Iowa APA Chapter

?? Honoring Women’s History Month ?? This March, APA Iowa celebrates the contributions, achievements, and legacies of women planners and their transformation of the field of planning. Their advocacy for racial, economic, and housing justice, public health, and inclusive design, has created more just, inclusive communities and driven substantial progress in the planning profession. As part of our recognition, please visit this insightful article from CitiesToBe, featuring 25 key women who are pioneering the design of better cities: https://lnkd.in/d3ecsNGv Join us in recognizing their impact and all of the other amazing women planners in Iowa #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInPlanning #APAIowa

?? Introducing APA Iowa’s Bi-Monthly Planner Spotlight! We’re kicking off this series by highlighting Emily Rizvi?, a Project Planner at Confluence! Emily’s background in local government and expertise in policy-making, strategic planning, and geospatial data analysis help shape communities across Iowa. ?? Check out Emily’s full spotlight below! ?? Know a planner who should be featured? Email ?? [email protected] #PlannerSpotlight #IowaPlanners #APAIowa

Check out the work that Board Member Caleb Knutson is accomplishing in downtown Cedar Rapids!

The American Planning Association's?2025 Trend Report for Planners?is now available! The fourth edition provides insights into the potential changes and shifts that may affect how communities function and operate in the future. Help your communities prepare for an uncertain future and craft resilient and agile plans.

Planning on Tap: Hazard Mitigation & Disaster Recovery ????? ?? this Thursday, February 20 ? 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST ?? https://lnkd.in/g_bYQjqE Key Takeaways: ? How to plan for more intense storms and climate-related disasters ? The role of planners in FEMA’s hazard mitigation planning process ? Lessons from recent recovery efforts, including the Minden tornado Featured Speakers: ??? Bethany Wilcoxon, AICP – Senior Advisor, McClure ??? Jack Stinogel – Hazard Mitigation Planner, Iowa Homeland Security With nearly half of last year’s billion-dollar disasters occurring in the Midwest, resilience planning has never been more urgent. Learn how planners can play a key role in preparing communities for future challenges! #ResilientCommunities #HazardMitigation #ClimateAdaptation #APAIowa #DisasterPlanning

?? Honoring Black History Month ?? This February, APA Iowa celebrates the contributions, achievements, and legacies of Black Americans who have shaped our communities and beyond. Their leadership in social justice, sustainability, and innovative design has paved the way for a more equitable and vibrant future. As part of our recognition, we're revisiting an insightful Planning Magazine article that highlights 11 Black Urbanists Every Planner Should Know. These trailblazers have made lasting impacts on equitable housing, community-driven development, and the planning profession as a whole. Join us in celebrating their legacy and learning more about their contributions: https://lnkd.in/evjTDBe #BlackHistoryMonth #UrbanPlanning #EquityInPlanning #APAIowa

A great opportunity for anyone who works in the economic development space: Check out the Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC). Registration is filling up fast so sign up now! #HeartlandEDC #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth

?? Applications are now open for the BOOST Grant through the Center for Rural Revitalization at Iowa Economic Development Authority! Get expert support to help your rural community grow and thrive. ?? Apply by February 28: BOOST Grant Application https://lnkd.in/gwaiYnuv #RuralRevitalization #BOOSTGrant #EmpowerRuralIowa

??? Happy Holidays from APA Iowa! ??? As we wrap up another year of planning, partnerships, and progress, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our members, partners, and supporters. Your dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities across Iowa inspires us every day. ????? Here’s to a joyful holiday season and an exciting year ahead filled with new ideas, collaboration, and growth. Let’s continue shaping the future of Iowa—together! ?? Wishing you peace, happiness, and plenty of time to enjoy the places and people you love most. Cheers to 2025! ??

?? Grant Opportunity: America Walks Community Change Grants ?? Up to $1,500 is available for organizations working to create safer, more walkable, and inclusive communities. ?? Who Should Apply? Nonprofits and community groups promoting: ? Walking & physical activity ? Safe, equitable mobility ? Community engagement ?? Deadline: January 17, 2025 Apply now to bring your vision to life! ?? Learn more online https://lnkd.in/eKkwX86g #GrantOpportunity #Walkability #CommunityChange #AmericaWalks #HealthyCommunities