Welcome to the Washington Chapter of the
American Planning Association

The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association provides leadership in the development of great communities for all by promoting education and empowerment, advocating excellence in community planning, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change. Our members include professional planners working for local governments, state agencies, consulting firms, and others, planning commissioners, and anyone else with an interest in planning.

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APA WA 2024 Annual Conference

Join us for the 2024 APA WA Annual Conference

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About the Washington Chapter of the
American Planning Association

Our MissionThe Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.

Our Purpose: The purposes of the Chapter are to facilitate the individual participation of members of the American Planning Association, to conduct the affairs of the Association, and to further the purposes of the Association in the Chapter area.

Our Vision:  Ten years from now APA Washington will have increased its influence and credibility throughout the state of Washington. Through effective legislative influence and policy development, the Chapter will see that sustainable planning is in effect statewide. Accessible, affordable, and effective AICP certification maintenance training will be available to planners through a comprehensive system of seminars, webinars, and conferences. Membership will have doubled and represent the diversity of our state and our planning backgrounds. Sections will be providing more resources to members and Section Boards will be better connected to the State Chapter Board. A complete administrative and executive staff will be in place to better support all of the Chapter and Section activities. 

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Membership offers many opportunities to build and enhance your career:

  • Make a difference in public policy and your local community
  • Access APA resources and a network of local, regional, and national planners
  • Learn and share knowledge at workshops and conferences
  • Engage and mentor planning students


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What is Planning?

Planning is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities.

Professional planners make great communities happen by working with civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to envision new possibilities and solutions to community problems.