APA Minnesota Chapter

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 2026 Planning Conference Save the Date

Save the date! Mark your calendars for October 21-23, 2026, for the APA Minnesota Chapter's annual planning conference in Mankato. More details will be released in the coming weeks—we look forward to seeing you there!

Stay tuned....

Register Today CM Opportunity: Winter Regional Park Ski Event

APA MN: Winter Regional Park Ski Event happening at Battle Creek Recreation Center on February 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM (Central Time)!

Parking available at: Battle Creek Recreation Center- 75 Winthrop St S, St. Paul, MN 55119

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Event highlights

Presentation by:

Brett “Gus” Blumer: Director of Planning & Development for the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Department.
Kristopher Lencowski Director of Operations for Parks & Trails Division
Patrick Boylan, AICP Met Council Local Planning Assistance team.
Tour of winter recreation Maintenance Shed
Nordic Skiing: registration covers trail pass and equipment rental; short ski lesson by Patrick Boylan
Optional networking afterwards: Saint Paul Brewing Co. 688 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106

All ticket sales are final.

Skiing is a heart rate increasing activity but you should dress appropriately. Minimum is a lite jacket, hat, gloves and in case of sunny weather, sun screen. Bringing a warm jacket to wear afterwards is a good idea.

Inclement weather back-up date is Friday, Feb 27, 2026 at 3PM.

Gunnar C. Isberg Student Scholarship- Submissions Accepted Deadline: February 28, 2026

The APA Minnesota Chapter invites submissions for the Gunnar C. Isberg Student Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy of Gunnar C. Isberg, a distinguished figure in the Minnesota planning community known for his dedication to planning practice, education, and public service.

Review Criteria

Excellence in Reputation (40 pts): How do peers, co-workers, supervisors, and/or professors view the applicant? Are they highly regarded in all aspects of their life? Do they have specific examples of excellence to speak of regarding the student?
Excellence in Academic Achievement (30 pts): How does the student epitomize excellence in their school work?
Involvement in the Planning Field (20 pts): Does the applicant make efforts to gain experience in the field and contribute to planning processes and ideas either in an internship, job, or on a volunteer basis? Does the student contribute to the field through academic research, newsletter or paper articles? Are they active in community-level planning efforts?
Dedication to the Professional Organization Outside of School (10 pts): Is the student a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association? Have they been active in APA Minnesota Chapter or National APA?

Submission Requirements- email to: info@planningmn.org

Cover letter stating how you fit the criteria of the Gunnar C. Isberg Student Scholarship
Must be currently enrolled in a Minnesota college or university.
Most recent official or unofficial transcript.
Letter of recommendation from a professor or job supervisor.
Must be a member of APA MN chapter. Please note that membership for students is free: https://www.planning.org/join/

More than one winner may be selected.

Deadline-Please submit all required documents by 2/28/26 at 11:59 pm Central Time

Submissions Open

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