APAUT President’s Message- June 2021

June 14, 2021 by Kirsten Whetstone
Policy/Legislative

Hello APA Utah Chapter!

Summer is here and it is as beautiful as ever in communities throughout our great State of Utah. While this past year has been one to put in that proverbial rear-view mirror, it has also been a year of change for good, a year of opportunities and a chance for innovation. Coming out on the other side of this pandemic, with many of us having dutifully received the jab, there is a palpable urge to get back together, to connect as a community, to share what we have learned, and to get back better than before.

I am excited for the opportunities presented by challenges we have individually and collectively overcome. We are resilient. It is time to renew our commitments to planning great communities for all Utahns. Your Utah Chapter is here to support you as we do this together.

Our Spring conversation series, partially in person and partially by zoom, helped our cautious transition from remote learning and sharing, to in-person interactions. It will take time before we return to how we communicated and lived before the Covid, but we have new tools and old tools to use in new ways to improve our connections and to carry out our missions.

A few items currently in the works:

Chapter Elections for Treasurer and Secretary – June 28 Deadline!

Reminder to all Utah APA members of the up-coming elections for Chapter Treasurer and Chapter Secretary. These are two-year terms starting January 1, 2022. If you are interested in running for either of these positions, or would like to nominate someone, please fill out this on-line form: link to nomination form.

Fall Conference- September 9 and 10 – In Person! Mid Valley Performing Arts Center, Taylorsville – Save the Date and stay tuned to the website and emails for more information. Send proposals for conference sessions and mobile tours to  admin@apautah.org.

Chapter Delegates to APA Policy Guide Development

Chapter members Tippe Morlan, AICP and Meagan Boothe have been appointed to represent the chapter in the development of APA policy guides on Equitable Economic Development, Legacy Cities, and Zoning Reform.  The 20 Adopted policy guides are provided here:  APA Policy Guides (planning.org).  Stay tuned to the website and your emails for updates from our two delegates.

Changes to AICP Exam Application Coming

The AICP Board is looking at making some changes to the application process.  The intent is to streamline the requirements for applying to take the exam and to develop a more inclusive process that provides all members with more opportunities to become AICP certified.  The AICP Commission will be reviewing the details of the proposed changes and taking input over the next few months.

Stay Connected to your Planning Community!

As always, if you have questions or comments about the Utah Chapter or what is happening at National APA, please reach out. Your news, articles, ideas for workshops and conference sessions, photos, award worthy projects, and insight are welcome any time. Collectively, we strive to provide opportunities to stay connected and informed in support of your efforts to create great communities for all. Send your news and articles to admin@apautah.org.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Chapter shoot me an email or get in contact with someone on the Executive Committee. We welcome your service.

Stay connected!

Kirsten Whetstone, MS, AICP

kawgcbrcb@gmail.com