By Elizabeth H. Tyler, Ph.D., FAICP, she/her/hers
With over 30 members, the Northern Section Board is broken down into several working groups or “PODs” for members with similar goals. Starting in 2024, the Board created a new POD focused on programs for new and emerging professionals. This POD includes the Mentorship Director, Young and Emerging Planners Group Co-Directors, University Liaison, Student Representatives, and California Planning Foundation Liaison.
The Emerging Professionals POD has had a great start this year, coordinating with the student groups for U.C. Berkeley’s Planner Palooza and the San Jose State’s symposium on April 28. The group also coordinates student volunteers for the National Planning Conference in Minneapolis, attendance at the State Conference in Riverside, and encouraging volunteers for the 2025 California Conference in Monterey. Other ideas include holding career panels and local planning office tours. The Section’s Mentoring Program is also off to a great start, with the year’s mentor/mentee matches completed.
Are you interested in working with the Northern Section’s Emerging Professionals POD? There is currently an opening for a Young and Emerging Planners Group Co-Director. Please send an email of interest and resume to director-elect@norcalapa.org for consideration.
