News Archive
Density, Compact Development, and a Shared Vision of the Future
Posted: October 24, 2008
Washington Chapter President Joe Tovar was one of the keynoters at the “Doing Density Right” conference jointly sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the Cascade Land Conservancy. Here is a PDF of his presentation titled “Density, Compact Development, and a Shared Vision of the Future.”
2008 Regional Conference Updates
Posted: October 24, 2008
We will be applying for AICP CM for the 2008 Regional Conference when the American Planning Association's system is back online for submissions (by December). Messages will be posted here and on the chapter listserve when that happens.
PDF files of MS PowerPoint presentations as well as speaker handouts supplied to us from the conference sessions and approved for posting have been added to the conference website, www.washington-apa.org/2008conf.
Work Session Panel Met on Regulations and Housing Affordability
Posted: September 23, 2008
APA Washington representatives joined Prof. Theo Eicher of the University of Washington on September 11 as part of a work session panel on regulations and housing affordability for the Housing Local Government Committee. Michael Hubner AICP and Rose Curran AICP, co-chairs of the APA Washington Committee on the Cost of Regulations provided a response to Prof. Eicher's study finding that regulations were the primary driver of housing price increases in Washington State. The slide presentation drew upon material in the APA Washington white paper on this topic.
Senator Chris Marr Honored by APA Washington as 2008 Legislator of the Year
Posted: September 23, 2008
The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association has named the Honorable Chris Marr (D) Spokane, as its 2008 Legislator of the Year. Senator Marr represents the 6th District Legislative District, and serves as the Assistant Floor Leader in the Washington State Senate. Senator Marr was one of the prime sponsors of SB 6508 which established a Land Use Climate Change Advisory Committee (LUCC). The LUCC was tasked with identifying ways in which the Growth Management Act and other statutes could be amended to address Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The LUCC will file its final recommendations before the beginning of the 2009 legislative session. APA Washington will present the Award to Senator Marr on October 13 at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane in conjunction with its annual conference. Download and view video of the senator speaking on climate change.
October is National Community Planning Month
Posted: September 02, 2008
October is National Community Planning Month which this year coincides with the 100th anniversary of an organizied national planning organization in the U.S. (the forerunner to APA). Consider how to call attention to this milestone in your community with a letter to the editor or perhaps a proclamation or resolution by your local city or county council. Here is an example of a proclamation adopted by the City of Shoreline last year.
Planning Editorial in Seattle Times
Posted: August 22, 2008
Chapter president Joe Tovar, FAICP, submitted an editorial article to the Seattle Times newspaper that was published on April 16, 2008. It makes a clear case in support of our region's efforts to manage growth. The article can be read at the Seattle Times website.
Washington Planners Elected to College of Fellows
Posted: August 21, 2008
Three Washington planners were elected to the 2008 College of Fellows. Election to Fellow in AICP is one of the highest honors that the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) bestows upon a member. The award recognizes the achievements of the planner and his significant contributions to the field of planning and society. The following individuals will be inducted into the College of Fellows on Sunday, April 27, 2008, at the APA National Planning Conference in Las Vegas:
- Stephen C. Butler, AICP
- Jerome Ernst, AICP
- William Trimm, AICP
Is Growth Management to Blame for Increased Housing Prices?
Posted: August 21, 2008
A February 15, 2008 Seattle Times article by Professor Theo Eicher of the University of Washington titled “UW study: Rules add $200,000 to Seattle house price” has generated some discussion about the causes of higher housing prices in the state. As planners, we have seen that housing prices are a function of many different variables, not just planning or regulations. APA Washington supports provision of sufficient housing supply and meeting affordable housing goals. In order to achieve those objectives, we need to look at all variables affecting housing prices. The studies referenced below take a broader look at growth management and housing prices.
2008 Regional Planners’ Forums Schedule
Posted: August 21, 2008
The Regional Planners’ Forums provide an opportunity for planners, planning commissioners and elected officials to talk informally about local issues, share ideas, and receive updates from state and federal agencies whose work impacts land use. Download the complete schedule.
Joe Tovar Receives Distinguished Contribution Award
Posted: August 21, 2008
The American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are pleased to announce the names of nine recipients of the 2008 National Planning Excellence, Achievement, and Leadership Awards. Washington Chapter President Joe Tovar has been honored with the Distinguished Contribution Award for his leadership in the 2006 "No on I-933" campaign.
The award announcement states "Washington Chapter APA President Joe Tovar played a critical role in ensuring that I-933, a 2006 "property rights" initiative in the state of Washington was defeated. The initiative posed significant obstacles to the use of sound planning tools and principles for smart growth.
Visit www.planning.org/awards for more information on this and other APA awards.
2007 Joint Washington/Oregon Chapter Conference Presentations are Now Available
Posted: August 21, 2008
Presentations from the 2007 Great Northwest Planning Conference - Planners Without Borders are now available! Presentations from the conference, which took place October 3-5, 2007 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center in Tacoma, Washington are available at www.washington-apa.org/2007conf/program.html.