Archive for General

Planning and the 2015 Mayoral Election

Planners can have the greatest ideas in the world, but without politicians to enact them into policy or set aside money in a budget to implement them, the plans will wind up sitting on a shelf. That’s why elections matter to planning.

In Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter’s second term will be up at the end of 2015. All 17 seats on City Council will also be on the ballot, as well as Sheriff, Register of Wills, three slots on the City Commission, and a number of state and municipal judgeships. But in a predominantly one-party city like Philadelphia, sometimes it’s the primary that’s more important than the general election. This year’s primary is coming up on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Several organizations are organizing events to help you learn more about the candidates and where they stand on the issues–particularly related to planning.

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Downtown West Chester recognized as a “Great Neighborhood”

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From downtownwestchester.com:

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (PA-APA) recognized Downtown West Chester as one of four Great Neighborhoods 2014 through its Great Places in Pennsylvania program when David Ward, Assistant Director of the Chester County Planning Commission and member of the PA-APA Chapter, presented the Great Places Certificate to the West Chester BID Board, Borough Mayor and Borough Council on January 21.

Click here for the full story.

July 2015 Updates to PWD Development Regulations

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Effective for new projects submitting on July 1, 2015, the Philadelphia Water Department is updating its private development stormwater regulations to meet Federal and State requirements under the Clean Water Act. The changes to the regulations will improve the health of Philadelphia’s rivers, minimize local flooding, and encourage the use of green infrastructure throughout the city.

We understand these changes will impact the developers, property owners, designers and engineers in Philadelphia. PWD is planning several ways to engage the Development Community about these changes.

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2014 Study Group Recap

The official APAPA-Southeast Section AICP study group of 2014 would like to share that all participants who decided to take the AICP exam in November passed and received his/her certification! Congratulations! The group of twelve professionals, 9 of whom took the test in November and the rest of whom will pursue it at a later date, met each Wednesday starting August 27th until October 29th for a total of 10 sessions. During each 1-1.5 hour session, participants prepared topic-based presentations and succinct notes from existing resources.  The group also took practice questions together to identify areas of weakness. Participants found several resources to be very helpful – including the APA AICP 2.0 study guide, the Planetizen online AICP exam course, and the PA Planning Association Comprehensive Planning Exam Study Notes.

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Jan. 8: APAPA-Southeast Section Council Meeting

APA PA Southeast Section Council meeting
Start the new year by getting involved and meeting other planners in the area!
Thursday, January 8th
5:00pm
The Reinvestment Fund (TRF)
1700 Market Street
Any questions?  email secretary@apapase.org

 

Help Improve the Southeast Section Bylaws

The Southeast Section of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association is examining their bylaws to better coordinate with State and National chapters, update to current policies, and improve in general.

We are seeking a few volunteers with this effort!  Please email secretary@apapase.org to volunteer or with any questions.

Dec. 1-4: Economic Development Course in Lancaster

For anyone looking to strengthen their economic development skills, this intensive four day course, administered by Penn State Harrisburg, is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The IEDC is the nation’s largest membership organization for economic developers. For those seeking national certification, the Economic Development Course is the first requirement in the process towards receiving certification as an economic developer (CEcD).

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New on APAPASE.org: Featured Job Listings

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The good news: For years now, apapase.org has offered job listings free of charge as a service to our members. Job listings are free to use and free to post. And that’s not changing.

The better news: Now available on apapase.org: Featured Job Listings!

If you’re an employer looking to reach local planners who are looking to advance their careers–including the more than 650 planners on our mailing list, who are registered members of the American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, Southeast Section–Featured Job Listings might be the way to go.

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Call for Mentors for Planning Students

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Remember when you were a planning student and weren’t sure which concentration to choose or how to navigate the job market? 

For the seventh year, the American Planning Association of Southeast Pennsylvania (APAPA-SE) is launching a mentor program to connect professionals in the planning field and local city planning graduate students. The program will include students from the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. This program has helped students to learn about an array of planning jobs and day to day work responsibilities of planners as well as to receive advice for navigating the job and internship search.

If you are interested in signing up to be a mentor, please fill out this form and email your resume to planningmentorpa@gmail.com.  We are asking mentors to submit materials by Wednesday, September 10th. 

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Professional Development Scholarships Deadline: August 29

There are two Professional Development Awards being offered by APA-PA at this time.  These are great opportunities to grow your planning skill set without making such a dent in your wallet.  The deadline to apply is August 29, 2014.

  1. Jerry S. Walls, FAICP Planning Professional Development Award –  $2000.00 will be awarded to the Pennsylvania applicant who demonstrates commitment in the field of community planning, involvement in public sector planning, and a desire to enhance their expertise and/or develop new skills.
  2. Irving Hand, FAICP Excellence in Planning Professional Development Award – $2,500.00 will be awarded to an outstanding Pennsylvania applicant who demonstrates excellence in the field of community planning, and a desire to enhance their expertise and/or develop new skills.

More detail on both awards and the applications can be found at:  http://planningpa.org/for-planners/professional-planners/professional-development-scholarship/