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March 18, 2020
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We are very disappointed to announce that the 2020 National Planning Conference, originally scheduled for April 25–28 in Houston, is canceled in line with recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On behalf of the APA Board of Directors and staff, we thank all of you for your patience and support as we navigate the complexities of this unprecedented event.
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Adapting to the new normal – how APA can help
In at least four states (Illinois, Delaware, Ohio, and Massachusetts), state legislatures are updating open meeting laws to allow local governments to interact with the public virtually, and more are likely to come. As you focus on meeting the needs of your communities, we will turn our attention to the substantial challenge of keeping APA and the planning community strong in a rapidly changing world.
We know this is a trying time for everyone — not just professionally, but also personally. This issue of Interact features resources to help you as we all adjust to a different way of working, gathering, and communicating.
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RESOURCES
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Planning and the digital divide
Not all communities are equipped with the broadband infrastructure needed to support a shift to online community engagement, remote work, and digital-first public communications. “Equal Access Equals Opportunity" from Planning outlines steps planners can take to help bridge the digital divide and emphasizes the importance of broadband infrastructure for rural communities.
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Rethinking one-size-fits-all public engagement
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast, host Courtney Kashima, AICP, catches up with Traci Sanders, director of civic impact for WXY Studio. Both share their thoughts on how certain urban planning spheres view public versus private backgrounds, the public dimension of design, and why the community engagement process should be tailored to each client.
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Advertisement
Shaped by play
At Landscape Structures, we believe playstructures should complement their surroundings. But more than that they should complement childhood. Every aesthetic choice is also backed by evidence to challenge, excite and energize kids of all abilities. Because better play shapes kids into better adults.
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Teaching kids about planning
While many planners may not have the luxury of working from home, people all over the country are adjusting to working remotely and juggling childcare at the same time. Metropolis is a curriculum developed by John Martoni, a planner and third-grade teacher in the Bay Area. Download the workbook for your own children or to share with friends and family.
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Online tools for public engagement
This PAS QuickNotes offers four recommendations to consider if you are looking to begin or expand your use of online community engagement tools.
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APA NEWS
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Web-based platform for citizen participation
Lakewood, Colorado, increased participation in planning commission meetings through a web-based platform. Residents can review materials, ask questions and comment on proposed actions in advance of the in-person meetings. Read how this 2019 National Planning Award recipient took public meetings directly to residents.
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EVENTS
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March 23
Transportation and COVID-19 webinar
How can the transportation industry deal with and manage the COVID-19 outbreak? Transportation Research Board (TRB) is hosting a free webinar on March 23 from 2–3:30 p.m. (ET) that will identify a holistic approach transportation and health agencies may take to contain and manage the outbreak.
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March 23
COVID-19: Preparing for what’s next webinar
Join the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on March 23 from 3–4:30 p.m. (ET) to learn the latest the impact COVID-19 is having on everything from small businesses to essential civil functions. The moderator will engage speakers on their past experiences in emerging from economic calamity; attendees will learn important information they can use to help their communities recover from the impact of COVID-19. CM | 1.5
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Planner
Knoxville-Knox County Planning
Knoxville, TN
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YOUR MEMBERSHIP
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Send questions or comments about Interact to interact@planning.org.
Interact is a member e-newsletter of the American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Interested in advertising with APA? Contact rbarkin@townsend-group.com to learn more. |
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2020 American Planning Association. All rights reserved.
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