As we move into a new year, it’s a good time to take stock and make sure you’re getting the most from your APA PA membership.
Make Those Connections
One of the best ways to network with other planners in the Chapter is to volunteer!
Your Section is a good place to start. APA PA is divided into 6 geographical regions called Sections. Each Section is led by a Council that sponsors trainings, networking opportunities, and other events. Reach out to info@planningpa.org to connect with your Section.
Another good way to get involved is through the committees of the APA PA Board of Directors. You can learn more about each committee here or join by reaching out to the committee chair. New members are always welcome on our committees!
- Legislative: Chair, Ed LeClear, AICP
- Professional Development: Chair, Alexis Williams
- Communication and Membership: Chair, Amy Evans, AICP
- Healthy Communities in Pennsylvania: Chair, Rebecca Wetzler, AICP
- Great Places In Pennsylvania: Chair, Pam Shellenberger, AICP
- Awards: Chair, Craig Peiffer, AICP
- Planning Officials Development: Chair, Troy Truax, AICP
- Student Engagement: Co-Chairs, David Hunter, AICP and Jeff Raykes, AICP
Get Your Learn On
Our Annual Conference is APA PA’s premier event for learning and networking. The Conference is held in October of every year, with locations rotating throughout the state. Every conference includes dozens of CM-certified educational sessions, engaging mobile workshops, and social events for every interest. Join us in Scranton in 2023!
Have you been to a Webinar Wednesday yet? Most first Wednesdays, the Chapter hosts a webinar, free to PA Chapter members, with an option to claim CM credits (must attend live to earn credit), including specialized credits like sustainability, law, ethics, and equity. Topics rotate but are always tailored to Pennsylvania’s unique planning climate.
How about becoming a certified planner? APA PA is one of the “go-to chapters” for planners nationwide seeking their AICP certification. A wealth of study material is available online at no cost. A test preparation workshop is held annually and the annual conference typically hosts an informational session for planners who aren’t sure whether or not certification is for them.
APA PA’s Best Kept Secrets
Our monthly eNewsletter, website, and Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts are for planners, by planners. Sign up, like, and follow for the latest in job openings, best practices, and more. Bonus secret: our website includes a Resource Library with helpful links, a directory of consultants, virtual conference sessions, open RFPs, and more.
You can shine a light on your own community by nominating it as a Great Place in PA. Great Places in PA are real life demonstrations of planning best practices and receive recognition in a variety of ways. Nominations are simple, free, and easy.
If you’ve done a great plan, created unique programs and projects to implement a plan, or know an impactful person in planning, consider submitting to our annual awards program, which recognizes the best and brightest in Pennsylvania planning.
APA PA advocates for sound planning policy at the state and national levels. Our Legislative Committee sets policy positions for the Chapter, advocates for planning solutions with elected officials, and monitors proposed legislation. Our Healthy Communities in PA initiative combines expertise from the health and planning fields to advocate for community design that supports health and wellness.
Our last and best secret is that membership doesn’t have to break the bank. We have a variety of affordable options for students and emerging planners, nonprofit and government organizations, consultants and citizen planners.
