News

Are you looking for a chance to volunteer your time and passion for planning to give back? Here is your opportunity!

Two schools are participating in the Future City Competition<http://futurecity.org/> and need mentors to work with 6-8 graders at the Derby School in Hingham or the Ferry Way School in Malden. The schools has been participating in the Future City Competition for years (at least a decade) and the kids there are always respectful and enthusiastic - whoever volunteers will have a great time!

Here's a little about the contest and what would be needed from mentors.  In short, students grades 6-8 envision their dream city of the future.  Then they present their dream cities by designing the following:
*         A virtual model of the city using SimCity software
*         A narrative describing their city and further discussing how their city deals with the specific issue selected as the theme for the year's competition.  This year the theme is solid waste management.
*         A scale model of their city made primarily from recycled materials
*         A 7 minute presentation about their city, followed by answering 7 minutes of questions from a panel of judges.  The centerpiece of the presentations is the model, but students also prepare display boards, flip charts, handouts and other materials.

This is a perfect role for Planners to advise and inspire students to think about their ideal city of the future! I hope you can take advance of this great opportunity! For more information or to volunteer, please contact: Kathleen Malone  kmalone@derbyacademy.org<mailto:kmalone@derbyacademy.org>

Click here for RFP and related info: 

 http://www.brooklinema.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=44

FREE TRB webinar to view at your desk for AICP CM credit Tues., December 1

TRB Webinar: Planning for Climate Change Adaptation at Airports (1.5 CM credits)

TRB will conduct a webinar on Tues., December 1, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM ET that will feature research conducted by TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). The research discusses the need for conducting climate change risk assessments at airports, and how to plan for adaption and resilience to mitigate such potential risks.

Webinar is free, but participants must register in advance.  Go to http://www.trb.org/main/blurbs/173230.aspx  and click on red Register Now button.

Thurs., December 10:  "AARP Livability Index," sponsored by Plan4Health. Please join the Plan4Health community and AARP for a discussion and demonstration of the Livability Index. The Livability Index is a signature initiative of the Public Policy Institute to measure the quality of life in American communities across multiple dimensions: housing, transportation, neighborhood characteristics, environment, health, opportunity, and civic and social engagement. An interactive, easily navigated website, the Livability Index allows users to compare communities, adjust scores based on personal preferences and learn how to take action to make their own communities move livable.  Earn 0.5  AICP CM credit.  Click on AARP Livability Index to register.

Thurs., December 10:  "Hazard Mitigation Implementation," sponsored by the Planning Information Exchange.   The Planning Information Exchange (PIE) steering committee is running the Hazard Mitigation Implementation webinar, offering an in-depth look at hazard mitigation implementation.  Two experienced professionals will discuss how their communities translated mitigation goals into achievements in two very different environments, Colorado and North Carolina. Learn what makes for successful implementation of mitigation goals for flood, wildfire, and other major hazards.  Earn 1 AICP CM credit.  Click on Hazard Mitigation Implementation to register.

Today, APA announces $2.25 million in funding to 17 new local coalitions in a second round of grants through the  http://www.plan4health.us initiative. Projects will address chronic disease through planning strategies focused on healthy eating, active living, and social equity. Coalitions — anchored by APA chapters and affiliates of the American Public Health Association — were selected after a competitive review process. With 18 existing coalitions they will serve 35 communities across the country.

There will be childcare, food, and interpretation in Spanish and Chinese. 

• Saturday, November 14, 12:00-2:30 PM, Quincy School, 885 Washington Street, Chinatown
• Thursday, November 19, 6:00-8:30 PM, Community Center, 6 Cummins Highway, Roslindale
     

RSVP: http://goboston2030.org/idea-roundtables/

The City of Boston is developing its first citywide plan in 50 years!  They would like to hear from people regarding how to improve Boston with parks and public spaces. 

Share your VISION by answering a few questions at http://imagine.boston.gov

Attend the OPEN HOUSE 

If you want to be kept in the loop, you need to sign up to receive emails (as well as to give your "big idea" regarding how to improve Boston in the future): http://imagine.boston.gov

The APA Private Practice Division has produced an exclusive division member-only benefit: the Private Planning Practice Handbook, an outstanding publication with insightful information for prospective, novice, and seasoned planning consultants. 

Topics include as "Organizing the Planning Consulting Business," "Project Management," "The Personal Side of Consulting," and many useful templates, including a sample agreement for services.

Division members may receive their PDF copy by sending a request to info_private@planning.org.

Not a member yet? Join today! Annual division membership is only $25.