How to Get Involved with the APA National Conference

Over the course of more than 20 years, Odis Jones has worked for a number of US cities and other urban growth entities, including Public Lighting Authority Detroit. Complementing his professional work in Detroit and beyond, Odis Jones holds a membership with the American Planning Association (APA).

Every year, APA hosts a conference that brings together professionals in the planning sector for more than 100 educational sessions and a product expo. On May 6-9, 2017, the organization’s National Planning Conference will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. In preparation for the event, APA has encouraged its members to get involved in a number of ways outside of basic attendance. 

Proposal submissions are one such avenue that guests may pursue to engage more fully with the conference. Whether they are interested in facilitating an educational workshop or want to make a small presentation, APA welcomes forward-thinking ideas in topic areas such as climate change, planning leadership, and zoning.

Those who do not have proposals of their own may instead opt to serve as a session reviewer during the 2017 conference. Volunteers may choose to review submissions within their specific fields of practice or explore new areas of planning. The process takes several months with each topic requiring four hours for proposal analysis and a subsequent conference call.

MVP Managing Partner, Odis Jones with the Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, Detroit Police Chief, James Craig and Detroit City Council members.

The American Planning Association

An experienced organizational leader, Odis Jones raised more than $250 million to establish Detroit’s Public Lighting Authority, which he went on to head as CEO. Outside of this work, Odis Jones belongs to several organizations, including the International City Management Association and the American Planning Association. 

Established in 1978, the American Planning Association (APA) represents and comprises professional planners. It also encompasses the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), which holds responsibility for the national certification of professional planners. Since its launch, APA has grown from a membership of 13,000 to one of nearly 40,000, with more than a third of these members certified by AICP. 

APA strives to provide leadership in the development of communities by empowering its members and ensuring they have the skills and support to adjust to ongoing evolutions in the field. To this end, the APA publishes print and digital materials for members, promotes sound planning through education programs, and advocates for the profession at local and national levels. The organization also encourages a diverse workforce by connecting employers with job seekers and by conducting and sharing research.