President’s Corner: Help Us Celebrate the People behind Great Planning

Anne Broache, AICP, Chapter President | June 2026

Each year at the APA Washington Annual Conference, we recognize individual planners, public officials, and advocates who have made significant contributions to the chapter and to the planning profession across the state. This year’s awards will be presented at our event in Vancouver, Washington, which runs from October 7-9, 2026.

Nominations for the President’s Awards to Individuals are open now through June 30, 2026. That’s coming up quickly – so if someone comes to mind, now is the time to act. 

Submit a Nomination Today 

Award categories include:

• Robert “Bob” Burke Award – Distinguished service to the Chapter
• Myer Wolfe Award – Professional achievement and advancement of planning
• Barbara Grace Award – Mid-level planners making a real impact day to day
• Planning Advocate Award – Public figures advancing planning issues
• Planning Achievement Award – Elected or appointed officials shaping planning practice
• Eric Shields Award – Our highest honor for leadership and contributions to the profession

Not every category is awarded every year, which makes strong nominations especially important. Take a few minutes before June 30 to nominate someone whose contributions deserve recognition. Check out our past award winners for inspiration.

But wait, there’s more!

In case you missed it in the May newsletter, we also offer awards to showcase excellence in planning projects, sponsored jointly by the APA Washington Chapter and the Planning Association of Washington. Nominations for those awards are due Friday, July 10, 2026. Check out the 2026 Annual Awards for Excellence in Planning page to learn more.