APA - PA Southeast Section | Blog, Upcoming Events, and Jobs

Sept. 20: Levittown Bus Tour – Save the Date

June 9, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

Levittown, PA celebrated its 70th anniversary recently and this bus tour provides an overview of its history, warts, and all. Levittown (in all 3 locations) is the prototypical post-World War II American suburb and reflects America in many ways – in its design, discrimination and hostility. Our tour will take us through several of the neighborhoods, including seeing some original homes and some renovated homes (including a TV series makeover house), we will see both the forward-looking designs that Levittown pioneered and its legacy today after 7 decades. We will also highlight how systemic discrimination and racism of federal and local policies and laws played a role in Levittown, and the little-remembered riots after the first Black family moved in.

A model for modern suburbia, a cautionary tale of racism and crowd violence, Levittown remains a living and evolving example of the American suburban landscape. The bus will make stops to see the nearby Delaware Canal, for lunch, and some infrastructure and historic sites, which includes the original mansion.

Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to contact the APAPASE Events Committee Co-Chairs at ldefalco@akrf.com or dabaer@urbanengineers.com to express their interest and reserve a spot by Friday, June 27th. The cost of the tour is anticipated to be approximately $25 per person. The tour leaves from Levittown SEPTA station at 10 AM on 20^th and is anticipated to last approximately 5 hours.

Stay tuned for how to purchase tickets.

Category: Upcoming Events /

June 18th: Pride Happy Hour

June 5, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

4th Annual Pride in the Built Environment Happy Hour

Writer’s Block Rehab
Wednesday, June 18th
6–9 pm
Free & 21+

Join us on Wednesday, June 18th at 6:00p at Writer’s Block Rehab for our fourth annual Pride happy hour, an event for LGBTQ+ landscape architects, architects, planners, interior designers, and allied professionals in the Philadelphia region.

Come raise a glass with colleagues, friends, and peers as we celebrate Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community within the design industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to network, unwind, and show your pride in a fun and inclusive environment.

Let’s come together to toast to creativity, inclusivity, and the power of design to shape a more equitable world.

The event is free and open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies that work in the built environment (bring your friends and colleagues)! Attendees will receive a free drink ticket. The event is 21+ and is sponsored by OLIN, WRT, ASLA PA-DE, AIA Philadelphia, ASID Pennsylvania East, and APA PA Southeast.

For any questions, please reach out to Max at mdickson@theolinstudio.com

Category: Upcoming Events /

July 10: Section Summer Happy Hour

May 29, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

Please join us at Independence Beer Garden (IBG) on July 10th from 5pm-7:30pm for our Summer Happy Hour (cash bar)/Section Council Meeting (weather permitting)!

IBG is located at 100 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106 at S. 6th and Market Streets one block west of the MFL 5th Street/Independence Hall station.

This is a great opportunity for planning students and professionals to learn about our Council, the work that we do, and how you can get involved. We also want to hear from you about planning topics and issues that are important to you, or that you’d like to learn more about, including ideas for the theme for our Annual Event, which will take place this Fall (more details to follow).

The meeting will kick off with a toast to the late Terry Robinson, to honor his service as one of our Citizen Planner representatives. Although he was an actuary by trade, he was willing and eager to join in the activities of APA PA and gain a new perspective on the Philadelphia region. He was an enthusiastic tour guide for the orientation tours at the 2023 NPC and he loved attending section social events and contributing his excellent amateur photographer skills. Terry made friends wherever he went, and we hope that you will join us at this event in his memory.

If you have any questions, please contact the APAPASE Events Committee Co-Chairs at ldefalco@akrf.com or dabaer@urbanengineers.com

Category: Upcoming Events /

June 21: Transportation Camp PHL

May 22, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

The TCPHL24 team is pleased to be hosting our fourth-annual Summer Gathering event on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Initially formed as an extension of our 2021 virtual conference to offer a safe, outdoor in-person experience, the event was such a blast, we’ve been keeping it going as a standalone event… even as we’ve returned to an in-person conference!

As with years past, the event will feature a day of urban exploration with fellow TransportationCamp participants, concluding with a happy hour in the afternoon. What’s it like? Check out photos from 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The event is open to recent and former attendees of TransportationCamp PHL, other TransportationCamp conferences, APTAtech attendees & affiliates, members of YPT chapters from Philadelphia and beyond, and their friends and family. (Yes, we’re family-friendly, and have had some families join!)

