Iowa APA Chapter

🌟 Grateful for Community, Connection, and Collaboration 🌟 This Thanksgiving, the APA Iowa Chapter reflects on the many things we’re thankful for—our members, partners, and the communities we serve. Planning is about more than places; it’s about the people who work tirelessly to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable spaces for all. We’re grateful for: ➡️ Our dedicated planners who champion innovative ideas. ➡️ Community leaders who bring visions to life. ➡️ Partnerships that drive impactful change. ➡️ The opportunity to shape Iowa’s future together. As we gather with family and friends, let’s celebrate the shared purpose that unites us as planners and as neighbors. Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at APA Iowa! 🦃🍂 #Gratitude #Thanksgiving #APAIowa #CommunityPlanning

📢 Join Us for Our Upcoming Virtual Board Meeting! 🌐 Members and guests, you’re invited to join this Friday for our virtual board meeting. Connect, share ideas, and stay updated on latest initiatives! 📅 Date: Friday 🕒 Time: 10-11:30AM For more details or to RSVP, please email us at apaiowamedia@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us tomorrow at Time Out in Ames for a networking opportunity with seasoned professionals and emerging planners. See you there! https://lnkd.in/g8zhFZ4G

🚨 Don’t Miss This Planning on Tap! 🚨 Form-Based Codes: Lessons from Cedar Rapids & Des Moines 🗓 Thursday, Nov 21 | 3 PM Want to know how two Iowa cities are using form-based codes to transform their communities? Learn about the wins, the challenges, and what it really takes to make these zoning changes work. Get ready for practical insights and fresh ideas! 👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gCYuhXjt #PlanningOnTap #FormBasedCodes #IowaPlanning #UrbanRevamp

At last month's annual conference, students showcased their innovative planning ideas in the Student Poster Contest. The winners are: 🏅 1st Place: Dubuque Affordable Housing Action Plan: A Local Strategy for a National Crisis (Awardees: Ethan Wherry & Hannah Lyons - University of Iowa - pictured left) 🥈 2nd Place: Bondurant Parks, Trails & Greenways (Awardee: Farnaz Fatahi - University of Iowa) 🥉 3rd Place: Examining Affordable Housing & Public Transit in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (Awardee: Keerthana Kishore Kumar - Iowa State University - pictured right) Congratulations to all participants for their inspiring work! #StudentContest #FuturePlanners #PlanIowa

During last month's annual conference, we celebrated Doug Elrod, Mayor of the City of Bondurant with the Planning Advocate Award! His steadfast commitment to advancing planning initiatives has made a positive impact on Bondurant's growth and development. Congratulations, Mayor Elrod! #PlanningAdvocate #BondurantIowa #PlanIowa

🛠️ Wrapping up National Community Planning Month with a big THANK YOU to everyone involved! Our state is stronger because of dedicated planners and engaged citizens. #ThankAPlanner #NationalPlanningMonth #PlanIowa

Earlier this month at the Annual Conference, we honored Gary Taylor, J.D., AICP, with the Distinguished Leadership Award! His exemplary leadership in the planning community has influenced both policy and practice across Iowa. Well deserved, Gary! #Leadership #PlanIowa

At the annual conference earlier this month, the Opportunity & Empowerment Award was presented to the City of Des Moines Neighborhood Services Department and Invest DSM for the Improving Our Neighborhoods and Block Challenge Grant. This project enhances community development through strategic investments. Fantastic job, team! #Opportunity #DesMoines #NationalCommunityPlanningMonth

🎉 We’re excited to share that City of West Des Moines has officially signed a proclamation celebrating National Community Planning Month! 🙌 In the first photo, we see the dedicated planning staff who work tirelessly to create a vibrant, well-planned community. The second photo features several department directors and the City Council, who read the proclamation at the meeting, reinforcing the city’s commitment to thoughtful planning and sustainable growth. 🏙️🌟 👏 Let’s applaud West Des Moines for their dedication to building a thriving community through innovative planning and strong leadership! #PlanIowa #CommunityVision #NationalPlanningMonth #ThankAPlanner