Congrats to Scholarship Award Recipient, Luis E. Macias Barrientos

Luis E. Macias Barrientos is a Ph.D. student in the University of Texas at Arlington’s Urban Planning and Public Policy program. Luis’ research interests include urban displacement, gentrification, neighborhood sustainability, and informal communities. Raised in Oak Cliff, Texas, and Luis is proud of his community.

Originally from Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, Luis’ parents brought him to the U.S. at the age of three where he lived in the liminal space of undocumented/DACAmented status. Growing up in Oak Cliff, Luis witnessed firsthand many of the problems his community members faced and led him to question how migrant communities can create a sustainable sense of place and security.

His Master’s thesis explores the effects of gentrification on working-class barrios and serves as a theoretical diagnosis of the problems inflicting blighted inner-city communities. The thesis focuses on Oak Cliff as a case study to deploy a decolonial framework to understand how gentrification and the neoliberal city within Texas are inflicted by coloniality. His research specifically highlights the West Oak Cliff Area Plan - from its inception, community response, and perpetuation of displacement in the predominantly Latinx and immigrant Oak Cliff community.

As he continues his education, Luis plans to contribute to the cultivation of alternative planning theories via a multi-disciplinary approach to more sustainable growth patterns for impoverished communities/vulnerable populations undergoing drastic changes like Oak Cliff.

Commercial Drone Delivery in North Texas

APATX North Central Section Virtual Lunch n' Learn: AI in Planning Practice - Introducing the Planning 2050 Initiative CM #9282150

Friday, January 19, from 12 pm to 1 pm

Course Details

Exciting advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Algorithms, and Geospatial Analytics are revolutionizing our daily planning work! These cutting-edge technologies are being adopted at a slower pace in small towns and communities with historically disadvantaged populations, but planners can change that!

Let's explore innovative solutions for planning with these technologies and bring the benefits to everyone. AI, Algorithms, and Geospatial Analytics may sound complex, but they're quite accessible and can have a huge impact on our communities.

While corporations have been quick to adopt these technologies, the public sector has been slower to catch on, especially in economically disadvantaged areas.

This session will dive into data from school districts facing academic challenges and highlight solutions that go beyond just academics. We'll show you how these technologies can be used to improve the lives of everyone in the community. By bringing together key stakeholders in Community Planning, we can create a brighter future for all. Disadvantaged communities may not have had access to these technologies in the past, but that's no longer the case.

This session will dive into the use AI, Algorithms, and Geospatial Analytics to achieve tangible long-term outcomes and create a culture of purposeful planning for historically disadvantaged communities. It will also introduce the Planning2050 initiative which aims to transform planning practice into a more proactive profession. Let's work together to create a better future for everyone!

Speakers:

Julio Carrillo

Julio Carrillo, AICP, LEED AP ND, is a Senior Planner at Parkhill. Julio co-founded Peru's Green Building Council and has chaired various committees, including Austin's AIA Urban Design Committee (2022) and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee at the Urban Land Institute of Austin – Texas (2022). Recognized for his urban design practice, Julio was selected as an International Expert in 2021, leading a research team for future city planning in Asia. He is also the Director of Planning Commitment Inc, driving the PLANNING 2050 initiative for positive impacts in Equity, Climate Change, and Resiliency.

Sadra Dehghan

Sadra is an urban designer, planner, and data analyst who specializes in implementation of digital applications for more informed design and decision-making processes. He’s currently a Capital Improvement Program Manager for the City of Austin, where he focuses on Our Future 35 (Austin’s I-35 Cap & Stitch program). Sadra believes the human experience can be improved through the built environment, and he applies his technical expertise – integrating a wide variety of digital practices for geospatial mapping and data analysis – that informs the design of more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. He pushes the boundaries of design, applying technologies, such as machine learning for analytics of the built environment, developing web applications for community engagement, and creating dynamic digital plans with the goal of creating healthy and desirable places that enhance the sense of place and community.”

CM Credits – 1 CM Credit

Log your credit by either searching the name of the course or course number #9282150

Contact Kim Dresdner (kim_dresdner@gensler.com) for questions.

CM Cram Session: A Week of Virtual Lunch n' Learns

Monday 12/4: Parking Benefit Districts, course #9225231
Tuesday 12/5: The 21st Century Comprehensive Plan, course #9278654
Wednesday 12/6: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, course #927161
Thursday 12/7: Designing a Wayfinding System, course #9267174

CM Credits (1 CM Credit each). Log your credits by either searching the name of the course or the course number.