Are you a local or looking to make a long weekend out of it? Our event is designed to help you make the most out of your time in the Philadelphia region… particularly if you’re coming to Philadelphia for the very first time.

We’re ecstatic to be seeing you in-person and hopefully connect with others throughout the region and beyond. Let the summer fun commence!

Tickets are complimentary; there is no charge to participate, although food, transportation, and admission to any activities (e.g. museums, events, sports) are not included.

Registration

Click Here to Get Your Tickets!

Category: Upcoming Events /

June 4th: Webinar Wednesday – Complete Streets, Connected Community: Integrating Land Use and Mobility

May 22, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

June 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Complete Streets, Connected Community: Integrating Land Use and Mobility

In this session, we will explore the evolving concept of “Complete Streets”—a planning and design approach that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. While traditionally associated with roadway design, Complete Streets are far more than just traffic lanes and sidewalks. This session will delve into the broader urban design context, examining how streets interact with adjacent land uses and how the design of building frontages—especially first floors—can significantly influence the character and functionality of public spaces.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful integration of land use planning and architectural design can transform streets into vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community assets. We will discuss how elements such as active ground-floor uses, transparent façades, and pedestrian-oriented amenities contribute to a lively streetscape that encourages walking, supports local businesses, and enhances public safety.

The session will also examine the role of modern urban infrastructure—such as protected bike lanes, curbside pickup zones for services like Uber Eats, and green stormwater features—in creating dynamic, adaptable streets that serve a wide range of users and needs. Through case studies and interactive discussion, we will highlight best practices and innovative strategies for aligning street design with broader community goals.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical insights and design principles to advocate for and implement Complete Streets that not only move people efficiently but also enrich the social, economic, and environmental fabric of urban life.

CM credit is pending approval. You must attend the webinar live in order to earn CM credit.

Speaker(s):
Peter Quintanilla; Justin Miller; and Kirsten Compitello

**The Pennsylvania Chapter is not responsible for the materials or opinions of the speaker(s) you will hear**

Deadline to register is June 3

If you’re interested in sponsoring a Webinar Wednesday session or have a session for Webinar Wednesday please contact us. Send your request to admin@planningpa.org.

Please note: You will receive a reminder email a few days before the webinar with zoom information (please check your spam/junk folders). This email will be sent to the email address you used to register for the event.

Category: General /

Deadline extended!

May 15, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

Extended deadline to submit nominations for APAPASE 2025-2026 Council!

Submit your nomination by June 2nd!

If you’re interested in promoting the city and regional planning profession and interested in meeting other planners in the southeast Pennsylvania area, consider joining the American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter Southeast (APAPASE) Section Council!

APAPASE is committed to promoting the collaboration and advancement of the city and regional planning profession(s) in the Philadelphia region.

If you are interested in serving either in an Officer or Council member position:

Review the Chapter Bylawsfor descriptions of the Officer and Council member duties and responsibilities.
Time commitment is generally 1-3 hours/month, including a 1-hour meeting every other month and an annual event.
New members welcome! No previous experience required.
American Institute of City Planners (AICP) certification not required.
Speak with current Officers or Council members regarding any questions at: elections@apapase.org

APAPASE is accepting nominations for Section Council candidates now!

Provide this information through either option below:

emailingelections@apapase.org
completing this Google Form

You’ll need to provide your:

Name
Brief Professional Biography (max 100 words)
Brief Position Statement – what interests you in serving, suggested ideas and initiatives, etc. (max 200 words)
APA ID #
Photo (optional)

The official elections ballot will be distributed online this fall.

Please visit the APAPA-Southeast Section website at www.apapase.org for more information about the section.

Category: General /

DUE TODAY! Submit Your Nominations Today!

May 6, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

The deadline to submit nominations for 2025-2026 council is TODAY, May 6th!

You can submit a nomination in two ways:

Provide this information through either option below:

emailing elections@apapase.org
completing this Google Form

You’ll need to provide your:

Name
Brief Professional Biography (max 100 words)
Brief Position Statement – what interests you in serving, suggested ideas and initiatives, etc. (max 200 words)
APA ID #
Photo

APAPASE is committed to promoting the collaboration and advancement of the city and regional planning profession(s) in the Philadelphia region.

