APATX23 State Planning Conference: Reflections, Takeaways and Favorite Moments
APATX23 State Planning Conference: Reflections, Takeaways and Favorite Moments
By NOAH POPE
Noah Pope, Associate at The Goodman Corporation, recently attended the American Planning Association Texas Chapter (APATX) 2023 State Planning Conference in Corpus Christi, TX. As the planning profession enters 2024, Noah shares his reflections on key meeting topics, favorite APATX23 moments, and advice for future attendees.
Read on for a summary Q&A – and discover the moment that sparked Noah’s passion for planning in the first place.
Q: What were you most excited for by attending this year’s APATX23 State Planning Conference? Was this your first time attending?
A: This conference marked my inaugural attendance at APA Texas, so I had great anticipation for the event. Having looked over the breakout sessions and keynote speakers, I looked forward to insightful discussions led by seasoned planners and policymakers actively contributing to the enhancement of Texas communities. Of particular interest was the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) test prep course, due to my goal of taking the AICP certification test next year. Beyond the many sessions of informative content, I was excited about the prospect of exploring Corpus Christi, making new connections and broadening my network within the planning community.
Q: Favorite moments?
A: Certainly, one of my favorite moments was running into some of my colleagues from the UT Austin Community Regional Planning (CRP) program. It was great to catch up and learn about their current experiences within the planning field. The AICP prep course exceeded my expectations, offering not only example questions and an overview of the test structure but also comprehensive reviews of each section. Crucially, it provided an abundance of study resources, guides, and methods, equipping me for the journey toward AICP accreditation.
Another one of my favorite moments was the mobile workshop centered on park planning in Port Aransas. This workshop involved exploring three diverse parks, including one near the bay (with a close encounter with dolphins!), and another with a boardwalk over a marshy area showcasing a rich array of wildlife. The workshop added a unique dimension to the conference. I enjoyed the chance to observe a variety of birds and animals and learn more about the island's sustainability efforts.
“Joining the field of urban planning has allowed me to be part of the collective effort to effect positive change. My goal is to make a positive impact on communities, enhancing their urban fabric and the livable experience of residents. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to pursue this goal within my role at TGC, where together we can contribute to the ongoing journey of improving urban environments.”
Q: What were some key takeaways from your experience in Corpus Christi, TX?
A: Each session I attended provided me with valuable insights and information to add to my planning toolkit. The AICP test prep session exceeded my expectations, offering nearly four hours of key takeaways related to the upcoming test. The morning session 'Connecting Capital to Communities', featuring colleagues Robert McHaney and Boya Dai, provided a concise overview of the significance of cost-effectiveness in projects and efficient approaches to navigating the funding pursuit process. The crowded room affirmed my observation that Robert and Boya are excellent presenters!
While the Port Aransas mobile park tour was undeniably enjoyable, it also provided crucial insights into the island's delicate environmental situation. A breakout session spotlighting TxDOT's long-range planning highlighted the agency's commitment to community outreach and intentional engagement efforts. Finally, a standout takeaway is my anticipation for the next APA Texas Annual Planning Conference (!) – a clear indicator of the conference's positive impact and my desire to participate in future APA events.
Q: Any lessons learned, tips, and/or advice to future attendees?
A: My advice boils down to one simple directive: stop contemplating and just make it happen! The value of learning alongside the regional community of Texan planners is immeasurable. APA Texas ensures a diverse array of sessions and topics catering to every planning interest, extending a welcoming hand even to those without a career in the field. While I could suggest being open to new ideas, meeting new people, and absorbing as much knowledge as possible, all of that comes after the initial decision to attend. If you're contemplating APA Texas, I wholeheartedly endorse embracing the Nike spirit – Just Do It!
Q: Where did your passion for planning and engineering stem from? What do you hope to achieve in the profession?
A: My interest in planning, like many others, was sparked by an inspiring teacher whose passion fueled my desire to delve into the subject. However, it was a transformative study abroad experience in Japan that solidified my commitment to pursuing a career within the world of urban planning. The distinct urban landscape of Japan, characterized by world-class transportation, well-designed urban parks, and high residential density, opened my eyes to alternative approaches to city-building.
Coming back to America I was painfully aware of the drawbacks to urban sprawl and found myself yearning for the intricately connected public transit systems I had experienced in Japan. Seeing these challenges and damages posed by American 20th-century urban development motivated me to contribute towards the creation of better cities. Joining the field of urban planning has allowed me to be part of the collective effort to effect positive change. My goal is to make a positive impact on communities, enhancing their urban fabric and the livable experience of residents. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to pursue this goal within my role at TGC, where together we can contribute to the ongoing journey of improving urban environments.
For additional information or questions, contact TGC to learn more about our services, our team, and our mission to connect capital to communities across Texas and beyond.