Drawn by the joy of strolling Rockridge and College Avenue, I helped create a vibrant city model for Bella Vita’s window. This display captivates passersby—especially children—and reminds us that city streets should delight, surprise, and invite us to see urban life with wonder and fresh eyes.
Bringing urban planning to children Read More »
The Capstone Studio 2025 Class at San José State partnered with the City to reimagine Eastside Alum Rock as a walkable, vibrant urban village, celebrating its rich Vietnamese and Hispanic heritage through community engagement, public art, and thoughtful policy recommendations.
Engaging San Jose’s Eastside Alum Rock community Read More »
Launched in 2025, the Planners Emeritus Network (PEN) Oral History Project honors influential California planners through recorded interviews, available online and updated annually. The initiative celebrates planning pioneers and inspires reflection on the field’s ongoing challenges.
Planners Emeritus Network (PEN) Oral History Project Read More »
Northern is proud to partner with our sponsors to support critical programs,
including professional development opportunities, social networking events, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging among planners.
Northern’s 2025 mid-year sponsorship update Read More »
The Legislature recently met a key deadline, passing bills to the other house by June 6. Major planning-related bills are progressing as APA California addresses issues and offers technical guidance. Policy committees have resumed and will review these bills again before the Summer Recess on July 18.
APA California Legislative Update: June 2025 Read More »
The Appropriations Committees will meet May 23 to review high-cost proposals in the “Suspense File.” Facing a $12 billion deficit, fewer bills may pass, though key planning bills are expected to proceed. Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision of $321.9 billion reflects this shortfall. The Legislature aims to pass bills by June 6, with policy committees resuming mid-July. APA California monitors and updates legislative concerns online.
APA California legislative update: May 2025 Read More »
By Ray Gastil, AICP, President, APA-Washington-Pugent Sound City Discovery Lab is launching its first Washington State session, “Transforming Seattle, Waterfront, Transit, and Community,” this summer, August 2 to August 6. The program offers immersive planning-oriented city-based educational experiences (with AICP continuing education credits). It started in Barcelona last year, where Jordi Honey- Rosés, Research Professor
Transforming Seattle Immersive Education Program Launches Read More »
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the APA California—Northern 2025 Awards Gala! You brought energy, excitement, and endless good vibes to the evening. The event was a true celebration of the incredible work being done in the planning profession. A huge congratulations to all the award winners—your achievements are truly inspiring
The Northern International Program has organized tours around the world to
enrich members’ global planning knowledge. In April, APA members met with planners and
environmentalists in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This is Part 2 of a three-part series.
Northern Members Meet with Planners and Environmentalists in Loreto Read More »
Northern News May 2025 Edition, a publication of the American Planning Association, California Chapter, Northern Section.
May 2025 Northern News Read More »