Contact Kim Dresdner (Kim_Dresdner@gensler.com) for questions!

AICP EXAM PART I WORKSHOP

Saturday, January 28, 2023

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

University of Texas at Arlington

CAPPA Building Auditorium

Room 204

Hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington, College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs

Registration fee: Free of charge

Workshop Presenters:

Richard E. Luedke, AICP, City of Lewisville, APA Texas PDO

Eleana Tuley, AICP, City of Waxahachie, APA Texas North Central Section

Jenny Crosby, AICP, City of Southlake, APA Texas Midwest Section

The AICP Exam Part I Workshop will provide an overview of what to expect from the AICP Exam. We will cover helpful tips on how to study and test taking strategies. The major topic areas of the exam will be outlined and sample test questions will be presented.

To register, please send your name, email address and phone number to:

Richard Luedke, AICP

Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer

rluedke@cityoflewisville.com

(817) 938-4409

AICP EXAM PART II WORKSHOP

The AICP Exam Part II Workshop is conducted by Dr. Jennifer Cowley, FAICP, the nation's leading AICP exam preparation instructor, and Richard Luedke, AICP, Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer (PDO). During this 6-hour workshop, Dr. Cowley and Mr. Luedke will take you on a deep dive on how to approach the questions on the AICP exam and will guide you through the thought process needed to select the correct answers.

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at UT Arlington; CAPPA Building Auditorium Room 204

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aicp-exam-part-ii-workshop-tickets-515360506147

Happy Hour at Bishop Arts

TXAPA North Central Section Happy Hour

Thursday, March 23rd at 5:30 pm!

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Reshaping the City: Zoning for a More Equitable, Sustainable, and Resilient Future | Urban Land Institute (uli.org)

Learn from cross-sector experts about opportunities related to updating zoning in communities across the United States. The webinar will, 1) highlight connections among traditional zoning and land use challenges cities and towns are grappling with today, 2) make the case for updating zoning policies to support health, social equity, climate action, and resilience—with a focus on aligning zoning with community priorities and real estate development objectives, and 3) share promising examples of zoning policy updates from across the United States. This webinar will be co-hosted by Smart Growth America.

CM Opportunity | Ethics in Planning Study Foundations: Planning Outcomes, Practices, and Plagiarism

Tuesday, April 18 at WSP’s Dallas Office (3102 Oak Lawn Ave, Suite 450) at 6:00 p.m. For additional information, please contact Staron Faucher.

Ethics:

The AICP Ethics Committee has had several cases in the past year dealing with plagiarism. Based on the cases, AICP members have had difficulty discerning what is and is not plagiarism is in the planning profession.

Session Description: Putting the AICP Code of Ethics into practice in the development of planning documents and presentations, including planning study outcomes, external impacts, and plagiarism.

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Earth Day Service Day at Bexar Street Farm

Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9AM to 12PM

Bonton Farms (6915 Bexar St, Dallas, TX 75215, USA)!

What will we be doing? Daily farm chores play a crucial role in keeping us on track to produce and sell food for those who need it. During your time on the farm, you can expect to help with the following types of chores:

  • Cleaning out dirty chicken coops
  • Weeding and watering
  • Helping plant new crops
  • Adding compost or mulch to crop rows

By signing up for this opportunity, we respectfully ask that you come ready to work and get your hands dirty! We are a real, working farm!

Earth Day Service Day at Bexar Street Farm | VOMO

APATX State Planning Conference 2023

The APATX State Planning Conference attracts not only planners, but participants from diverse professions including engineers, architects, landscape architects, public health professionals, economists, attorneys, and appointed and elected officials. APATX⋆23 is poised to continue the energy and excitement of past conferences and will be held in person November 8-10 in Corpus Christi!

Home - APATX⋆23 State Planning Conference (cvent.com)

#FNT23 Event Rescheduled

Focus North Texas (FNT) is a one-day symposium providing training and continuing education relating to city planning focused in the DFW region. #FNT2023 will be held on Friday, May 12th, 2023, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. More details to come: https://www.focusnorthtexas.com/

Application Window is OPEN for the 2023 APATX Leadership Academy Cohort

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 2023 APATX Leadership Academy Cohort 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.

The APA Texas Chapter invites you to apply to be part of the of 2023 APATX Leadership Academy Cohort. Applications are due on or before Friday, May 12, 2023.

