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2026 Northern Planning Awards
The Northern Awards honor exemplary planning projects and professionals. With over 30 applications this year, winners were recognized for academic, communications, and urban design excellence. Special awards were presented to emerging and distinguished planners. Join us at the gala on September 17th to celebrate these achievements and outstanding contributions.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Northern Section News & 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 move into an exciting season together this spring.
where in the woRLD? MEMBERS SHARE EXPERIENCES FROM NEAR AND FAR









