Upcoming Events
The following is a non-comprehensive list of events that may be of interest to members. CM credit events are noted where applicable.
19
February2025
Webinar: Planning and Politics: Strategies for Effective Engagement with Elected OfficialsCM 1
Navigating the political landscape is essential for planners and department directors who need to communicate effectively with elected officials. This webinar will equip you with the skills to engage decision-makers, ensuring they have the right information to support your department’s initiatives and share accurate details with their constituents.
Through story-telling, knowledge sharing and open discussion, we’ll explore the key differences between strong-mayor and city-administrator forms of government, highlighting how these structures impact decision-making and policy priorities. Additionally, we’ll discuss the distinctions between at-large elected officials and those representing specific districts, emphasizing how their responsibilities and interests shape their perspectives.
Navigating the political landscape is essential for planners and department directors who need to communicate effectively with elected officials. This webinar will equip you with the skills to engage decision-makers, ensuring they have the right information to support your department’s initiatives and share accurate details with their constituents.
Through story-telling, knowledge sharing and open discussion, we’ll explore the key differences between strong-mayor and city-administrator forms of government, highlighting how these structures impact decision-making and policy priorities. Additionally, we’ll discuss the distinctions between at-large elected officials and those representing specific districts, emphasizing how their responsibilities and interests shape their perspectives.
1 PMZoom
19
February2025
Webinar: The Power of Facilitation – For Community Land Use ConversationsCM 1.5
The Power of Facilitation is an introduction to facilitation strategies and techniques. This engaging, interactive program enables participants to gain a basic understanding of group facilitation best practices and better understand their future professional development needs in designing and facilitating effective meetings. This program builds skills for planners, community developers, and changemakers in general as they seek to implement grassroots transformative innovation in their communities and the groups they serve.
The Power of Facilitation is an introduction to facilitation strategies and techniques. This engaging, interactive program enables participants to gain a basic understanding of group facilitation best practices and better understand their future professional development needs in designing and facilitating effective meetings. This program builds skills for planners, community developers, and changemakers in general as they seek to implement grassroots transformative innovation in their communities and the groups they serve.
1 PMZoom
20
February2025
In-Person: Community Forum on Reading’s CRIZ ProgramYou’re invited to an in-person Community Forum to discuss the CRIZ program moderated by Dave Myers. Reading is one of two cities in Pennsylvania recently approved for a City Revitalization and
Improvement Zone (CRIZ) designation.
The other city is Erie. Reading has created a CRIZ Authority to help manage this effort. The CRIZ program allows cities to designate up to 130 acres of properties as part of the improvement zone. The program enables the city to reinvest state and local taxes collected within the zone into economic development projects within the zone boundaries, paving the way for a stronger and more vibrant community. Similar to a tax incremental financing program (TIF), it is structured to protect the existing tax base while providing funding derived from tax revenues from new economic development within the zone.
Improvement Zone (CRIZ) designation.
The other city is Erie. Reading has created a CRIZ Authority to help manage this effort. The CRIZ program allows cities to designate up to 130 acres of properties as part of the improvement zone. The program enables the city to reinvest state and local taxes collected within the zone into economic development projects within the zone boundaries, paving the way for a stronger and more vibrant community. Similar to a tax incremental financing program (TIF), it is structured to protect the existing tax base while providing funding derived from tax revenues from new economic development within the zone.
11:30 AMChrist Episcopal Church,
435 Court St, Reading, PA
435 Court St, Reading, PA
21
February2025
Webinar: Mapping the Food Landscape: Using Healthy Food Walk Audits to Assess Local Food SystemsCM 1.5
Healthy food walk audits provide a dynamic way to assess the food landscape in neighborhoods, evaluating availability, proximity, routes, and infrastructure needs. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use walk audits to gather data on the built environment’s influence on healthy food access, including identifying gaps in food availability, barriers in transportation routes, infrastructure challenges, and opportunities for growing and value-added production. Through real-world examples and collaborative activities, attendees will explore strategies for engaging residents in the auditing process, uncovering community-driven insights, and translating findings into actionable plans. This session will also discuss how walk audit results can shape policies, partnerships, and investments to build resilient and equitable food systems. Participants will leave equipped with tools and techniques to conduct walk audits in their communities and advocate for impactful changes in the local food landscape.
Healthy food walk audits provide a dynamic way to assess the food landscape in neighborhoods, evaluating availability, proximity, routes, and infrastructure needs. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use walk audits to gather data on the built environment’s influence on healthy food access, including identifying gaps in food availability, barriers in transportation routes, infrastructure challenges, and opportunities for growing and value-added production. Through real-world examples and collaborative activities, attendees will explore strategies for engaging residents in the auditing process, uncovering community-driven insights, and translating findings into actionable plans. This session will also discuss how walk audit results can shape policies, partnerships, and investments to build resilient and equitable food systems. Participants will leave equipped with tools and techniques to conduct walk audits in their communities and advocate for impactful changes in the local food landscape.
