By Joanna Winter and Kavitha Kumar, August 28, 2026
Earlier this year, the APA Northern California Mid-Career Program asked members to tell us what they actually need — and you delivered. Over 115 planners responded to our interest survey, representing a mid-career cohort: a wide range of planners across experience and sectors, but with an average of 15 years in the field, working predominantly in local government, and mostly AICP-credentialed.
The top priorities weren’t a surprise so much as a confirmation: you want help building both soft and technical skills, you want meaningful networking (not just happy hours), and you want honest conversation about the manager transition, navigating organizational politics, and — strikingly — burnout. Nearly two-thirds of respondents flagged emerging technology and skill gaps as a top concern, reflecting an anxiety that’s particular to mid-career professionals: the sense that the field is changing fast and there’s no easy moment to catch up.
We’re using your feedback to shape the program’s first events; stay tuned for details coming soon. In the meantime, if you feel like the survey missed something important about where you are in your career, we want to hear it. If you want to join the mailing list, let us know. Reach out to us at [email protected].