Plan-it sustainably - Northern California Section

Bright future forAPA CaliforniaIn a recent email to the members of APA California, PresidentKevin J. Keller, AICP, assured that the Chapter “will continue togrow and provide the services that members expect and willneed in the next decade.”“APA California and its members have withstood one of theworst recessions in the nation’s history,” Keller wrote. “From2008 to 2009, APA lost 15 percent of its membership, andrevenues from dues and other sources experienced acorresponding decrease:• Total income to the Chapter dropped 59 percent from2008 to 2012.• California Chapter revenue from National APA dues dropped$101,000 in that same period.• National APA instituted a new $40,000 annual fee tothe California Chapter for member services thatNational provides.• Chapter ad revenue dropped $86,000 from 2008 to 2012.• Chapter Reserve Account investments dropped 36 percent.”“In response, the Board reduced Chapter operating expensesfrom 2008 to 2012 by 39 percent,” and, said Keller, “for thefirst time in Chapter history, used deficit budgets and 40percent of Reserve Account funds to maintain member coreservices. The eight APA California Sections waived their shareof annual revenue from California Chapter dues in 2010 toassist the Chapter’s effort to reduce expenses, and agreed toa reduction of their dues revenue for a minimum of three yearsbeginning in 2011.”Despite the cutbacks, “All existing core services have beenretained,” wrote Keller. “Members are still able to enjoy allchapter programs and services at no additional cost or atreduced rates. As a result, APA California has remained stablewith a strong membership. We now have 5154 members,up from a 2009 low of 4580.”To ensure continued growth, “the Board decided to increaseChapter dues — the first time in seven years. The increase willbe a flat $20 per year for full APA members beginning inJanuary 2013. Student dues will not be impacted.”To read the full letter, go to http://bit.ly/R6f8Wc nFrom APA Interact, Oct. 10,APA Northern CaliforniaMost APA chapters have sections. The APA Northern CaliforniaSection has a great website and an active Young PlannersGroup. The many events and activities on tap this month includea Planners of Color Social Mixer in Berkeley on October 18and an AICP Exam Preparation Workshop at San Jose StateUniversity on October 27.Answer to “Where in the world?” (Page 16)Night and day in downtown Calgary, Alberta.Calgary Tower (627 ft., 1968) can be seen in the night photo.The Bow (58 floors, 774 ft., 2011) can be seen in both photos.Photos by Barry Miller, FAICPNorthern News 21 November 2012