Spotlight on APA Inland Empire

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, Nat and Sam sit down with representatives from the American Planning Association (APA) Inland Empire Section to dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming APA California Conference in Riverside from September 28th through October 1st.

• Discover the purpose and vision behind APA and its Inland Empire Section, explore the initiatives of the Diversity Division, and learn how the Young and Emerging Planners Group is shaping the future of urban planning.
• Join us as we unravel the details of the APA California Conference - the theme, dates, and location - and explore how this year's conference aligns with the pressing challenges and opportunities faced by planners today.
• Delve into the urban planning trends and history of the Inland Empire, and gain insights into the strategies employed to encourage diverse participation in the call for abstracts. Our guests share how inclusivity is prioritized in the selection process.
• Get a sneak peek into the conference atmosphere, as we discuss memorable sessions from previous conferences and how APA Inland Empire fosters collaboration and networking opportunities for attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

We'll also be spreading the word about the call for sessions and registration, so if you're passionate about planning or have a story to share, this episode is for you!

Mark your calendars, stay informed, and be part of this vibrant planning community. Tune in to discover what's in store at the APA California Conference and learn the best ways to stay updated on APA IE and California events.

Episode Information

APA California 2024 Conference

APA California 2024 Call for Proposals

About Emily Elliot - Emily is a planning consultant based in Redlands, California and focuses her work within the Inland Empire. With a background in both the public and private sectors, she currently leads the newly minted Community Planning practice for MNS Engineers. A first-generation college graduate, she earned an associate degree from Palomar Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Geography from San Diego State University, and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from CalPoly Pomona which she followed with AICP certification. Emily volunteers her time to the American Planning Association as Director of the Inland Empire Section and co-chair of the 2024 state conference host committee, and as a Community and Route Steward for Bikepacking Roots, a non-profit that supports and advances bikepacking, the growth of a diverse bikepacking community, and access to and the conservation of public lands.

About Ebony J. McGee Andersen - Ebony J. McGee Andersen is the founder and Director of ejma Planning + Development, Inc.; a boutique planning firm specializing in commercial and industrial project management. She is an experienced Urban and Regional Planner with a background in natural resource development, including oil and gas and surface mining entitlement, CEQA and regulatory compliance. Ebony has a bachelor’s degree in political science and African/African American Studies from the University of California, Davis and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

About Tony Lopez - Tony is an embedded urban planner based in Southern California where he is a product of the California Community College and Public University systems. He earned an associate degree in behavioral science from Mount San Antonio College and a bachelor’s degree in urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. Looking to gain a global lens, Tony sought out his master’s degree in the Netherlands where he studied strategic planning and policy in the Urban Management and Development program at Erasmus University. Today, he currently works as an environmental planner with AECOM on strategic sustainable projects in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County. He is also a volunteer with the American Planning Association, where his efforts focus on providing students and early-career planners with resources and network opportunities, specifically in the Inland Empire region. This past year, he has organized resume/interview workshops, social network events, and planning symposiums with universities and community colleges. He will be chairing the emerging planners and student day subcommittee at the 2024 State Conference.