1 PMZoom
27
February2025
Webinar: Q&A with Wes Marshall author of “Killed by a Traffic Engineer”CM 1.0
Planners will talk with the author of a highly acclaimed book, “Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System.”
Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, Wes Marshall will explain how traffic engineering “research” is outdated and unexamined (at its best) and often steered by an industry and culture considering only how to get from point A to B the fastest way possible, to the detriment of safety, quality of life, equality, and planetary health.
Planners will talk with the author of a highly acclaimed book, “Killed by a Traffic Engineer: Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System.”
Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, Wes Marshall will explain how traffic engineering “research” is outdated and unexamined (at its best) and often steered by an industry and culture considering only how to get from point A to B the fastest way possible, to the detriment of safety, quality of life, equality, and planetary health.
8 PMZoom
28
February2025
Deadline for AICP Scholarship
11:59 PM
5
March2025
Webinar Wednesday: Take a Ride on the ReadingCM 1.0
The recently standardized planning process created by the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration in their Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP) and the efforts to-date and planned by the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia within the CIDP process.
The current program to develop a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning overlay in the City of Reading to leverage the planned restoration to passenger rail service between Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville and Philadelphia.
CM credit is pending approval. You must attend the webinar live in order to earn CM credit.
The recently standardized planning process created by the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration in their Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP) and the efforts to-date and planned by the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia within the CIDP process.
The current program to develop a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning overlay in the City of Reading to leverage the planned restoration to passenger rail service between Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville and Philadelphia.
CM credit is pending approval. You must attend the webinar live in order to earn CM credit.
12 PMZoom
7
March2025
Webinar: Beyond the Rainbow Crosswalk: LGBTQ+ PreservationCM 1.5
E 1.0
Throughout the United States, LGBTQ+ enclaves have provided safe havens for historically marginalized sexual minorities. Yet factors including development pressures, gentrification and continued homophobia threaten these sacred spaces and their associated living heritage. In recent years, many cities have begun to recognize the value of sustaining LGBTQ+ historic and cultural sites within the broader urban fabric. Traditional preservation tools such as historic context statements, city landmarks and cultural resource surveys can ensure such sites are protected. Innovative concepts such as cultural districts can help drive municipal projects. Placemarkers such as commemorative artwork, flags, interpretive signage, and more can further elevate the visibility and identity of queer spaces. However, robust outreach and engagement is critical for community empowerment to ensure planning decisions are ultimately serving the best interests of historically excluded groups. This lively panel discussion will examine tools employed by three different cities, specifically San Francisco, Chicago and Raleigh. Presenters will share success stories of LGBTQ+ preservation, and necessary institutional frameworks to support such efforts. The session will highlight the importance of historic preservation as it relates to broader community stabilization. With lessons learned from this session, attendees can examine opportunities for LGBTQ+ preservation within their own communities.
E 1.0
Throughout the United States, LGBTQ+ enclaves have provided safe havens for historically marginalized sexual minorities. Yet factors including development pressures, gentrification and continued homophobia threaten these sacred spaces and their associated living heritage. In recent years, many cities have begun to recognize the value of sustaining LGBTQ+ historic and cultural sites within the broader urban fabric. Traditional preservation tools such as historic context statements, city landmarks and cultural resource surveys can ensure such sites are protected. Innovative concepts such as cultural districts can help drive municipal projects. Placemarkers such as commemorative artwork, flags, interpretive signage, and more can further elevate the visibility and identity of queer spaces. However, robust outreach and engagement is critical for community empowerment to ensure planning decisions are ultimately serving the best interests of historically excluded groups. This lively panel discussion will examine tools employed by three different cities, specifically San Francisco, Chicago and Raleigh. Presenters will share success stories of LGBTQ+ preservation, and necessary institutional frameworks to support such efforts. The session will highlight the importance of historic preservation as it relates to broader community stabilization. With lessons learned from this session, attendees can examine opportunities for LGBTQ+ preservation within their own communities.
1 PMZoom
12
February2025
AICP Office Hours
This meeting will discuss One Path to AICP. Q&A will follow. Members and non-members are welcome.
This meeting will discuss One Path to AICP. Q&A will follow. Members and non-members are welcome.
1 PMZoom
10
March2025
AICP Office Hours
This meeting will discuss One Path to AICP. Q&A will follow. Members and non-members are welcome.
This meeting will discuss One Path to AICP. Q&A will follow. Members and non-members are welcome.
2 PMZoom
12
March2025
Webinar: Celebrating 25 Years of PlanningCM 1.0
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Program. Since the establishment of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, FEMA has partnered with state, local and tribal partners across the region to support their mitigation planning efforts. This webinar will take a look back at how the program has evolved, the successful projects it has supported, and look forward to exciting things to come.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Program. Since the establishment of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, FEMA has partnered with state, local and tribal partners across the region to support their mitigation planning efforts. This webinar will take a look back at how the program has evolved, the successful projects it has supported, and look forward to exciting things to come.
