Iowa APA Chapter

🎄✨ Happy Holidays from APA Iowa! 🎄✨ As we wrap up another year of planning, partnerships, and progress, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our members, partners, and supporters. Your dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities across Iowa inspires us every day. 💚🏘️ Here’s to a joyful holiday season and an exciting year ahead filled with new ideas, collaboration, and growth. Let’s continue shaping the future of Iowa—together! ❄️ Wishing you peace, happiness, and plenty of time to enjoy the places and people you love most. Cheers to 2025! 🥂

🌟 Grant Opportunity: America Walks Community Change Grants 🌟 Up to $1,500 is available for organizations working to create safer, more walkable, and inclusive communities. 📌 Who Should Apply? Nonprofits and community groups promoting: ✅ Walking & physical activity ✅ Safe, equitable mobility ✅ Community engagement 📅 Deadline: January 17, 2025 Apply now to bring your vision to life! 🔗 Learn more online https://lnkd.in/eKkwX86g #GrantOpportunity #Walkability #CommunityChange #AmericaWalks #HealthyCommunities

📢 December Planning on Tap: ADUs - Breaking Down Barriers for Iowans to Age in Place Thursday, December 19th at 3 PM This insightful session, brought in partnership with AARP Iowa, dives into the essential steps for getting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built in your community. 🏘️ Special Guest: Eli Spevak, founder of Orange Splot LLC in Portland, Oregon. Eli will share real-world examples of successful ADU projects and explore how these initiatives have positively impacted neighborhoods. He’ll also highlight the challenges communities face and actionable steps local leaders can take to support this type of housing. 🔗 Register online: https://lnkd.in/g4TgYM6d #PlanningOnTap #ADUs #AgingInPlace #CommunityDevelopment #APAIOWA #HousingSolutions

Check out this upcoming opportunity for emerging planners!

Keep Iowa Beautiful and Diamond Vogel have recently announced that applications are open for the 2025 Paint Iowa Beautiful Program. This program provides free paint to support a variety of community projects across Iowa, helping beautify and revitalize local spaces. Grants are administered by Keep Iowa Beautiful, with paint provided by Diamond Vogel. Apply today online. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 14, 2025. #PaintIowaBeautiful #CommunityPride

🌟 Grateful for Community, Connection, and Collaboration 🌟 This Thanksgiving, the APA Iowa Chapter reflects on the many things we’re thankful for—our members, partners, and the communities we serve. Planning is about more than places; it’s about the people who work tirelessly to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable spaces for all. We’re grateful for: ➡️ Our dedicated planners who champion innovative ideas. ➡️ Community leaders who bring visions to life. ➡️ Partnerships that drive impactful change. ➡️ The opportunity to shape Iowa’s future together. As we gather with family and friends, let’s celebrate the shared purpose that unites us as planners and as neighbors. Thank you for being part of our journey. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at APA Iowa! 🦃🍂 #Gratitude #Thanksgiving #APAIowa #CommunityPlanning

📢 Join Us for Our Upcoming Virtual Board Meeting! 🌐 Members and guests, you’re invited to join this Friday for our virtual board meeting. Connect, share ideas, and stay updated on latest initiatives! 📅 Date: Friday 🕒 Time: 10-11:30AM For more details or to RSVP, please email us at apaiowamedia@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us tomorrow at Time Out in Ames for a networking opportunity with seasoned professionals and emerging planners. See you there! https://lnkd.in/g8zhFZ4G

🚨 Don’t Miss This Planning on Tap! 🚨 Form-Based Codes: Lessons from Cedar Rapids & Des Moines 🗓 Thursday, Nov 21 | 3 PM Want to know how two Iowa cities are using form-based codes to transform their communities? Learn about the wins, the challenges, and what it really takes to make these zoning changes work. Get ready for practical insights and fresh ideas! 👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gCYuhXjt #PlanningOnTap #FormBasedCodes #IowaPlanning #UrbanRevamp

At last month's annual conference, students showcased their innovative planning ideas in the Student Poster Contest. The winners are: 🏅 1st Place: Dubuque Affordable Housing Action Plan: A Local Strategy for a National Crisis (Awardees: Ethan Wherry & Hannah Lyons - University of Iowa - pictured left) 🥈 2nd Place: Bondurant Parks, Trails & Greenways (Awardee: Farnaz Fatahi - University of Iowa) 🥉 3rd Place: Examining Affordable Housing & Public Transit in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (Awardee: Keerthana Kishore Kumar - Iowa State University - pictured right) Congratulations to all participants for their inspiring work! #StudentContest #FuturePlanners #PlanIowa