APA
The American Planning Association (APA) is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society.
APA Chapters
Chapters get you involved in APA close to home. They're your local source for networking and professional development. You'll share experiences with colleagues and broaden your perspective beyond your commission or office. When you join APA, you automatically become a member of your local chapter.
MAP serves as the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association.
APA Leadership
The American Planning Association is governed by volunteer leaders elected or selected from the ranks of its members. Leadership includes a 13-member Board of Directors, the eight members of the AICP Commission, the Chapter Presidents Council, the Divisions Council, Student Representatives Council, and a number of committees and task forces.
Michigan Association of Planning's Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) representative is Paul Montagno, AICP. The CPC is the members' link to APA National, the Board, the Commission, and staff.
In his role as CPC, Paul reviews important information sent by national for its relevance to MAP. Information will be disseminated by MAP through the Michigan Planner, website, and emails.
Professional Development Officers
Professional Development Officers (PDOs) are established in each chapter of the American Planning Association to facilitate the exam certification process and continuing education efforts. Your PDO is a critical information source, whether you're looking for information on upcoming training opportunities in your area or seeking additional help as you prepare for the AICP exam.
MAP's PDO is:
Jill Bahm, AICP
jbahm@giffelswebster.com
American Institute of Certified Planners
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is the professional institute of APA. AICP provides recognized leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners, ethics, professional development, and the standards of planning practice. Like the APA Board, the AICP Commission is composed of elected officers and regional commissioners. For more information on AICP and testing, click here.
A comprehensive list of AICP exam preparation resources is available on MAP's AICP page:
AICP Page
Additionally, APA MI/MAP staff can help test takers form study groups. As we receive inquiries from other test takers, MAP can provide you with contacts of members studying for the exam.
There are a number of current AICP planners in Michigan who are willing to provide mentor-like advice, insight about the test and preparation recommendations… all you have to do is reach out to them. Please contact Wendy Rampson at wrampson@planningmi.org for more information.