11 AMZoom
13
March2025
March 2025 Section MeetingThe March 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
1
April2025
Spring 2025 AICP Certification Cycle OpensRegistration for the Spring 2025 AICP Certification Cycle opens April 1, at 10:00 AM EST and closes April 30, at 4:00 PM EST.
All DayVirtual
10
April2025
April 2025 Section MeetingThe April 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
18
April2025
Webinar: Web Skills & Platforms for PlannersCM 1.5
As planners increasingly embrace digital tools, understanding the workings behind the web has become crucial. Just as “Code is the new concrete,” planners who understand the “infrastructure” of websites can more effectively engage with digital platforms to serve their communities. This webinar, Planning Webcast: Web Skills for Planners, will provide an essential foundation in web skills, equipping participants to evaluate, design, deploy, and maintain websites. Participants will gain insights into everything from user-friendly design principles to back-end fundamentals, collaboration with web developers , or key no-code platforms. The session will also highlight web tools like Google Sites, Wix, and AI-driven resources that simplify coding and optimize functionality. With knowledge of these tools, planners can confidently navigate and harness the potential of web technology to enhance their planning efforts.
As planners increasingly embrace digital tools, understanding the workings behind the web has become crucial. Just as “Code is the new concrete,” planners who understand the “infrastructure” of websites can more effectively engage with digital platforms to serve their communities. This webinar, Planning Webcast: Web Skills for Planners, will provide an essential foundation in web skills, equipping participants to evaluate, design, deploy, and maintain websites. Participants will gain insights into everything from user-friendly design principles to back-end fundamentals, collaboration with web developers , or key no-code platforms. The session will also highlight web tools like Google Sites, Wix, and AI-driven resources that simplify coding and optimize functionality. With knowledge of these tools, planners can confidently navigate and harness the potential of web technology to enhance their planning efforts.
1 PMZoom
30
April2025
Spring 2025 AICP Certification Cycle EndsRegistration for the Spring 2025 AICP Certification Cycle opens April 1, at 10:00 AM EST and closes April 30, at 4:00 PM EST.
All DayVirtual
15
May2025
May 2025 Section MeetingThe May 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
21
May2025
Webinar: Building Smarter and Safer CommunitiesCM 1.0
May is National Building Safety Month, which highlights the value of building codes and strong enforcement. These codes help make communities safer and more resilient to natural hazards such as fires, floods and storms. This webinar will explore the ways building codes help reduce community disaster risk.
May is National Building Safety Month, which highlights the value of building codes and strong enforcement. These codes help make communities safer and more resilient to natural hazards such as fires, floods and storms. This webinar will explore the ways building codes help reduce community disaster risk.
11 AMZoom
12
June2025
June 2025 Section MeetingThe June 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
10
July2025
July 2025 Section MeetingThe July 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
23
July2025
Webinar: From Risk to Resilience: Planning for Wildfires and Heat WavesCM 1.0
Hotter temperatures and more frequent droughts can create the perfect recipe for wildfires. Hazard mitigation planning can help reduce risks posed by wildfires. It can protect lives and property and boost economic resilience. The webinar will explore how to address the changes in heat and wildfire activity due to shifting climate conditions.
Hotter temperatures and more frequent droughts can create the perfect recipe for wildfires. Hazard mitigation planning can help reduce risks posed by wildfires. It can protect lives and property and boost economic resilience. The webinar will explore how to address the changes in heat and wildfire activity due to shifting climate conditions.
11 AMZoom
14
August2025
August 2025 Section MeetingThe August 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
3
September2025
Webinar: Mapping Mitigation Actions, Implementing StrategyCM 1.0
A comprehensive mitigation strategy is fundamental to reducing risk and enhancing community resilience. This webinar will explore how to align funding opportunities with mitigation actions, providing practical insights on translating strategic plans into actionable projects that effectively address local hazards.
A comprehensive mitigation strategy is fundamental to reducing risk and enhancing community resilience. This webinar will explore how to align funding opportunities with mitigation actions, providing practical insights on translating strategic plans into actionable projects that effectively address local hazards.
11 AMZoom
11
September2025
September 2025 Section MeetingThe September 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
13
November2025
November 2025 Section MeetingThe November 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
12 PMVirtual
19
November2025
Webinar: Leveraging Federal Funds for Mitigation ActionsCM 1.0
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. This webinar will explore mitigation actions and the diverse mechanisms that can help fund your mitigation projects.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. This webinar will explore mitigation actions and the diverse mechanisms that can help fund your mitigation projects.
11 AMZoom
11
December2025
December 2025 Section MeetingThe December 2025 meeting of the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section will be held in-person, location TBD.
12 PMIn-Person
TBD
TBD
Section Events
To register for section-sponsored events, please visit our Eventbrite page.