Celebrating at the 2025 Northern Awards Gala
From inspiring award winners to dancing with an otter mascot, the 2025 Gala was a night of connection, celebration, and pure planning joy!
Celebrating at the 2025 Northern Awards Gala Read More »
News
Allied organizations: Upcoming events and programs
Northern Section’s allied professional organizations offer events and programs in a variety of formats that you may find align well with your professional and continuing education goals.
Allied organizations: Upcoming events and programs Read More »
Meet a local planner: Sujata Srivastava
Sujata Srivastava, Chief Policy Officer at SPUR, leads policy research and advocacy efforts in the Bay Area, addressing planning, housing, transportation, and sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, she previously consulted for Strategic Economics and AECOM, advising clients on affordable housing, transit-oriented development, and real estate projects.
Meet a local planner: Sujata Srivastava Read More »
Spilling the T on TODs at NPC
Veronica Flores attended a Mobile Workshop at NPC25, comparing Denver TODs with Bay Area BART stations. The group toured the District-Centennial, a 42-acre mixed-use project in Colorado set for completion between 2030 and 2040, aiming to create a vibrant, walkable community with balanced residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
Spilling the T on TODs at NPC Read More »
Director’s Notes
The Section has been bustling with activity, including the National Planning Conference in Denver and the upcoming California Northern Awards Gala on May 15th, which will honor outstanding individuals and groups in planning. The International Program trip to Baja, Mexico, led by Hing Wong, FAICP, and Alex Hinds, marked a significant post-COVID milestone, fostering connections with local communities. Preparations for the Chapter Conference, Waves of Change – Reconnecting Communities, set for September 28 to October 1, 2025, in Monterey, are underway, thanks to Co-Chairs Michael P. Cass, Florentina Craciun, AICP, and Afshan Hamid, AICP. The Board welcomes Martin Reyes, AICP, as the new Professional Development Director and Sam Sargent, AICP, as the new Ethics Director, while seeking to fill other important roles. A recent member survey highlighted the need for increased Professional Development and Legislative support, prompting plans for expanded offerings in these areas.
Who’s Where
Congratulations to our newest Board members and Associates! Martin Reyes – Professional Development Director, Northern Board (he/him) Martin Reyes joined the APA California – Northern Board as a South Bay Regional Activity Coordinator in January 2024. He is now the 2025-2026 Professional Development Director. Martin has over 12 years of experience in civil engineering and
Blueprint for Resilience: Lessons from Oakland’s Black Neighborhoods
Black communities in Oakland built resilient neighborhoods that embodied sustainable and transit-oriented growth long before these concepts were formalized. Despite barriers like redlining and restrictive covenants, they created self-sufficient ecosystems that remain models for equitable climate adaptation.
Blueprint for Resilience: Lessons from Oakland’s Black Neighborhoods Read More »
Planners Travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico
The APA California Northern Section planned a Baja California Sur tour in April 2025, highlighting environmental planning, international collaboration, and the Village of Loreto Bay.
Planners Travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico Read More »
APA California Legislative Update: March 2025
The Legislature introduced over 2,350 bills for the 2025 session. APA California is tracking 300 bills on housing, homelessness, and fire recovery in LA County. Key topics include land use, fire issues, permit streamlining, and CEQA. APA California engages with legislators and sponsors to provide feedback. The Legislative Team meets monthly with Section Representatives to review these proposals.
APA California Legislative Update: March 2025 Read More »
2025-2026 California Planning Foundation scholarship application program
The California Planning Foundation (CPF) has announced its 2025 scholarship program for exceptional planning students enrolled in eligible degree programs across California. Recipients will be notified in August and celebrated at the APA California Annual Conference on September 28, 2025, in Monterey during the Student Awards Luncheon. Winners will also have the opportunity to attend Sunday’s conference sessions and the luncheon for free.
2025-2026 California Planning Foundation scholarship application program Read More »