that could change our future — and the way we plan for it. |
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PAS QuickNotes
Five steps to improve planning processes with design thinking
Design thinking within planning represents a creative, humanities-based approach to the physical environment, complementing more data-driven, social-science approaches. This practice has emerged in recent years to bring more creative insights into linear processes. The new PAS QuickNotes defines design thinking and suggests how planners can use this agile, five-step process to help improve systems, processes, and policies in their communities. |
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Perspectives Column
New opportunities for a bright planning future
As we say goodbye to the outgoing AICP and APA leaders, we now welcome new ones. Get to know new APA President Leo R. Asuncion Jr., AICP. In his column, he envisions a future where planners are seen as ethical, solution-oriented leaders of constructive change: "We have strength in our unity, and this is an advantage we can be proud of and cultivate." |
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AICP |
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AICP for today's planner
AICP is evolving to meet the needs of today's planner. From a digitally verifiable credential, to certification paths tailored to your needs and your schedule, earning AICP is more relevant than ever — and can help you bring your planning vision to life.
The AICP Certification Application window is open. Apply today! The first step is as simple as verifying your education and experience. |
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OPPORTUNITIES |
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YOUR MEMBERSHIP |
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Send questions or comments about Interact to interact@planning.org.
Interact is a member e-newsletter of the American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Interested in advertising with APA? Contact rbarkin@townsend-group.com to learn more. |
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2021 American Planning Association. All rights reserved. |
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