Job Opportunity: Planner for Fulton County

The Fulton County Department of Planning is seeking to hire another Planner for our growing department. In addition to the benefits typical of government employees in New York State, this position offers flextime due to occasional evening meetings. Additionally, from July 1 to Labor Day, the county operates on summer hours, working 6 hours and being paid for 7. At this time, the position is open only to NYS residents in Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, and there is no remote or hybrid options at this time. This position is required to be in the office five (5) days a week.

View Posting Here.

APA Website Updates and CM Credits

As APA continues the transition to a new online platform, we want to keep you informed about known functionality issues that may affect CM administration and credit claiming, as well as the steps being taken to address them.

Member Login & Password Reset Issues

Some members continue to have trouble logging in or resetting passwords, which may temporarily prevent access to the CM system. 

• Members should allow additional time for password reset emails and check spam or junk folders.

• APA Customer Service can assist with login issues at customerservice@planning.org.

• Due to higher-than-normal inquiry volume, response times may be longer than usual.

AICP Member Grace Period

 Restoration of CM provider dashboard access is underway, with full access expected by mid-January. 

• To account for these disruptions, the CM grace period has been extended to May 31, 2026, providing additional time for providers to enter CM activities and for members to claim credits.The grace period is January 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.

• There are no changes to CM program requirements or criteria.

• Members experiencing persistent issues with claiming CM credits should contact AICPCM@planning.org.

CM Event Approvals

Requests and submissions for CM event approvals will be delayed until the CM website functionality is restored. We simply cannot approve anything until this is fixed. Your patience is appreciated.

2026-2027 Work Plan Approved

At its meeting on November 21, 2025, the APA Upstate New York Board of Directors approved its new work plan for 2026-2027 and its 2026 budget. The Chapter is investing in stronger advocacy, better education, and a deeper connection with and among members. We are committed to ensuring a real return on investment for your membership. The work plan focuses the Chapter’s work in the next two years into five areas. These areas are:

1. Elevating & Advocating

2. Engaging & Communicating

3. Growing & Advancing

4. Governing & Compliance

5. Coordinating with National

“We are laser-focused on maximizing the return on investment for your membership dues,” said Chapter President Sean Maguire, AICP, CEcD. “This newly approved budget and plan reflects significant increases in investment toward what matters most to our community: stronger member engagement, impactful advocacy, and expanded educational opportunities.”

Job Opening: Director of Planning for the City of Niagara Falls

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is an administrative position Involving responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing the work of the City of Niagara Falls planning division. The incumbent will be required to lead and participate in the formulation, periodic analysis, and revision of a comprehensive planning program.  The work is performed under the general direction of a higher level administrator with considerable leeway allowed for the use of independent judgement in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision is exercised over the subordinate staff in the planning division.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Typical work activities for incumbents in this title include those listed below in addition to those typical work activities performed by lower level titles in the series.  They are indicative of the level and types of activities performed by incumbents in this title.  It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not preclude a supervisor from assigning activities not listed which could reasonably be expected to be performed by an employee in this title.

• Directs detailed field and office studies of existing and potential land use, population characteristics, transportation, housing, open spacing and zoning;

• Establishes policies and guidelines used in analyzing municipal socioeconomic conditions and needs;

• Leads and participates in the preparation of reports geared to planning needs and problems;

• Supervises the maintenance and revision of the data base including census data, planning studies, maps and other publications related to planning;

• Supervises subordinates in technical planning studies and research;

• Supervises the administration of the planning division;

• Interprets Federal, State and/or County regulations regarding planning and development;

• Determines geographic project areas;

• Confers with and advises officials, the public and various agencies on planning needs and problems;

• Acts as liaison to the Planning Board, Zoning Board and other legislative bodies;

• Attends meetings with other agencies in a technical, advisory or public relations capacity and answers public inquiries.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the general principles, purposes and techniques in the field of municipal planning; ability to visualize and carry out ideas relating to planning; ability to organize, analyze and interpret planning data; ability to analyze planning projects on the basis of physical feasibility, economic soundness and community needs; ability to organize, direct and coordinate the work of others; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; ability to get along well with others; Initiative; resourcefulness; good judgement; courtesy; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A) Master's degree in community or regional planning and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in community or regional planning, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; 

OR

B) Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, civil engineering, public admin

istration, or related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in community or regional planning, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: 

Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

TITLE: Director of Planning

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Planning

NUMBER OF VACANCIES One (1) Permanent

SALARY: $88,434

**Must be a resident of Niagara Falls, NY within 6 months of appointment**

RFP: Downtown Vision and Strategic Action Plan for Downtown Committee of Syracuse

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. (DCS) is seeking proposals from firms qualified in urban planning, land use planning, data collection analysis, and public engagement to develop a Downtown Vision and Strategic Action Plan for Downtown Syracuse, NY. The plan will explore elements of a master plan including, but not limited to, land use; opportunities for development and investment; public spaces; programming of public space; transportation; leveraging cultural, historic, and natural resources; infrastructure and streetscape; gateways; small area plans such as neighborhood visions; branding and character; and connections with and to neighborhoods adjacent to Downtown.

View Full (Amended) RFP Here.