How Honolulu Cut Plan Review Times by 70% Using AI
Dec
3
1:00 PM13:00

How Honolulu Cut Plan Review Times by 70% Using AI

In this session, Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, Director of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), will share how AI-powered copilots help staff complete plan reviews in as little as 15 minutes, and applicants submit an approvable permit application on their first try.

You’ll see a walkthrough of Honolulu’s AI plan review software, and learn how:

  • Permit applicants can pre-check their application for completeness and code compliance to increase the chances they’ll be approved on the first try.

  • Staff are able to get through reviews 70%+ faster with support from an AI-powered validation tool and access to all pre-check information, calculations, and code checks on one screen.

  • Newer reviewers can complete reviews faster with help from an AI copilot that provides clear, easy-to-follow guidance for every check. 

  • You can apply Honolulu’s implementation and change management lessons to successfully implement AI plan review software in your community.

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This event has been taken from the American Planning Association’s website for member convenience. The New York Upstate Chapter is not responsible for its content.

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Rethinking Roads: A Complete Streets Approach to Safer Communities
Dec
10
12:00 PM12:00

Rethinking Roads: A Complete Streets Approach to Safer Communities

Across Florida and the nation, transportation planners and local leaders are rethinking how streets can serve people—not just cars. This webinar explores how the Complete Streets approach advances safety, accessibility, and community resilience through coordinated action at the national, regional, and local levels.

The speakers will explore how national policy guidance, regional coordination, and local implementation can align to create safer, more connected streets and vibrant, people-focused communities.

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This event has been taken from the American Planning Association’s website for member convenience. The New York Upstate Chapter is not responsible for its content.

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Q&A w/ Steven Higashide, author of Better Buses, Better Cities
Dec
10
8:00 PM20:00

Q&A w/ Steven Higashide, author of Better Buses, Better Cities

Meet Steven Higashide, author of "Better Buses, Better Cities: How to Plan, Run, and Win the Fight for Effective Transit." 

Higashide's book describes what a successful bus system looks like with real-world stories of reform—such as Houston redrawing its bus network overnight, Boston making room on its streets to put buses first, and Indianapolis winning better bus service on Election Day. He shows how to marshal the public in support of better buses and how new technologies can keep buses on time and make complex transit systems understandable.

Higashide is the Clean Transportation Program Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists. He has also served as director of research at TransitCenter and a senior planner at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. 

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2026 National Planning Conference
Apr
25
to Apr 28

2026 National Planning Conference

  • Google Calendar ICS

Find Your Groove in Detroit

NPC26 is your ultimate ticket to connect with your professional community. Join us in Detroit and immerse yourself in an inspiring network of peers that will empower you to build the future of the planning profession.

Detroit | April 25-28, 2026
Huntington Place Convention Center

Registration Opens in January 2026

Learn more & register

NPC26 educational tracks will include sessions on these topics:

  • Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment

  • Economic Trends and Transformations

  • Emerging and Evolving Technology

  • Inclusive Planning for Social Change

  • Upskilling for the Future

  • Housing Challenges and Solutions

  • Navigating the Political Landscape

  • Transportation and Infrastructure

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2026 Annual Chapter Conference
Oct
14
to Oct 16

2026 Annual Chapter Conference

Join planners from across New York State for our annual chapter conference including the annual meeting and awards program. Please save the date!

Wednesday, October 14 - Friday, October 16, 2026 in Albany NY

The 2026 conference opens with registration at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 14. Enjoy two and half days to engage in conversations on best practices related to various topics in our upstate communities, earn continuing AICP education credits, and build relationships with other members across the state.

More to come:

  • Room block to open in early 2026.

  • Call for presentations in early 2026.

  • Sponsorship opportunities available in early 2026

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A Conversation with Dr. Petra Doan: How Planning Affects Queer Space
Nov
14
3:00 PM15:00

A Conversation with Dr. Petra Doan: How Planning Affects Queer Space

In celebration of Trans Awareness Week (November 13–19), the APA LGBTQ & Planning Division invites you to join Dr. Petra Doan for a one-hour educational session examining how planning tools influence the presence and persistence of queer urban spaces.

This webinar is designed to help planners understand how land use regulations—including zoning, nuisance ordinances, noise controls, bar licensing, and family definitions—shape the social and spatial realities of LGBTQ+ communities. Participants will learn to identify regulatory barriers and opportunities within their own jurisdictions and explore practical approaches to more inclusive, equitable planning practices.

CM | 1
E | 1

Learn more & register
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Regulating Controversial Uses
Oct
22
12:00 PM12:00

Regulating Controversial Uses

As work and life change, planning and regulation need to be revised or even reconsidered to accommodate this change. Among the most challenging issues is permitted uses - what is and is not allowed. This "Learn at Lunch" examines controversial uses such as tattoo parlors, new uses such as mixed use, and unanticipated uses. Learn how to address these legally, sustain community, and accommodate appropriately the ever-evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

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Annual Chapter Conference
Oct
9
to Oct 11

Annual Chapter Conference

  • Ithaca Downtown Conference Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

See you at our Annual Conference to engage in conversations on best practices related to various topics in our upstate communities, earn continuing AICP education credits, and build relationships with other members across the state.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT! To be added to a waitlist for any changes, please contact Kate at kate@nyupstateplanning.org.

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