Over the past decade Utah has become a premier destination for visitors, introducing new challenges and opportunities to communities across the state. Join a discussion on how the Utah Office of Tourism is working to build a sustainable tourism industry that benefits and preserves our state. Learn how the state is pursuing destination management and […]

APA Utah has selected Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by sociologist Matthew Desmond for our next Chapter Book Discussion. In Evicted, Desmond follows eight different families in Milwaukee who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. This critical work on poverty, housing, and economic exploitation in America today highlights many […]

Looking to regulate short-term rentals? We’ll talk about the changes to state statute made last year that affect regulating and enforcing violations for short-term rentals. We’ll also talk about what you can (or, really what you cannot) do about existing short-term rentals in your areas.

Utah’s natural climate and geography put it at a high risk of a major disaster disrupting the state’s economy and impacting the lives of millions. In fact, the Wasatch Fault has a 43% chance of experiencing a 6.75 or greater magnitude earthquake in the next 50 years, and experts project that such an event would […]

Fast and Funny will connect you to peers around the State and expose the less glamorous aspects of land use planning. Come bond through shared suffering and laughter as contestants compete for fabulous prizes by sharing the infuriating, the outrageous, and the downright hilarious stories they’ve experienced in their planning careers. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, […]

Utah’s growing diversity is a key contributor to the economic and social vibrancy of our cities and towns. Local governments and planning bodies are required to meet a minimum standard of public noticing and public engagement; but does the status quo unintentionally leave diverse voices out of planning conversations? What do we lose when this […]

Two years ago, the APA and AICP Boards appointed a Task Force to consider possible revisions to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The Code’s “Aspirational Principles” and “Rules of Conduct” have not been reviewed since 2005. The Ethical Principles in Planning have not been updated since 1992. Discussions are now occurring that the […]

Utah is experiencing unprecedented legislative interest and support to fund trail projects throughout the State. How can your locality take advantage of these bolstered trail development programs? Speakers at this session will share exciting updates to existing funding programs and what this means for rural Utah. They will share their insights on how to leverage […]

Now more than ever, “gateway” communities in Utah and the West are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the qualities that make them such desirable places to live. In this session you will learn how the Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative empowers western communities to thrive while preserving the things that make them special. […]

Kanab is at the center of the region with incredible places to hike and camp. Thus tourism is the biggest employer in Kane County and vital to the economy. I will provide a personal perspective of hikes in some of the spectacular places around Kanab, including Grand Canyon and the Kaibab Forest, Zion and Bryce […]