Call for Nominations: Join the APA Utah Board of Directors

November 3, 2025 by Nicole Masson
APA Utah

Building a More Perfect (Planning) Union

As planners, we are no strangers to passionate debate. Our work thrives at the intersection of differing ideas—between growth and conservation, tradition and innovation, the ideal and the achievable. This year, as we open nominations for the APA Utah Board of Directors, I am reminded of Benjamin Franklin’s reflection at the close of the Constitutional Convention in 1787:

“I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them… the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment and to pay more respect to the judgment of others.”

Franklin urged his fellow delegates to sign the Constitution despite disagreement—to “make manifest their unanimity.” His humility and call for unity over perfection remain powerful lessons for us today.

Why Serve?

APA Utah is a community of professionals dedicated to creating better, more equitable, and more resilient communities across our state. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to:

• Shape the future of planning practice and advocacy in Utah.
• Foster dialogue that bridges perspectives—urban and rural, public and private, professional and student.
• Model collaboration and civil discourse in an increasingly divided world.

• Connect, educate, and empower planners and allied professionals.
• Support professional growth and lifelong learning for planners statewide.

Our goal is not unanimity of opinion, but unity of purpose. For APA Utah to accomplish this, we need individuals who are willing to share their diverse perspectives and commit to the work of bettering our organization.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek members who:

• Bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the table.
• Are committed to constructive dialogue and collective progress.
• Believe that our strength lies in our union, not our division.

You don’t need to have all the answers—just the willingness to listen, lead, and learn together.

• Demonstrate commitment to advancing planning practice and advocacy in Utah.
• Support APA Utah’s mission through collaboration and volunteerism.
• Actively participate in meetings, programs, and chapter initiatives.
• Serve as ambassadors for the profession and their communities.

Open Positions

There are three (3) open Board positions that serve for a three (3) year term. There is an opportunity to be involved in various aspects of APA Utah’s efforts. Although no specific skill set is required and Board responsibilities are not decided through the election, I would like to encourage those who have an interest in the following to run for a Board position:

• APA Utah’s Legislative efforts;
  • Improving how the organization engages on legislative issues.
• APA Utah’s Communication efforts; and
  • Improving how APA Utah communicates with our membership.
• APA Utah’s Membership efforts.

o    Creating stronger connections within and with the organization, especially with new members.

• Student Representative (This is an appointed position, but we are seeking a Student Representative for 2026.)

Time Commitment
Serving on the APA Utah Board is both rewarding and meaningful, but it does require an active level of engagement. Board members are expected to:

• Participate in a monthly Board meeting (usually held virtually), one full-day (in-person) executive retreat each year, and the annual membership business meeting
• Lead a standing committee, conducting monthly meetings and managing follow-up tasks.
• Plan to participate in both the Spring and Fall Conferences.
• Contribute to the work of the chapter between meetings as needed.

On average, this equates to an average of 5–8 hours per month, depending on committee involvement and event cycles.

Nomination Process

Submit your nomination by November 17^th at NOMINATION FORM.
Nominations should include:

• Name, contact information, and APA membership status
• A short statement of interest (250 words max)
• Headshot

Elections

The elections for the three (3) Board members will run from November 20^th to December 4^th. Be on the lookout for the ballots, which will be emailed to you.

Join Us

In times when division can feel easier than dialogue, APA Utah invites you to be part of something harder—and far more rewarding. Help us continue the work of building a “more perfect planning union.”

Sincerely,

Jason Boal and the APA UT Board