About Us APA Minnesota Chapter

The Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association is a non-profit statewide organization of over 900 planning professionals, educators, local officials and planning commissioners who are involved in planning-related activities on behalf of state and regional agencies, counties, cities, towns, educational institutions and the private sector. APA Minnesota is a chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), a non-profit public interest and research organization whose origins date back to 1917.

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APA MN Golf Tournament is Back! Help us Kick Off the Planning Conference!

APA Minnesota Golf Tournament Returns!

After several years, we're excited to bring back the APA Minnesota golf tournament as we kick off our 2025 Planning Conference in Willmar! This is a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues while enjoying a morning on the course.

Space is limited—register today to secure your spot!

Tournament Details

• Location: Valley Golf Course (1900 Becker Ave SE, Willmar, MN 56201)
• Format: 9-hole tournament, conveniently located adjacent to the conference venue
• Cost: $50 per person (golf cart included)

Schedule

• Check-in: 9:00 AM
• Shotgun Start: 9:30 AM sharp

Please note: All golf tournament ticket sales are final.

We look forward to seeing you on the course!

Register Today CM Opportunity!

Mississippi Central Riverfront and NE Minneapolis Public Art Bicycle Tour

Friday, Aug. 8th, 1:00 - 4:30 PM

Start and end at Pryes Brewing 1401 W. River Rd. Minneapolis. The tour will be led by Greg Ingraham, a retired landscape architect/planner and public artist.

We will start with an overview of the Minneapolis Public Art Program and process. View public art along the Mississippi River, in Farview Park and in Nordeast. The event will entail an 8-10 mile bike ride taking around 2 1/2 hours.

Stay for beverages, food, friends, and discussion after the tour!

Link to Minneapolis Public Art site: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/things-to-do/public-art/

Learning Outcomes:

1. How a successful public art program and process works.
2. See how public art works can help create and reflect a sense of place.
3. Learn how public art can be designed to be sustainable and durable

What to bring:

• A bicycle
• A helmet
• Water
• Comfortable clothes/ comfortable shoes
• Dress accordingly for the weather
• Bike Lock

* Please note APA MN will not cover any parking fees, please make are you are able to arrive at the starting point on time*

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL

Register today!

Walk & Talk Events Bridging The Cities Walking Tours

Walk & Talk Events

Join Us for Networking Walks Around the Twin Cities!

Connect with fellow planners while exploring some of our region's most beautiful areas. We're hosting two fantastic walking tours – attend one or make it a double and join both!

St. Paul Walk & Talk Hosted by the Metro District Directors Discover the charm of Saint Paul's historic Grand Avenue area while networking with colleagues in a relaxed, scenic setting.

Minneapolis Walk & Talk Hosted by the Women in Planning Committee
Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Lake Harriet, combining professional networking with one of Minneapolis's most beloved outdoor spaces.

Event Details:

• Cost: Free to attend
• Registration: Required in advance
• Format: Casual networking while walking

Ready to join us?

• St. Paul Walk & Talk Registration
• WIP Walk & Talk Registration

Don't miss this unique opportunity to network outdoors and explore the Twin Cities with your planning colleagues!

Optional snacks and refreshments after each event, at your own expense.

Register today- pick the tour you want!

Rising Above Statement from the APA MN Chapter DEI Committee

The APA Minnesota Board of Directors affirms the following statement drafted by the APA Minnesota Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

The DEI Committee of the APA MN Chapter wants to make a formal statement regarding the current state of our nation. We aim to support all members during this trying time, regardless of political affiliation or background, as we share common humanity and our planet. We want to provide the Minnesota planning community with words of acknowledgment and encouragement for the years ahead.

To us, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are part of a greater purpose to support human rights. This includes access to clean water, safe and quality shelter, food, and dignity in this complex world we are born into. Today, in 2025, people are still being targeted for discrimination and continue to be systematically marginalized just for existing. Our goal, at minimum, is to facilitate opportunities for everyone to learn, share skills, knowledge, and bring awareness to the ways diverse social and cultural experiences shape our communities. We want you to know we are not staying silent and we will continue supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion especially for those whose human rights have been compromised or are being stripped away. We appreciate the allies who have supported us.

As planners, our primary responsibility—whether AICP-certified or not—is to uphold the public interest. Each of us plays a vital role in shaping communities that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. APA MN remains committed to equity within the chapter and affirms that the AICP Code of Ethics continues to guide and hold the standard of ethical and equitable practices within our work. As a chapter and committee, we will actively pursue initiatives, programming, and best practices that empower planners, advance DEI efforts, and reinforce the fundamental principles of human rights within the communities we serve.

Our committee has compiled a list of actions you can take for the future ahead:

● Practice mindfulness.

● Check in on each other and be honest about the circumstances our country is facing.

● Donate supplies, support causes or those in your community that need assistance.

● Foster awareness and accountability by addressing discrimination when you witness it, including recognizing and challenging microaggressions.

● Be cognizant of projects you're working on and any decisions that may impact systematically marginalized groups. Consider pursuing more equitable community engagement processes that involve diverse members of the community during the project.

● Strengthen allyship through open and honest dialogue to people in your community and to other planners from diverse backgrounds by asking thoughtful questions or engaging in conversations.

● Take the time to continue to learn. There is always room to grow and we encourage you to embrace opportunities for learning about cultural histories and experiences. Whether through reading, watching, listening, or other media. The DEI committee has a list of reading materials and videos that we’ve included on our webpage as a start to deepen understanding about confronting discrimination and fostering equity. Whether you're just beginning this journey or continuing your efforts, expanding your knowledge will empower all of us to build a more inclusive and supportive environment for ourselves and each other.

● Join us at Minnesota Chapter events and learning opportunities to further expand your learning and find connection with other planning professionals.

Please see our work plan for the year and feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns: mnapa.dei@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

APA MN Chapter and DEI Committee Co-chairs, Kendra Ellner and Denetrick Powers

DEI Committee Page

Latest Newsletter Fall-Winter 2024

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