February President's Message

By Paula Reeves, AICP CTP

2016 is off to a busy start with the State Legislative Session in full swing, all our Planning Councils and Commissions across the state working overtime to make up for time off over the holidays, and our builders and developers gearing up for construction season. So, along with everything going on at APA Washington this month, I wanted to remind you that February is also American Heart Month, a time to think about our stress and heart health. Studies show that nearly half of us have at least one major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and many are unaware of the warning signs. So, take just a little time out over the course of this extremely busy month to check your stress—Planners are not immune to stress, even though we like to believe we are!

Save the Date – March 4th, 2016, APA Washington will host an APA Washington Climate Initiative Forum via webinar for members statewide to hear from the sponsors of the various climate initiatives, Carbon Washington and the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. Both organizations tackle climate change with different approaches. We want to learn more and share this information with membership. To register for the webinar, visit APA Washington’s website:  http://www.washington-apa.org

Nominations for 2017 now being accepted! The Chapter has started the process of identifying candidates for the next president-elect position and several others. Participation in the APA Washington Board is a great opportunity to make a difference in the planning profession. Steve Butler, FAICP has graciously agreed to Chair the 2017 Nominations Committee. Contact Steve at: [email protected] if you have any questions about the nominations process. Consider running for a Board position and look for more information coming soon!

Are you going to the 2016 National APA Conference in Phoenix? This year's Delegate Assembly at the 2016 National Planning Conference in Phoenix will be on Sunday, April 3. Two new policy guides—one addressing water issues and one focused on freight planning—will be voted on at this important meeting. If you are interested in serving as an APA Washington Delegate this year, please contact Esther Larson or Yorik Stevens. We need to appoint our Delegates by March 10, so let us know! APA makes all the existing Policy Guides available on line for your review.

For those of you who were unable to join theJanuary Curbside Chat with Charles Marhon, Strong Towns founder, a video of the event is now available on the Chapter website. This event in Olympia was successful in generating enough interest to create a new South Sound Section of APA Washington. Planners in the South Sound, look for more information and an event calendar soon.

I had the opportunity over the past several weeks to testify on several bills in the State Legislature that the APA Washington State Legislative Committee is tracking. APA Washington has also made sure your interests are represented by writing to our State Legislators and Legislative Committees regarding important planning flexibility and funding measures. If you are interested in finding out more about our work this Session, please visit our APA Washington Legislative Committee website and check out our LEAD: Legislative Education Advocacy and Direction bulletins.

Reminder: 2016 Annual Conference planning is underway. This year’s conference will be held in partnership with APA Oregon Chapter in Portland in October.  If you are interested in getting involved in conference planning, please contact me at: [email protected]

Be sure to check the APA website for more information or to submit session proposals.

Lastly, we have a New Membership Co-Chair, Talia Tittelfitz, starting immediately and a new Planning Official Development Officer, Salina Lyons, starting in April. Welcome Talia and Salina!  If you have an interest in serving on the APA Washington Chapter Board or one of the committees, please contact me.

As always, I invite you to drop me a line or call me to let me know of other news around the state at [email protected] or 360-701-1943.

All the Best – Paula Reeves

Return to February issue of The Washington Planner