News Archive
Urban Design with Soundscape in Mind
Posted: May 17, 2011
The aim of the May 24th symposium, entitled "Urban Design with Soundscape in Mind", is to communicate with politicians, planners, architects and the public-at-large. Topics that will be addressed include: Acoustic Challenges to Urban Livability with Respect to Noise Mapping, Noise Ordinances, Noise Control, and Soundscaping.
Spring 2011 Brown Bag Series Announced
Posted: May 16, 2011
The Puget Sound Section, Washington-APA announced the schedule for the Spring 2011 Brown Bag Series of continuing education. The schedule and other information has been posted on the website and is available here.
Conserving Biodiversity in Subdivision Development
Posted: May 10, 2011
Many residential developments and rural properties are situated near or in habitats that sustain native plant and animal communities. Conserving or restoring the unique natural features inherent on every parcel of land benefits the local environment, property owners and the region's heritage. When land is subdivided, how does one conserve local biodiversity and minimize impacts on surrounding landscapes?
To address these issues, American Citizen Planner and the University of Florida are co-hosting an online course in May on "Conserving Biodiversity in Subdivision Development", presented by Dr. Mark Hostetler, Associate Professor at the University of Florida's (UFL) Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.
Housing Washington Conference 2011—Livelihood: Housing = Jobs
Posted: April 20, 2011
With job creation as a top priority for the country, affordable housing is now more important than ever in creating jobs, revitalizing communities, and providing stability. Top national speakers at this year’s Housing Washington conference, taking place Sept. 26 – 28 at the Spokane Convention Center, will address the relationship between housing and jobs, and the resulting economic and community impacts that tie into the livelihood of our local communities.
Planning Law Conference SOLD OUT
Posted: April 12, 2011
The Puget Sound Section's Planning Law Conference scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, has sold out. There is no wait list and there will be no registrations at the door. However, substitutions are welcome. Please visit our LinkedIn group to either post an extra "ticket" if you cannot attend or to request one if you need it.
Urban Forest Symposium: Trees and Urban Infrastructure
Posted: April 05, 2011
Plant Amnesty and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens are reprising their highly successful Urban Forest Symposium on May 9, 2011, at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle. Session topics range from technical solutions to political strategies for reducing built infrastructure installation and maintenance costs while retaining trees.
Registration is now open: http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/news/2011/03/08/2011-urban-forest-symposium/
Planning Law Conference - April 26th, 2011
Posted: March 10, 2011
Join your peers at the 2011 Planning Law Conference on Tuesday, April 26th at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. We have three tracks of five sessions each: At the Counter, Legal and Legislative, and Regional Policy and Planning – a great way to stay on top of the issues that are most important to you and your job.
The conference is a full-day and a bargain at only $99 – so bring your entire planning group! We are applying for AICP – Certificate Maintenance (CM) Credits for all sessions, so this is a great chance to work towards meeting your AICP requirement in a single day without the need for extensive travel, hotels, or per diem.
World Water Day Forum and Exposition Set for March 22
Posted: March 10, 2011
More than one billion people around the world are compelled to use potentially harmful sources of water, an underlying factor in many of the 10 million child deaths every year.
Those startling facts are among many concerning the lack of access to safe drinking water that will be the focus of a World Water Day Forum and Exposition, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, at Seattle City Hall.
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Conference
Posted: February 25, 2011
Please join the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Washington State’s Main Street Program for RevitalizeWA, May 11-13, 2011 at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center in beautiful Walla Walla. This two and a half day conference will feature a variety of sessions focusing on historic preservation and the revitalization of Washington’s historic downtowns.
REMINDER: APA Oregon AICP Training
Posted: February 15, 2011
Oregon APA will be providing a one-day AICP workshop on Saturday, February 26 with Michael Waiczis. Cost will be $125. Registration and other information is available at http://www.oregonapa.org/AICPStudySession_. Contact Seth English-Young at sey544@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
The session will be instructed by Michael Waiczis, AICP. Mr. Waiczis has instructed AICP Exam Preparation Workshops for the past 18 years. Between 1993 and 2009 he instructed over 100 workshops around the country. Aside from California, he has instructed sessions for the Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, National Capital, Florida, Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Texas (and other) APA Chapters.