You may nominate yourself or another planer!

If you are interested in serving either in an Officer or Council member position:

Review the Chapter Bylaws for descriptions of the Officer and Council member duties and responsibilities.
Time commitment is generally 1-3 hours/month, including a 1-hour meeting every other month and an annual event.
New members welcome! No previous experience required.
American Institute of City Planners (AICP) certification not required.
Speak with current Officers or Council members regarding any questions

Category: General /

Announcing Section Council Elections!

April 17, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

Calling all City Planners!

APAPASE is committed to promoting the collaboration and advancement of the city and regional planning profession(s) in the Philadelphia region.

If you are interested in serving either in an Officer or Council member position:

Review the Chapter Bylaws for descriptions of the Officer and Council member duties and responsibilities.
Time commitment is generally 1-3 hours/month, including a 1-hour meeting every other month and an annual event.
New members welcome! No previous experience required.
American Institute of City Planners (AICP) certification not required.
Speak with current Officers or Council members regarding any questions at: elections@apapase.org

APAPASE is accepting nominations for Section Council candidates now!

Nominations are accepted by emailing the following information to elections@apapase.org:

Name
Brief Professional Biography (max 100 words)
Brief Position Statement – what interests you in serving, suggested ideas and initiatives, etc. (max 200 words)
APA ID #
Photo

Submit your name no later than May 6, 2025.

The official elections ballot will be distributed online this fall.

Please visit the APAPA-Southeast Section website at www.apapase.org for more information about the section.

Category: Committees /

May 7: APA PA – Webinar Wednesday – Vision Zero Delco (1 CM)

April 11, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

Vision Zero Delco: An Innovative County Approach to Vision Zero

Developing a Vision Zero Plan for a county that owns no roads and is comprised of 49 municipalities presented many challenges and barriers. Undeterred, Delaware County became the first Pennsylvania County to adopt a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan. It was adopted by resolution on February 19, 2025. This presentation will discuss how the county overcame the barriers and challenges using innovative planning methods and tools to develop an implementable Safety Action Plan that all 49 municipalities could adopt.

CM credit is pending approval. You must attend the webinar live in order to earn CM credit.

Speaker(s):
Cathy Spahr

**The Pennsylvania Chapter is not responsible for the materials or opinions of the speaker(s) you will hear**

Deadline to register is May 6

If you’re interested in sponsoring a Webinar Wednesday session or have a session for Webinar Wednesday please contact us. Send your request to admin@planningpa.org

Category: Upcoming Events /

May 28: Meet Angela Brooks, Philly’s New Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer!

April 7, 2025 / APAPA-SE / Comments Off

One-on-One with Angela Brooks

May 28 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Join Design Advocacy Group (DAG) for a special event as we host Angela Brooks, Philadelphia’s new Chief Housing & Urban Development Officer and Immediate Past President of the American Planning Association (APA), for a one-on-one conversation that will touch on issues related to affordable and accessible housing and community development. In this newly-established role in Philadelphia’s administration, Brooks will oversee the implementation of Mayor Parker’s Housing Plan, which aims to achieve the goal of creating and preserving 30,000 units of housing. Leah Eppinger, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin and President of APA’s Pennsylvania chapter, will moderate the discussion.

This event is a collaboration between DAG and APA Pennsylvania, and will be held at the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19107.

Registration is not required for in-person events, however it is helpful for our planning. Light refreshments will be served.

Category: Upcoming Events /

« Older Entries

Sept. 20: Levittown Bus Tour – Save the Date

June 18th: Pride Happy Hour

July 10: Section Summer Happy Hour

June 21: Transportation Camp PHL

Registration

June 4th: Webinar Wednesday – Complete Streets, Connected Community: Integrating Land Use and Mobility

June 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Deadline extended!

DUE TODAY! Submit Your Nominations Today!

Announcing Section Council Elections!

May 7: APA PA – Webinar Wednesday – Vision Zero Delco (1 CM)

May 28: Meet Angela Brooks, Philly’s New Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer!

One-on-One with Angela Brooks

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