APATX Leadership Academy
APATX Leadership Academy
The APATX Leadership Academy is a world-class leadership development experience designed by leadership experts in the American Planning Association Texas Chapter. Join the inaugural cohort of the APATX Leadership Academy to become transformative leaders in the planning profession, your organization, and your community.
The APATX Leadership Academy includes leadership training and assessments, seminars by Texas and national experts focused on leadership development, communication and public engagement training and coaching, and much more. The future of planning in communities across Texas requires a well-trained and supported leadership. The APATX Leadership Academy is designed to create a dynamic network of future leaders committed to promoting the planning profession in Texas communities.
2027 Applications Now Open!
Apply for the 2027 APA TX Leadership Academy
Application Process
Applications are due by on or before Friday, December 18, 2026. Selected applicants for the 2027 APATX Leadership Academy Cohort will be notified during the week of January 25, 2027.
A completed application includes the following components:
- This digital application form
- Current resume (no more than two pages long)
- Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s immediate supervisor
- Signature Forms (Employer authorization, applicant's commitment, and financial sponsor commitment)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:
- You are an emerging leader in the field of urban planning.
- You are taking on new leadership roles in your career, such as new supervisory roles or project management roles.
- You have approximately 5 – 7 years of experience in the planning profession. Specifically, you will not be considered if you have more than ten years or experience.
- You have interest in leadership growth and advancing professionally within the urban planning profession.
- You are interested in taking on new leadership roles in APATX and want more information on how to get involved.
- You are passionate about advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the planning profession.
- You are looking to build your network and are seeking a cohort of professional colleagues who share your goals, values, and ambitions to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and support one another’s growth.
Program Commitments
The Leadership Academy consists of the following program components:
- Participation in monthly one-hour virtual meetings focused on leadership, mentorship, and planning initiatives in Texas.
- Participation in monthly reading and homework assignments which typically require two to four hours of time per month.
- In person attendance at the two-day APATX Leadership Academy Retreat (date and location TBD, but is anticipated to be July/August 2027). The participant (or the participant’s employer) is responsible for travel expenses.
- In person attendance at the APATX27 Chapter Conference in October of 2027. The applicant’s financial sponsor must commit to pay for travel costs, hotel accommodations, and meals for applicants. The APA Texas Chapter will pay for the applicant’s conference registration fee.
- Participation in the class project which will be presented during a session at the APATX27 Chapter Conference.
- Participation in additional APA Texas Chapter activities throughout the year.
- Mentors from the APA Texas Chapter will also be provided to program participants throughout the year.
- Graduates of the APATX Leadership Academy will become mentors for future APATX Leadership Academy Cohorts.