AICP Credit - Accessibility Online

Accessibility Online offers online training regarding accessibility. Many of these training opportunities are free and offer AICP Certification Maintenance Credits. A schedule can be found here: www.accessibilityonline.org/Schedule

Message from Vision North Texas

I am writing today to ask for assistance from Texas APA for Vision North Texas. I have three requests. Your members have been active with Vision North Texas in the past, so I hope we can continue to benefit from their expertise, imagination and perspectives.

First, I want to invite Texas APA members to help us identify and understand the mixed use centers in North Texas. We’ve developed an online tool that makes it easy to comment on the centers we’ve identified so far, and to suggest new centers. This is important because these mixed use centers are an essential part of a successful 21st century community. They are places where people can live, work, play, shop, learn and take care of other daily needs without driving and parking a car between each destination. Comments are requested by August 10, 2011. You can get involved at: http://www.visionnorthtexas.org/Centers/index.asp.

Second, I’d like to be sure Texas APA members join Vision North Texas at the 2011 Regional Summit on October 28, 2011. The Summit will feature Keynote Speaker Richard Florida, an internationally known author and expert on economic competitiveness. New tools for creating a better future for North Texas will also be released. Information and online registration are at: http://www.visionnorthtexas.org/2011summit/index.html.

Third, I want to ask for your assistance in communication with your members and leaders. Please include links to Vision North Texas on your website (the main address is www.visionnorthtexas.org), talk us up on your blog, and include information on these items in any electronic or print communications you use. The text below is an example you can use or modify to fit your communication methods.

Thanks so much for your past support! I look forward to continuing our work together. Should you need more information on any of these, please email me or call 214-320-1154.

Karen Walz FAICP
Vision North Texas Project Manager

Open Position - Senior Planner

Planning & Development Department - Denton, Texas
Salary: $4,042.13 - $4,959.07 month
Closing Date: September 11, 2011
More information: http://www.dentonjobs.com/

Summary of Duties

• Manages development applications, and perform field inspections to ensure conformance with approved plans, policies and standards.




• Participates in the City’s multi-disciplinary or multi-departmental development review process relative to the preparation of plans, review of development proposals or other projects.




• Reviews and processes comprehensive plan amendments, development code amendments, Planned Developments (aka PUD), Master Planned Communities, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plats.




• Manages complex planning studies, gathers relevant data, and performs statistical reports and analytical land-use research associated with physical, social & economic issues.




• Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning & Zoning Commission, the City Council, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and serves as liaison to such committees.




• Leads and coordinates neighborhood meetings, schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards, commissions, and elected officials as needed.




• Participates in the development of work priorities and task coordination decisions relative to the Department’s Strategic Plan.




• Evaluates section performance and provides recommendations for improved efficiency and effectiveness. Performs complex planning tasks as assigned such as conducting reviews consultant proposals.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or Community and Regional Planning and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience working as a City Planner or in an occupation involving urban/regional planning; or

Master’s degree in Urban Planning or Community and Regional Planning and three (3) years of experience working as a City Planner or in an occupation involving urban/regional planning.

Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop

The 19th Annual Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop will be held on August 29th. Each year, the Midwest Section - Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association hosts a workshop for local Elected and Appointed Officials covering the basics of development regulations, the role officials play in the urban planning process and an overview of challenges and innovations facing planning and development departments within our communities. This year, the Section has put together a panel of speakers that will provide insight and moderate discussion among attendees concerning a variety of topics facing those who deal with the development process. Speaker topics will include:

• Basics of planning and development review (zoning and subdivision ordinances)
• Revitalization of commercial corridors
• Ethics (Roles and Responsibilities of Officials)
• Land use and the law

The workshop includes a catered lunch and opportunities to meet officials from other communities to network and discuss challenges and opportunities in the development process. See attached brochure and agenda for more details.

When: Monday, August 29, 2011 – 10 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Brookside Convention Center, 1244 Brookside Drive, Hurst

Cost: $25 per person. Please make checks payable to: Midwest Section TX Chapter of APA. