The 2022 American Planning Association (APA) Virginia Chapter Annual Conference is the Chapter’s signature event. For our 53rd Annual Conference, we will continue to offer a Conference Program that exemplifies the best of Virginia’s planning practice, theory, projects, and persons. The conference is scheduled for July 16-19th, 2022 at the Richmond Marriott in downtown Richmond.
 

Collaboration: Collaboration is essential for creating sustainable communities as it brings diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals, creating effective and equitable solutions. Collaboration promotes innovation and shared learning while building social capital, trust, and a sense of shared responsibility essential for sustainable community development. Our role as planners is to facilitate collaborative processes, inspiring fellow community members to be directly involved in goal making and solution seeking efforts that impact their lives.

The Great Outdoors: Roanoke and its surrounding valleys are home to some of the Commonwealth’s most breathtaking natural resources and prime recreational amenities.  From abundant greenways, hiking trails, and scenic rivers to incredible public parks, playgrounds, and National Forests, the region offers opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.  Community-centered planning and regional partnerships play a crucial role in promoting stewardship and the expansion of access to these resources for the Commonwealth’s citizens and visitors alike.

Economic Development: The economy of a community is the foundation for citizens to ideally live in a place they choose. Amongst the many factors which shape a healthy economy, many are tied to community development and “placemaking”, or creating a sense of place. This is where Planners come in; The planning community plays a vital role in molding the partnerships between industries needed to build sustainable communities and strengthen services they utilize. 

Infrastructure: From transportation systems and communication services to water and greenways, infrastructure resources are integral pieces of communities. They also act as the connective tissue between industries and pave avenues for planners to promote regional collaboration. Collaborative infrastructure can drive progressive and sustainable places to live and work. 

Housing: Housing is the cornerstone of every community and is at the heart, or at least somewhat influenced and influenced by, much of the planning world. As a central aspect of community planning, and in light of the affordable housing crisis at local and regional scales, planners must ensure housing is ever present in planning decisions and that it is open to all segments of the community.
 
All session abstract proposals are due no later than Monday, February 28. Late submissions may not be accepted.
 
Any conference-related questions can be directed to admin@apavirginia.com