Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!

With the holidays long behind us and February about to come to a close, we wanted to start with a few of the changes within the Chapter.  An updated website, new newsletter and several new faces within our Chapter leadership are just some of what has occurred since January 1^st.  We appreciate the trust and support we have all received since the fall election.  It is especially humbling for me to be your Chapter President.  Seems like not too long ago, I was the Chapter Student Representative, working hard on my masters at CUPA and planning to attend the upcoming APA Conference in Denver; how time flies!  I appreciate your trust and look forward to working with you to continue moving the Chapter forward. 

It is important to remember all that has occurred would not have been possible without the work and support of our Chapter members, leaders and our outgoing Chapter President Steve Villavaso.  Words cannot describe the thanks we all have for Steve’s tireless work on behalf of the Chapter.  His ongoing dedication and professionalism to furthering the planning profession through education, outreach and information have helped grow our Chapter into the organization we are today.  We are thankful for his leadership and look forward to his ongoing contribution to the Chapter’s Legislative programs and priorities.

Over the coming months, we will be talking more with you about several initiatives the Executive Committee will work on to continue this momentum.  Some items that we are particularly excited about include the upcoming presentation of our Chapter Strategic Plan, as well as the start of several mentoring initiatives aimed at our Student, Young Professional and Planning Commission members.  In addition, the passing of winter means a return to Section programs.  We welcome your participation at our Section programs. This is a very important means of staying connected with the Chapter and other APA members and planning professionals in your area.

The year 2011 began with our official kickoff to the “Planning New Year”, our APA LA conference.  Thanks to the hard work of our Capital Section host committee, the conference did not disappoint!  A great hotel, wonderful speakers and more good times were had by all! As an added bonus, our AICP members got a jump on their CM credits by coming to the conference. What a deal indeed!

Again, thanks to all for their trust and support and remember APA LA is your chapter and our leadership is here to serve you.  Please make sure to let us know what we can do to bring more value to your membership!

Ed Elam III, AICP, Associate
BKI Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc.