Trump budget fails communities, again
The Trump administration unveiled its FY 2019 budget proposal earlier this week and with it the administration's long-awaited infrastructure plan. The budget proposal, which would eliminate the core of federal investments in planning, once again fails communities and undermines this administration's promise to rebuild and strengthen critical infrastructure.
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In a statement distributed to congressional offices, APA President Cynthia Bowen, AICP, opposed proposed cuts to and full-scale eliminations of existing tools and resources to pay for new investments in infrastructure. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, TIGER, Capital Investment Program (New Starts), and Choice Neighborhoods are among the programs slated for elimination.
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FY 2018 spending remains in limbo
Congress still has not finalized spending for FY 2018, a situation that continues to hurt communities as they wait for federal support for critical gap funding. While Congress did pass a two-year budget deal and continuing resolution on February 9, APA remains concerned about whether additional FY 2018 funds will be used to strengthen programs that support good planning.
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At last, an infrastructure plan
President Trump's infrastructure plan is here, and it's disappointing for planners. As expected, the plan calls for $200 billion in federal spending — over a decade — to spur an administration-estimated $1.5 trillion in total investment. Many groups, including APA, remain concerned about how such a plan would be funded; we have long opposed efforts to pay for new initiatives by cutting proven programs. Review APA's Infrastructure Principles and read APA Policy Director Jason Jordan's analysis of the proposed plan and the road ahead in Congress.
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Stay tuned
APA supports investments in planning programs that make communities stronger, more innovative, and just, and will continue to fight for them. In the weeks and months ahead, our policy team will make members aware of opportunities to weigh in with representatives on critical planning-related legislation. If you belong to APA's free Planners' Advocacy Network, tune in tomorrow, February 15, for our quarterly webinar. (If you don't belong, join now!)
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Immerse yourself in cutting-edge 3D GIS technology
The emerging field of Geodesign is a "must-know" for planning professionals. Incorporating GIS into the development of sustainable systems helps create new solutions to population change, climate change, and other factors — for the future of our planet. Learn more about Jefferson's (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) graduate program in Geodesign and apply now for Fall 2018.
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NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE
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Get keyed up
What can you expect from NPC18 keynote speakers? Inspiration! Conference opener Derreck Kayongo, founder of the Global Soap Project, and closer Angela Glover Blackwell, CEO of PolicyLink, will leave you energized and motivated.
NPC18's great speaker lineup continues through more than 250 expert-led sessions in the educational program. Register by February 22 to take advantage of the early-bird rate and make sure you're part of the action.
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PSOs rake in conference cash
Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 PSO Fundraising Competition: Clemson University, Florida State University, Miami University, University of Arizona, and University of New Mexico. APA matched up to $500 raised by each PSO to support student attendance at NPC18. This annual competition is open to all registered Planning Student Organizations.
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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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APA NEWS
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APA influences global planning
APA and its partners in the Global Planners Network added expertise and a voice for planning to the 9th World Urban Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. WUF9 drew more than 20,000 attendees from 165 countries. Attendees focused on implementing the New Urban Agenda that was adopted by all nations in 2016. Forum highlights included Planners for Climate Action, Think City, and a GPN-sponsored networking session, "Good Governance and Good Planning."
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Earn a Penn State degree in Community and Economic Development
Learn how to navigate the complexities of communities and community organizations — and inspire positive changes on local, regional, and national levels — with a Penn State degree. Complete your course work online, studying where and when you want. Learn more at worldcampus.psu.edu/cedev.
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EVENTS
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Webinars
Planners face unique challenges when they move into supervisory roles. The six webinars in the Planning Supervisor's Playbook Series will help you navigate the path by covering topics like speaking in public, managing change, and leading interdisciplinary teams. Series registration includes unlimited group learning and post-event access to recorded webinars. Sign up now — before the first webinar, "Public Speaking Communication and Leadership," on February 22. CM | 8 (including CM | 1.5 | Law and CM | 1.5 | Ethics) (APA members $200)
February 20 – "Responding to the Opioid Epidemic," second in a series hosted by APA's Planning and Community Health Center and Healthy Communities Collaborative CM | 1 (free; register)
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RESOURCES
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Advice for New Planners: Results matter
In a short video captured at NPC17 in New York City, Ray Chiaramonte, FAICP, reflects on the importance of listening to your clients and setting modest goals for incremental change that has big impact.
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From our blog
Recent posts demonstrate the breadth of planners' interests and expertise.
James Schwab, FAICP, co-chair of APA's Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery Division, reviews the content and context of Rising to the Challenge, Together, the Kresge Foundation's recent report on the state of the climate adaptation field.
In a new post on planning for America's aging population, Jana Lynott, AICP, reviews the dangers of social isolation and highlights creative responses to the challenge of creating safe, welcoming public spaces for residents of all ages.
Patricia Walsh, public art programs manager at Americans for the Arts, describes how APA and national partners are assembling a collection of resources for planners and other allied professionals who work with local communities on creative placemaking.
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OPPORTUNITIES
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Bring planning history to life
APA is developing a new resource to educate planners and others about the modern history and impacts of planning. We invite you to contribute by sharing your opinions about important planning events since 1900. APA will use members' feedback to assemble the most comprehensive and representative planning history resource possible. Please participate by completing a short survey.
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Apply to the Urban Climate Action Network
APA and partners formed the Urban Climate Action Network to empower teens to address climate change close to home. The program includes three years of leadership training, expert scientific assistance, and the resources of a national network. If you work with high school students in a disadvantaged urban community, spread the word and submit applications by February 15.
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AICP
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Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency
Chattanooga, TN
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City of Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
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City of Lawrence
Lawrence, KS
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San Angelo Area Foundation
San Angelo, TX
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City of Decatur
Decatur, GA
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