APA Audio Conferences:

For Planning Commissioners and Planning Professionals

Dates: Vary, see below
Location: MARC Conference Center (map)
Fee: Free! Registration is required.

What you'll learn:

Join us for a series of American Planning Association audio conferences on topics of interest to area planning commissioners and planning professionals.

Participants will be able to submit questions to the speakers, via e-mail or fax, both in advance of and during the sessions.

Although some audio conferences are targeted to either commissioners or planners, both are welcome at all sessions. There is no charge for the audio conferences, but registration is required.

Register:


Advanced Intensive Series

Designed for professional planners and seasoned officials, this series covers current topics in depth.

Planning for Signs and Billboards in a Digital Age
Oct. 13, 2010, 3–4:30 p.m.
The challenges to sign regulation are vigorous and ever evolving. So too, digital technology has introduced an entirely new layer of complexity. Learn what the federal study on digital signs and safety concluded. Gain insight into how communities are regulating signs to maintain character, meet contemporary needs, ensure safety, and meet legal standards.

Regulating Controversial Uses
Nov. 10, 2010, 3–4:30 p.m.
As work and life change, planning and regulation need to be revised or even reconsidered to accommodate this change. Among the most challenging issues is permitted uses — what is and is not allowed. This program examines controversial uses, such as tattoo parlors, new uses such as mixed use, and unanticipated uses. Learn how to address these legally, sustain community, and accommodate appropriately the ever-evolving needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

Retrofitting Corridors
Jan. 19, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
Streets are the building blocks of community. Many communities are redesigning corridors for multiple modes of transportation, better connections to adjacent neighborhoods and addressing contemporary commercial needs. How can you revitalize an important asset in your community and adapt successfully to changing demands? Join urban designers, planners and economic developers to learn how.

Mitigating Hazards Through Planning
March 16, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
As more communities are affected by natural disasters from flood, fire or earthquakes, the need for planning increases. Federal standards and programs are increasingly emphasizing the links between planning and hazard mitigation. In addition, some communities are using green recovery strategies and rethinking what rebuilding should be in light of a changing environment. Get your community ready and explore funding, tools, and unexpected opportunities.

2011 Planning Law Review
June 29, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
New judges on the U.S Supreme court and an active docket are reshaping constitutional law. The states continue to take the lead on climate change, but a backlash is mounting against voter referenda in a recessionary-economy. Property rights and fairness, first amendment issues and the proper role of government are examined is this up-to-the-minute review of the courts and legislations during the past year. Keep current and join our legal panel for this important discussion.

 

Intensive Encore Series

This series brings together the best of previous Advanced Intensive Series programs.

Designing for Water Conservation
Sept. 29, 2010, 3–4:30 p.m.
Protect diminishing water resources at the site and neighborhood levels with planning and appropriate design. Find out how to use local hydrology and knowledge of groundwater resources to protect the environment and private investment. The discussion includes statewide management and policy issues, design standards and an examination of alternatives for suburban development that produce the best results in conservation. Learn how to incorporate regulations to control runoff, minimize water usage and maximize the effectiveness of water that is used.

Performance Measures in Transportation Planning
April 20, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
How can communities measure livability or find a balance between speed-based measures, such as levels of service, and measures of good urban form that support non automotive modes? Learn the appropriate way to measure performance for a corridor study where redevelopment is balanced with mobility. Whether you are working on local plans and the relationship to capital improvement projects, on state transportation plans, or regional scenario planning, this program provides answers.

Renewable Local Energy
May 11, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
Today's emerging energy crisis means that many individuals and communities are increasing locally produced energy. Explore which plans and codes enable and encourage infrastructure for renewable energy such as wind and solar power. Find out what role neighborhood-scale utilities can play in improving community sustainability.

 

Officials Topical Series

Planning commissioners and other officials will learn how to be more effective on a board, commission or council.

Regulating Controversial Uses
Nov. 10, 2010, 3–4:30 p.m.
As work and life change, planning and regulation need to be revised or even reconsidered to accommodate this change. Among the most challenging issues is permitted uses — what is and is not allowed. This program examines controversial uses, such as tattoo parlors, new uses such as mixed use, and unanticipated uses. Learn how to address these legally, sustain community and accommodate appropriately the ever-evolving needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

Sustainability Planning for Officials
June 8, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
Sustainability is a term that covers a wide range of ideas and initiatives, but what does it mean in terms of planning? Most communities accept the three-pronged definition defined in the 1983 Brundtland Commission report, but are they really planning for the environment, social needs and the economy in a coordinated fashion? Learn what sustainability means and how it is being carried out in plans, projects and discretionary review. Examine successful case studies.

2011 Planning Law Review
June 29, 2011, 3–4:30 p.m.
New judges on the U.S Supreme court and an active docket are reshaping constitutional law. The states continue to take the lead on climate change, but a backlash is mounting against voter referenda in a recessionary economy. Property rights and fairness, first amendment issues and the proper role of government are examined is this up-to-the-minute review of the courts and legislations during the past year. Keep current and join our legal panel for this important discussion.

 

Basic Encore Series

This encore series brings you the best of previous programs for officials.

Staying Out of Court by Avoiding Pitfalls
Dec. 8, 2010, 3–4 p.m.
Conflicts of interest are an ever-present concern for planning commissioners, board members and their staff. Not understanding the law can lead to trouble. But what constitutes a conflict? What is an acceptable way to obtain necessary information? How should commissioners interact (or not interact) with developers, home owners, concerned citizens, staff and other public officials? Find out what the legal requirements for planning commissions are in various states. Master the rules concerning ex parte communication. Pick up tips on meeting management and the review process and learn how other commissions use administrative rules of procedure to keep themselves out of court.

Mastering Meeting Management
Feb. 16, 2011, 3–4 p.m.
Veterans of public meetings share their techniques and insights in how to run productive, effective meetings. Meeting management can make all the difference in the public's perception and reception of planning, and planning commissioners and their staff have a critical role to play. Learn how to make legally defensible decisions, evaluate evidence, and keep public anger from disrupting your meetings. Panelists also explore how to encourage more diverse participation.

Register for these sessions online

From 1.5 to 3 credits of Continuing Professional Development Program hours are available for each presentation. More information about the CPDP is available at www.planning.org.

Presented by the Mid-America Regional Council and the Kansas City Metropolitan Section of the Kansas and Missouri Chapters of the American Planning Association.