Awards
The APA California — Northern Planning Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in planning, recognizing innovative plans, distinguished professionals, and dedicated contributors. These awards play a vital role in elevating planning quality, fostering excellence, and increasing public awareness throughout Northern California. Honorees often see their efforts acknowledged at the state and national levels, further highlighting the region’s leadership in the field. For 2025, updated award categories and criteria have been released, so applicants are encouraged to review these changes thoroughly before submitting. If you have questions or need guidance, please contact the Planning Awards Director at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) .
Diversity
APA California — Northern celebrates the vibrant diversity found within Northern California communities, striving to foster more inclusive, collaborative, and community-oriented planning. The Diversity Committee is dedicated to advancing the APA California Chapter Strategic Plan by fostering partnerships, engaging in meaningful conversations about equity, and offering valuable professional development opportunities. Our ongoing initiatives include Planners of Color social mixers, thought-provoking discussions both virtually and in person, project spotlights highlighting outstanding local work, and strong support for cornerstone events such as the Diversity Summit. Explore our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and access additional resources and information on our website to become part of an ever-growing, connected planning community.
International Planning
Northern’s International Planning program is dedicated to expanding members’ awareness of global planning issues and fostering meaningful collaboration across borders. By organizing planning tours, the program provides opportunities for participants to explore cities alongside fellow urban planning enthusiasts and gain firsthand insight into how local counterparts respond to urban challenges. These tours also facilitate dialogue with university academics and elected officials, deepening understanding of diverse planning policies and educational approaches. Participants learn about the historical influences shaping cities’ economies, cultures, and physical forms while enjoying guided tours and self-led explorations of architecture, arts, and cuisine. The program encourages the exchange of U.S. urban planning knowledge, helping to build lasting relationships for future collaboration. For further information, be sure to check out the poster Purposeful Travel Sparks Innovation.
Mentorship
Northern’s mentorship program is designed to foster professional growth by pairing planning students and professionals with seasoned mentors. Through a structured yet flexible framework, participants commit to at least three mentor-mentee meetings from November 2025 to June 2026, allowing for tailored engagement to meet individual goals and schedules. The program supports each connection with handouts and email templates to facilitate introductions, spark meaningful conversations, and provide professional development resources. Mentors are professionals with a minimum of three years’ experience, while mentees can be students, early-career, or mid-career professionals with less than ten years of experience. Although APA membership is required for mentees, it is free or discounted for those who qualify. Activities may include attending public meetings together, résumé and portfolio critiques, or mock interviews, ensuring each pairing benefits from practical and personalized guidance throughout the program.
Professional Development
Professional development in planning isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s a journey of growth and innovation. The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification opens doors to a vibrant community, providing invaluable credentials for those eager to make an impact. Membership in the APA, real-world experience, and passing the exam are milestones along the way. To stay current and inspired, planners complete at least 32 hours of Certificate Maintenance every two years. The Young and Emerging Planners group is your launchpad for networking, career building, and fresh perspectives—empowering the next wave of leaders to shape the future of planning.