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.
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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.
2026 National Planning Conference
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
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
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

The Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan (2014) envisions compact, walkable mixed-use neighborhoods (new urban/traditional neighborhood development) in emerging growth areas close to major employers and activity hubs.