Honoring the American Planning Association on the occasion of their National Planning Conference, and declaring April 1, 2023 as "City Planning Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia is pleased to honor the National Conference of the American Planning Association, which will be held April 1 through April 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The American Planning Association is the largest membership organization of professional planners. Their purpose is to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world. It was founded in 1978, with the consolidation of the American Institute of Planners and the American Society of Planning Officials, and now counts 40,000 members from 90 countries, and 24 divisions that embrace the wide range of planning; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to world-class planning, from William Penn’s green country town, to the 1960 Plan for the City, to the current comprehensive plan, Philadelphia2035, which the Philadelphia City Planning Commission is soon to update; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is a leading champion of the Commitment to Change, a declaration to transform the planning profession into one that prioritizes equity. The Commitment to Change outlines the many ways and reasons for this change, and is co-signed by planning directors across the country, many of whom will be in attendance at the National Planning Conference; and

WHEREAS, The National Planning Conference will be held in Philadelphia where they will celebrate “Let’s Talk Planning!” with Angela D. Brooks, FAICP as the President of the American Planning Associations Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, The Conference Program will highlight Climate Emergency, Digitalization, Diversification of Transportation, Future of Work, Health Equity and Nature, Housing: Affordability, Availability, and Accessibility, Implementation of Federal Programs and Grants, Political Shifts and Polarization, and Population Diversity and Inclusive Design through peer-to-peer learning, in depth exploration, and hands-on training; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors the American Planning Association on the occasion of their National Planning Conference and declares April 1, 2023 as “City Planning Day” in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the American Planning Association as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.

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