APA Region II Fall Update

Submitted by Ben Hitchings, FAICP, CZO
APA Region II Director

Introduction

Her name is not exactly a household word, but it should be. And her methods and commitment serve as an inspiration for professional planners. Pioneering journalist Ida Tarbell helped invent investigative reporting. She documented and daylighted the illegal and damaging monopolistic business practices of the Standard Oil Company under John D. Rockefeller in the early 20th century. In the process, she helped advance the
Progressive Era as a response to the Gilded Age.

Tarbell also shared some vital characteristics with professional planners. She was known for her integrity and attention to detail, and for her dedication to working in the public interest. In recent months, I’ve been thinking about what makes America. One secret to our country’s success is accountability. Tarbell understood the power of accurate information to help our leaders make informed decisions, commit to fair play, and uphold their oath to work as public servants.

Report on APA Board Fall Meeting in Washington, DC

At its Fall Meeting in Washington, DC, the APA Board of Directors continued its work to explore possible future scenarios in the evolving political environment, and identify potential risk mitigation strategies. A generative discussion focused on how APA should evolve to serve planners well and show measurable impact on important societal challenges in the months and years ahead.

The APA Board also continued its work to identify ways to improve onboarding and orientation of new leaders, and to help aspiring leaders develop the skills and relationships that will help them be effective in their service. To this end, the Board approved a Leadership Development curriculum to build the pipeline of volunteers, both at the national level and in chapters, divisions, and student planning organizations.

Also in DC, the APA Board adopted the FY2026 APA Budget, with the inclusion of funding for one complimentary NPC registration for each Chapter President and Division Chair or their designated proxy in recognition of their service to APA. APA’s financial position continues to be strong. A major milestone is approaching this fall in APA’s Digital Relevance strategy with the launch of a new association database in November and supporting systems throughout the year. The transition will result in improved member transactions online, a more personalized member experience, enhanced data collection and reporting functionality, the launch of new member benefits, and new collaboration tools for volunteer leaders.

APA continues to Reframe the Voice of Planning with its “It Takes a Planner” campaign and message platform, which is now integrated into all advocacy outreach, including the Housing Supply Accelerator partnership. A two-part online course launched this summer trains planners to effectively communicate the value of planning using this framework, and all APA chapters now have access to a toolkit of campaign resources for use at the state level.

APA is maintaining its commitment to Prioritize Equity with continued development of member resources and education that integrate equity perspectives, as well as new opportunities to hold space for member communities that wish to connect about equity issues. Listening sessions were held with members throughout the year to understand the impact of Executive Orders on planning, which will inform future activities.

The Housing Supply Accelerator partnership progressed this year with expanded APA visibility and leadership among key stakeholders and funders. New programs launched to deliver training and implementation resources to communities tackling the housing crisis, and to develop a new housing agenda.

Efforts to Strengthen Membership are centering on public and private sector employer sponsored memberships, referral programs, and enhanced student engagement activities.

And APA continues to offer information and resources to help planners track and navigate evolving federal policy. Members can access blogs on the latest federal actions, and those in transition can find out how to access reduced dues and exemption from Certification Maintenance. APA also piloted its first series of Career Consultations in which members signed up for short sessions with experienced planners to get input on professional development questions.

Conclusion

As professional planners, we have a unique understanding of our communities and how public and private policies impact our constituents. How has changing federal policy impacted your community, and what do your constituents need moving forward? Like Ida Tarbell, we can document the effects of business and government actions, and share our information and insights with decision-makers and stakeholders. And if we do, we can help support the accountability that helps America thrive, and more fully live our commitment to creating great communities for all.

Ben Hitchings, FAICP, CZO, is APA’s Region II Director. He welcomes you to contact him with your input and ideas.