APA Interact October 30, 2019

Legacy city challenges met head on

Hear about the redevelopment challenges facing legacy cities through the 2019 Daniel Burnham Forum on Big Ideas, presented in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy at the Policy and Advocacy Conference. Learn from Akilah Watkins-Butler of the Center for Community Progress; U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan's 5th District; and Mayor Daniel Horrigan of the City of Akron, Ohio, on topics like equitable and inclusive redevelopment strategies and effective policy approaches.

You can view the recording for free either in APA Learn (and earn the CM | 1.5 ) or on APA's YouTube channel.

Great Places in America: People's Choice winner

Congratulations to Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson, North Carolina, for being selected as the 2019 Great Places in America People's Choice! Whirligig Park is the result of a grassroots effort to provide a permanent, one-of-a-kind home for 30 whirligigs created by artist Vollis Simpson. The park was also recognized as a 2019 Great Place by the APA North Carolina Chapter.

"The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is truly an awe-inspiring place; a community living room filled with 30 massive kinetic sculptures spinning in the wind, reflecting sparkling lights after dark, and drawing locals and visitors alike for leisure, education, and entertainment. … This catalyst project, which took eight years to complete, was designed to bring the Wilson community together and spur economic revitalization and tourism in historic downtown Wilson." — Rodger Lentz, AICP

Also competing in the contest were Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville, Minnesota, and Davis Square in Somerville, Massachusetts. Thanks to all who participated by suggesting great places and voting in the final poll! Learn more about the 2019 Great Places in America.

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Volunteer for an APA committee or task force

APA is fortunate to have many volunteers who give time, energy, and effort to our association. Are you interested in contributing your talents? Check out the opportunities to serve on an APA committee or task force and submit your volunteer application today.

Apply for student awards

Students: Submit your nominations for this year's Student Project Awards and Outstanding Planning Student Organization Awards. Apply for both by November 15. APA will honor award recipients at the 2020 National Planning Conference in Houston.

Call for Urbanism Next conference proposals

Submit proposals by December 5 for the 2020 Urbanism Next conference held May 13–15, in Portland, Oregon. The conference will explore themes of new mobility technologies, e-commerce growth, and the anticipated deployment of autonomous vehicles. 

Register for World Town Planning Day online conference

From November 4–8, the Canadian Institute of Planners will hold a week-long online conference, showcasing presentations on important planning issues and innovations from around the world.

Work for APA

APA recently posted the positions of Accounting Specialist and Content Marketing Associate, based in Chicago.

APA Learn: "Regional Green Infrastructure Strategies and Tools"

In this course, explore the processes and tools employed in the first stage of the Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy, and learn how these innovative landscape-scale "green infrastructure" planning techniques can be applied to other regions." CM | 1.25