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January 20, 2021
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Today begins a new presidential administration, the work of the 117th Congress, and a critical legislative year for communities. APA President Leo R. Asuncion Jr., AICP, has written to Congress this week outlining an agenda that can lead the nation forward with hope and encouragement.
Federal action on recovery, housing, transportation and broadband infrastructure, and climate change will enable planners to help communities grow stronger, more equitable, and more resilient. 2021 is an opportunity for not just recovery, but reinvention. As advocates and leaders, planners have the chance to shape and advance federal legislation that invests in communities, implements plans, and builds a better future for all.
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Tackle climate impacts with APA's new policy climate guide
The Biden administration plans to act swiftly on the climate crisis — as early as today — when the U.S. is expected to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and launch a review of 100+ regulatory changes previously made to environment and climate rules. Planners will be instrumental in integrating climate goals into local plans, and must be ready to act.
APA's newly revised Climate Change Policy Guide arms planners with practical guidance for creating tailored climate policies, plans, programs, projects, standards, and regulations. Most importantly, it positions planners to advocate for federal and state policies that will empower communities to confront the impacts of a changing climate and plan for a safer, more resilient, and carbon-free future.
Climate change is one of four legislative priority areas this year where planners can maximize their impact. Watch for opportunities to influence federal and state action on climate in the coming weeks.
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NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE
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NPC21: Registration now open
Join us at NPC21, May 5–7, as we reflect on what was accomplished in the first 100 days and plan for action in the next 100 days of the Biden administration and beyond. While this year's event is virtual, we are committed to bringing you, our community, an experience that is immersive, energizing, and empowering.
NPC21 sessions will take a look at current challenges, shifting landscapes, and outcomes after the first 100 days of a new administration to equip planners with ideas and solutions for advancing equitable and sustainable planning practices. If there's anything we learned from last year's NPC20 @ Home, distance only encourages us to deepen authentic connection and build community. Reserve your spot today!
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RESOURCES
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Planning Web Exclusive
Radical lessons from a historic wildfire season
From delivering meals to volunteering her planning skills pro bono, Kelsey Zlevor shares her boots-on-the-ground experience in the wake of Oregon's Holiday Farm fire — and calls for a drastic reimagining of recovery planning, free from the typical fee-for-service structure.
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Zoning Practice
The market factors that make TDR work
The concept of transferable development rights (TDR) sounds simple. Owners in designated sending areas can sell unused development rights to developers in designated receiving areas. But without careful program design, market conditions can doom even the best-intentioned systems. Read the new January issue of Zoning Practice about the key determinants of targeted TDR success and six potential alternatives to conventional rural TDR systems.
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AICP
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Map out your AICP journey
AICP certification is redesigned for today's planner, letting you choose to submit your essays or take the AICP exam first. Application and exam registration windows are now open.
If you're planning to submit your planning experience essays for this AICP certification cycle, make sure you know your deadlines and understand the criteria. Essay submissions will be accepted for expedited review February 9–16, and for regular review February 16–23.
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OPPORTUNITIES
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Webinar
A Planning Supervisors' Discussion on WTH Just Happened
2020 — a year that truly made us sit back and wonder "WTH just happened?" The pandemic has upended the status quo of how we work and manage others; now, imagine a new way forward. Planning managers and supervisors: join Aimee Nassif, AICP, and Matt Brandmeyer, AICP, on February 3 for a virtual roundtable on reimagining current challenges as opportunities for growth.
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National Planning Awards
Recognizing planning excellence
Planners are vital to helping lead communities forward to a stronger, safer, and more equitable future. Nominate your work for consideration for a 2021 National Planning Award.
The nomination period runs January 22–February 12. Read about the categories and criteria and start preparing your nomination.
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Urbanism Next Virtual Forum
APA is a proud partner for this year's Urbanism Next Virtual Forum. Register now to snag early bird registration — open through February 16.
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Survey on how downtowns will shift and recover
How will downtowns be changed by the COVID-19 pandemic? Researchers from Michigan State University, University of Waterloo, and Wayne State University are asking planners to take this brief 10- to 15-minute survey.
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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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