If you have any questions, please email Fred Lopez, FAICP CTP, APATX Leadership Academy Chair, at fred.lopez@qeceng.com.

Application form: https://texas.planning.org/membership/apatx-leadership-academy/

Community Service at Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity

Friday, June 9, 2023

6500 Skillman St. Dallas, TX 75231

https://dallasareahabitat.org/

Happy Hour at Windmills Brewery

Happy Hour at Windmills Brewery

Tuesday, May 30th at 5 PM

APATX North Central Section Scholarship Opportunity

The APATX North Central Section scholarship is provided to help promote planning within the North Central Section of the Texas APA Chapter by providing partial funding to students enrolled in a university located within the North Central Section. It is anticipated that one (1) $1,000 student scholarship will be awarded and later recognized at the North Central Section Happy Hour.

APA_TX_North_Central_Scholarship_Application_2023_24.pdf (mcusercontent.com)

AICP Exam Prep Workshop

AICP Exam Part I Workshop Arlington Announcement 7-8-23

Happy Hour at Cidercade Dallas

Happy Hour at Cidercade Dallas

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

APA HH July 12

2023 Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop

The American Planning Association’s Midwest Section of the Texas Chapter is hosting its Annual Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop on Friday, July 28 at the Grand Hall at NRH Centre from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This annual training opportunity for City Council members, Planning & Zoning Commissioners, Zoning Board of Adjustment members, and other elected and appointed officials will cover the fundamentals of planning and zoning, planning law, and ethics. An interactive development design review session will also demonstrate some key elements of plats, site plans and zoning changes for decision makers to look for when reviewing agenda items. The event is designed primarily as an introduction to planning and zoning for newer officials, but can also serve as a refresher course for more seasoned officials.

Contact Clayton Comstock at ccomstock@nrhtx.com or (817) 427-6301 if you have any questions.

2023 Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop - Powered by Eventzilla

Virtual Lunch n' Learn

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

We will stream a pre-recorded session over Microsoft Teams from Planetizen. This session is called "Walkable Density: Building Livable, Equitable, and Resilient Communities," taught by David Dixon. David is the Vice President for Stantec’s Urban Places Fellow. He is well known for helping create new, mixed-use urban districts (in both cities and suburbs) and the planning, revitalization, and redevelopment of downtowns.

Course Details

A new density paradigm, described as walkable density, would empower communities to effectively manage the accelerating pace of demographic, economic, environmental, social, and technological change. Walkable density enhances how people experience urban places. Notably, walkable density focuses on density not as a goal in its own right, but as a powerful tool for achieving community goals, such as quality of life improvements, economic opportunities, equity, and retrofitting sprawl, among other benefits.

CM Credits (1 CM Credit)

Log your credits by either searching the name of the course "Walkable Density: Building Livable, Equitable, and Resilient Communities" or course number #9263473.

Contact Eleana Tuley (eleana.tuley@waxahachie.com) for questions!

APATX North Central Section Virtual Lunch n' Learn (google.com)

Virtual Lunch n' Learn

Wednesday, September 13t, 2023

"Transportation Resources And Behaviors Among Older Immigrants And Migrants" taught by Portland State University, Transportation Research and Education Center.

Course Details

This presentation reports findings from a cross-sectional survey of older Vietnamese immigrants in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX metroplex and member of a Hispanic senior center in Hartford, CT. In addition to providing a description of the transportation resources and behavior, we present a method for assessing the geospatial "regular activity spaces" of older adults based on the frequency and locations of routine activities. We also present options for assessing the geospatial burden of providing rides to older adults using "ride-provision activity spaces" of those who provide rides for older adults, which entails the frequency and locations of activities for which rides are given. Finally, we discuss the association of transportation-related factors and the companionships among members of the senior center in Hartford, CT. Implications for this research include land use policy, assessment for and allocation of public assistance for transportation for older adults, and transportation-related programs to address social isolation.

Speakers

Rebecca Mauldin

Stephen Mattingly

Rupal Parekh

CM Credits (1 CM Credit). Log your credits by either searching the name of the course or course number #9271726.

Contact Kim Dresdner (Kim_Dresdner@gensler.com) for questions!

https://events.eventzilla.net/e/virtual-lunch-n-learn-2138616179?preview=1692995267466

Back to School Bash

The North Central and Midwest sections are hosting a 'Back to School Bash' on Friday, September 15th to kick off the new semester. The event will feature Dr. Ivonne Audirac as a guest speaker. Planners of all levels are welcome.

APA Back to School Bash - Sept 15