News

PPD Makes Connections at NPC24

The National Planning Conference (NPC24) was a whirlwind of activity, but for the Private Practice Division (PPD), one event stood out: our joint reception with the Transportation Planning Division (TPD). As the PPD Chair, I, Steve Tocknell, had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the success of this collaborative effort.

The venue was perfect, fostering a lively atmosphere where attendees could mingle and connect. The delicious food kept the energy high, and the guest list was truly impressive. We were honored to have Roger Millar, an AICP Fellow, TPD Member, and the State of Washington Transportation Secretary, join us for the evening. Deborah Myerson, the Divisions Council Secretary Treasurer, and Isabel Fitzsimons, Leadership Development Manager for the APA, also graced the event with their presence.

As Rob McHaney, the TPD Chair, and I took a moment to address the group, the sense of collaboration was palpable. This joint reception embodied the spirit of the conference, bringing together professionals from different sectors to share ideas and experiences.

The evening wasn't just about socializing – it was also an opportunity to highlight upcoming PPD events. I had the pleasure of introducing Rod Arroyo and Allara Mills-Gutcher, who will be leading discussions at two of our upcoming PPD conversations.

There was a significant presence of TPD members from consulting firms at the reception. I took this chance to extend a warm invitation for them to join the PPD. They were particularly interested in obtaining copies of our recently updated handbook, a valuable resource for private practice professionals.

The success of this event is a testament to the power of collaboration within the planning community. The PPD looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to connect with colleagues across all sectors of the profession.