APA California – northern

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Santa Cruz Summer Social

Hosted by AEP Monterey Bay — Silicon Valley Chapter and APA California — Northern Please join us for our annual summer social/happy hour at Abbott Square Outdoor Courtyard in downtown …

APA California 2026 Conference: Registration is Open!

Join APA California in Los Angeles for the APA California 2026 Conference, where planners from across the state will come together to explore Crafting Our Narrative: Planning as Storytelling. Set …

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April–June 2026 Northern News

Northern News, April through June 2026 Edition, a publication of the American Planning Association, California Chapter, Northern …

Help shape the future of planning

Northern and the Diversity+ Committee welcome members to help advance equity, inclusion, and belonging in planning. Meetings are held monthly via Zoom. Join to shape programming, mentorship, and outreach. Email …

Learning to reject the transactional city

Curious how urban design can transform community life? Discover the journey from MIT to East Los Angeles—where Latino neighborhoods thrive through creativity, connection, and resilience. Explore a story on reimagining …

In memoriam: Professor Emerita Clare Cooper Marcus, expert in user-centered design and healing landscapes

Discover the remarkable legacy of Professor Emerita Clare Cooper Marcus, a visionary in user-centered design and healing landscapes. Explore how her pioneering research and passion for creating nurturing environments changed …

Remembering Carl Anthony, architect who brought racial equity analysis to environmental movement

An author, city planner and UC Berkeley professor, he co-founded the Breakthrough Communities project in Oakland, directed a Ford Foundation initiative and served on the Berkeley Planning Commission and other …

What We’re Reading | June 26–July 2, 2026

This week’s roundup highlights major developments shaping transportation, housing, infrastructure, and economic growth across the region. In East Oakland, a new stretch of the East Bay Greenway is complete, expanding …

La Pulga’s Future: Preserving Culture and Identity in a Changing San José

San José State urban planning students evaluated relocation options for La Pulga, the historic Berryessa Flea Market in San José. Through vendor surveys, customer outreach, and site analysis, the La …

State of Sustainability and Urban Planning in the San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Area leads in sustainable urban planning, blending growth with bold environmental policies, green building, and innovative projects. Regional cooperation and equity are central to overcoming challenges like …

What We’re Reading | June 11-17, 2026

Explore the latest Bay Area news on sea-level rise planning, Novato Baylands conservation, Muni transit trends, climate resilience, and VTA oversight. This regional roundup highlights key transportation, environmental, and infrastructure …

APA Announces 2026 AICP Exam Window

The 2026 AICP Exam Window opened May 4, 2026, with testing through September 30. Candidates must register, take the exam, and complete an experience assessment. APA California also offers an …

APA California Legislative Update: May 2026

California planners face a fast-moving legislative season as housing policy, zoning overlays, state budget negotiations, and homelessness funding take center stage. This APA California update breaks down key deadlines, the …

News and Announcements

Director’s Notes

Greetings from Detroit as the National Planning Conference kicks off in a city bursting with history and local spirit. From award‑winning work to vibrant events and upcoming webinars, Northern is thriving. I’m energized to serve, connect, and celebrate our members as we all move into an exciting season together this spring.