REMINDER - Call for Sessions - Joint APA Washington/Oregon Conference
Posted: February 11, 2011
Only one week remains for you to develop and submit your session proposals. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your successful projects, show your expertise, provoke and promote new ideas in planning.
The Joint Conference will be held on October 19, 20 and 21 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, Oregon. This year’s theme is Cascadia Collaborative: Bridging to the Future.
Call for Session Instructions is available for view at: http://centralpt.com/upload/342/Documents2011/12844_CallforSessionsInstructions.pdf
The deadline for submissions is February 18, 2011.
Community Planning and The Natural Step Framework: New Focus, New Solutions and Now APA CM Credits!
Posted: January 28, 2011
The Natural Step Network USA is now a Certification Maintenance Provider for the American Planners Association.
The Natural Step Network USA is a now a Certification Maintenance Provider for the American Planners Association. In an effort to provide planning professionals with access to the powerful TNS Framework for incorporating sustainability into their work, The Natural Step Network USA will be offering courses aimed at planners, municipal staff and planning commission members.
Survey & Call for Sessions - Joint Conference of the Washington and Oregon Chapters of the APA
Posted: January 25, 2011
The Washington and Oregon chapters of the American Planning Association invite you to submit your session proposal(s) for the 2011 Joint Conference, to be held on October 19, 20 and 21 at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, Oregon. This year’s theme is Cascadia Collaborative: Bridging to the Future
Winter 2011 Brown Bag Series Announced
Posted: January 19, 2011
The Puget Sound Section, Washington-APA announced the schedule for the Winter 2011 Brown Bag Series of continuing education. The schedule and other information has been posted on the website and is available here.
Sidewalks and Trees: How to Repair and Maintain the Structural Integrity of Both
Posted: January 01, 2011
A seminar conducted by Gordon Mann, of Mann Made Resources, Auburn, California, will discuss strategies that reduce the conflicts between green and grey infrastructure elements. Proper planning, design, management and mitigation help retain valuable community trees while reducing costly infrastructure repairs and replacements.
The seminar will be held on Tuesday, January 25, at the Pierce County Environmental Services Building in University Place, Washington, and is intended for professionals who deal regularly with conflicts between tree roots and built infrastructure.
Chapter Office Closed
Posted: December 22, 2010
The APA Washington office will be closed on December 23-24 in observance of the Christmas holidays. It will also be closed on December 31 in observance of the New Year's holiday.
Save the Date! Brownfields & Land Revitalization Conference, Spokane – May 12 & 13
Posted: December 20, 2010
TURNING LIABILITIES INTO ASSETS IN THE INLAND NORTHWEST
May 12 - 13, 2011 Spokane Convention Center
The cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties (brownfields) is key to community economic development efforts. This day and a half conference will focus on community revitalization, redeveloping brownfield sites, and approaches specific to inland northwest communities through workshops, interactive breakouts, and plenary sessions.
PURPOSE: Bring a network of public and private sector project proponents together for an open dialogue on community revitalization resources, efforts, and plans in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Scholarships will be available to local government officials, tribal representatives, and students.
Deadline for Quality Growth Alliance’s Recognition Program is February 15
Posted: December 15, 2010
The Quality Growth Alliance (QGA) is accepting applications for its Recognition Program through Tuesday Feb. 15. Entries will be accepted for pre-entitlement development projects in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Recognized projects will receive a wide range of support from QGA members, including testimony during the public review process. To download the Recognition Program’s “Call for Entries,” visit www.qualitygrowthalliance.org.
APA Washington Inland Empire Section 2011 Conference
Posted: December 07, 2010
Save the date for the APA Washington Inland Empire Section 2011 Annual Conference. It will be held June 2-3 at Elkin's Resort, Priest Lake, Idaho. Visit the Inland Empire Section webpage for more information.
NCI Charrette System™: Stories of Community Transformation A documentary showing charrettes in act
Posted: November 23, 2010
People say that you can't really understand what a charrette does unless you have seen one in action. The NCI Charrette System DVD is the next best thing to being there. This DVD places you into key moments within the seven-day East Fort Myers, FL charrette. Hear what participants are saying before and after the charrette. Witness how the charrette team takes a project from a blank canvas to a developed plan. You can also watch the 13-minute overview free online.