APA California

Congratulations to Elaine (Xue) Ling, AICP on being recognized at NPC Detroit with this year’s California Chapter Volunteer Award! 👏

Her years of dedicated service representing Northern California as Chapter Awards Co-Chair - alongside Geoff Danker - have made a meaningful impact in recognizing excellence across the Chapter.

Thank you for your continued commitment and leadership! 🎉

The May 2026 APA California Legislative Update is now live on our website! Stay informed on the latest state policy developments impacting planning across California.

Read the full update on our Legislative Updates webpage:
https://www.apacalifornia.org/advocacy/annual-legislative-update/

This Pride Month, APA California proudly celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and recognizes the planners, advocates, and leaders helping shape more inclusive, equitable, vibrant communities across California.

Planning is about people - creating places where everyone feels seen, welcomed, and valued. We honor the voices and perspectives that strengthen our profession and help build communities where everyone belongs.

Happy Pride Month from APA California! 🌈

Conference registration opens June 9! 🎉

Join us October 3–6 in Los Angeles for the APA California 2026 Conference: Crafting Our Narrative: Planning as Storytelling.

📣 Please note this year’s schedule change: Day 1 (Saturday) will now be a full day of regular sessions, including the Opening Plenary. Be sure to plan your travel accordingly so you don’t miss a moment!

Registration details and more information coming soon.

Reminder for AICP members: The extended CM grace period ends May 31, 2026.

Be sure to review and log any remaining CM credits before the deadline to avoid an interruption in your AICP status!

🏘️ This month, we’re highlighting the Housing & Community Development Division - a nationwide network of professionals dedicated to creating healthy, vibrant, and inclusive communities.

The Division supports planners, educators, housing professionals, community developers, and allied professionals through valuable networking and educational opportunities focused on housing, human needs, and the built environment.

In addition to advancing these important conversations within the planning profession, the Division also offers scholarship opportunities to support emerging leaders in the field.

Explore the Division to learn more and get involved!

Visit: https://housing.planning.org/

✨ One week left to submit your nominations for the APA California 2026 Chapter Awards!

Help us recognize the outstanding work, leadership, and innovation shaping communities across California.

Nominations close May 15, 2026.

Submit your nomination today: https://tinyurl.com/4xcwy9he

Learn more and review the Awards Program Policies on the Awards page of the Chapter website.

APA California proudly celebrates our 2026 inductees to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP):

• Diego Velasco, FAICP
• H. Pike Oliver, FAICP
• Andrea Ouse, FAICP
• Mark Rhoades, FAICP

We are honored to recognize these distinguished planners following their induction ceremony in Detroit.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

In recognition of International Workers' Day 🌍

This month, we’re highlighting the International Division - bringing together planners from around the world to share knowledge, collaborate across cultures, and advance more inclusive and sustainable communities.

From global perspectives to local impact, this Division connects professionals across borders and specialties to help shape better outcomes - one project and one community at a time.

Explore the Division and get involved: https://international.planning.org/

The April 2026 APA California Legislative Update is now live on our website! Stay informed on the latest state policy developments impacting planning across California.

Read the full update on our Legislative Updates webpage:
https://www.apacalifornia.org/advocacy/annual-legislative-update/