The Latest News from PA Chapter of APA…
APA PA Conference Registration
Get ready to connect, learn, and be inspired at the APA Pennsylvania Chapter’s Annual Conference — the largest annual gathering of planners! This is your opportunity to engage with peers, expand your knowledge, and help shape the future of planning in Pennsylvania and beyond.
What to Expect at the Conference:
There are 50+ educational sessions and 7 mobile workshops, with the opportunity to earn up to 11.5 CM credits, including required topics like Sustainability, Equity, Law, and Ethics. Main speakers include Sascha Meinrath and Jeff Siegler. There will also be a Housing panel which includes Morgan Boyd, Angela Brooks, and Phyllis Chamberlain. Check out the full program online. Register by Friday, October 3.
APA PA Annual Conference
Make Your Reservation:
Registration is open for the the APA PA Chapter Annual Conference: Planning the Keystone: Shaping a Resilient Future, which will take place from October 12 -14, 2025 at the Hilton Harrisburg. Reservations can be made for your stay at the Hilton Harrisburg! The easiest way to make a reservation is online. The room rate is available through September 21, or until the room block sells out – whichever comes first.
Congratulations to the 2025 Great Places in PA
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA PA) is proud to announce the 2025 Great Places in PA. Great Places are unique, memorable places that display a wealth of best practices in community planning, serve as a community focal point, and strengthen the local economy. They also demonstrate the rewarding results that occur through planning, partnerships, and community engagement.
For 2025, the categories were Great Greenways/Trails or Preserves, Great Public Spaces, and Great Transformations. Five Great Places were designated; four in the Public Spaces category and one in the Greenways/Trails or Preserves category. There are now 64 designated “Great Places in PA,” located in 35 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Additionally, designated Great Places can be found in each of the Chapter’s six sections.
Great Public Space
- Boyce Bouldering Park and Pump Track
- Outdoor Discovery Space & Sensory Nature Trail
- River Common
- Zimmerman Center for Heritage
Great Greenway/Trail or Preserve
- Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop
In recognizing the 2025 Great Places, APA-PA also celebrates the many community leaders, officials, professionals, and residents who contributed to making these places “great.” A special thank-you is also extended to the dedicated panel of judges that volunteer their time to review and rate the nominations, as well as select the Great Places. Read more.
Planning Webcast Series
Earn over 50 AICP CM credits each year online—at no cost to members of participating organizations that support the Planning Webcast Series. Webcasts take place live on Fridays from 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET and are worth 1.5 CM credits (for live viewing only) unless otherwise noted. More information is available online.
Opportunities for Giving
Each year the Chapter offers a scholarship to support individuals seeking funds for academic degree programs, internships, and professional development activities. If anyone would like to contribute to the Chapters Scholarship fund donations can be made online. We accept all major credit cards, and you can also send a check. Please make your check payable to “PA Chapter of APA Scholarship Fund” and mail it to P.O. Box 4680, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
Communication and Membership Committee
We are looking for volunteers to contribute articles for our monthly E-News. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us.
Week Without Driving: September 29 – October 5
Whether due to disability, age, or income – non-drivers come from all walks of life. The Week Without Driving was developed by disability advocates in Washington state and is now a national initiative, led by America Walks and the National Campaign for Transit Justice.
Pennsylvania is also joining this movement to raise awareness for greater mobility needs in every community. By participating in Week Without Driving PA people can raise awareness of the transportation needs that all residents have across our state. And beyond just awareness, this helps call for change to improve mobility options and expand access for all.
Transit for All PA! is calling on Harrisburg to provide the mobility solutions people need: reliable, affordable, accessible, and safe transportation options, including fully funding public transportation in PA. In addition to participating in the Week, sign on with Transit for All PA! and join our movement to improve transit across the state.
Week Without Driving PA is organized by the Transit for All PA! Coalition, led by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Transit Forward Philadelphia, the Clean Air Council, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Visit weekwithoutdrivingpa.org and weekwithoutdriving.org for more info.