APA NEWS
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We're thankful
The APA Foundation is grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Community Assistance Fund to aid hurricane-affected communities. We have been communicating with FEMA, our chapters, universities, and other partners in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Thanks to your donations, we will be able to respond in concert with these partners as communities complete their needs assessments and develop plans for recovery.
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Step up to certification
The application window for the May 2018 AICP Certification Exam opens on December 1. Earning the AICP credential demonstrates that you have the education, experience, and professional skills of an expert planner, and employers take notice.
Get a head start now by exploring the AICP Exam Guide and other online resources. To get priority review — and the opportunity to resubmit if your application is denied — apply no later than December 7. The exam application window closes December 28.
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POLICY AND ADVOCACY
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Tax reform negotiations are coming
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) passed the House of Representatives, and the Senate is set to vote on its tax reform legislation as soon as next week. The two bills differ in many respects, but they both contain provisions that could have a significant impact on housing, infrastructure finance, and economic development. With bicameral negotiations on the horizon, APA Director of Policy Jason Jordan compares the two bills in a new tax reform legislative analysis.
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For better tax reform, learn from history
Historic tax credits have generated $130 billion in private investment and helped to create 2.5 million jobs. Guest bloggers H. Ruth Todd, AICP, and John D. Lesak contend that if the current tax reform measure aims to spur economic growth, then eliminating this financing tool is counterintuitive. They offer compelling reasons why HTCs benefit American communities.
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Streamline your city's permitting and licensing in 2018
Permitting a business or residential project can be complex. OpenCounter streamlines the process by revealing where the project is allowed, which permits are required, and how much the permits will cost. This simplifies the process and saves time for applicants and staff. Learn more at www.opencounter.com.
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EVENTS
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OPPORTUNITIES
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RESOURCES
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From our blog
Justin Dula, AICP, writes about the APA Pennsylvania Chapter's Healthy Communities in PA task force's efforts to provide tools to planners to help "make the healthy choice the easy choice" in local communities. The task force is coordinating with state agencies and departments to further healthy community design.
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STAFF NEWS
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Welcome and congratulations!
Eva Wilczek, CMP, recently joined APA as the new Director of Meetings. Much of Eva's 20-year career has been in the association world, where she was primarily responsible for an annual meeting similar to APA's National Planning Conference and was involved in educational content, corporate sponsorship, and exhibits.
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And congratulations to Roy Carrington, who was promoted from Network Administrator to IT Manager. Roy has performed at a manager level for some time, coordinating and managing APA's conference room upgrades, network infrastructure, internet security, and IT budget. He also will assume greater responsibility for creating and delivering staff training and programs.
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Work for APA
APA is looking for a Learning Management System Manager to ensure continuous operation of the LMS that supports APA's distance learning needs and to administer APA's online education efforts. This is a new position based in Chicago.
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West Central Initiative
Fergus Falls, MN
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Richland County Government
Columbia, SC
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Washington County
Hillsboro, OR
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Borough of Columbia
Lancaster, PA
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City of Fairborn
Fairborn, OH
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LAST CALL
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November 27 (extended) – Take the APA/NOAA survey on water-related planning tools.
APA offices will be closed tomorrow and Friday, November 24. Happy Thanksgiving!
Bar graph courtesy of Healthy Communities in PA Task Force; Carrington photo by Joe Szurszewski.
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