The mission of the EDI committee is to promote more inclusive, just, and equitable communities through a planning profession as diverse and inclusive as the many communities we serve, and to equip planners to perform inclusive planning and work effectively across diverse communities.

Committee’s Purpose

The GPA EDI Committee supports the implementation of the APA Diversity and Inclusion Vision, Mission, and Strategy.

The EDI Committee shall actively address barriers to and support the recruitment and retention of underrepresented peoples in the profession by developing partnerships with educational institutions such as HBCUs, technical colleges, k-12 schools, and other groups.

In order to build the capacity of planners to practice inclusive, culturally competent, and equitable planning practices, the Committee will work with the Programs Committee to incorporate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training into GPA events and conferences.

The EDI Committee shall actively recruit underrepresented peoples to participate in GPA elected leadership, and will also provide information and educational opportunities on EDI to GPA Board members.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact Erin Thoresen, AICP, EDI Committee Chair.

Get Involved

School Outreach Initiative

The EDI Committee has presentations and activities to use for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, as well as Colleges and Universities at age-appropriate levels. Our focus is how planning impacts our daily lives and the different career paths available to affect changes in the built environment and its impacts on social, economic, and equitable outcomes.

Make a difference for youth in your community and help to build up the next generation of planners.

We need volunteers to make presentations in local schools and universities.

Volunteer Form

Do you represent a school interested in having a planning professional make a presentation or attend a career fair? 

Are you a planning professional interested in volunteering?

Contact Us

For Non-Planners:
What is Planning? 

Planning is an exciting field where people can make a difference in their communities.

Learn more from this video and contact us to make a presentation at your local school or university.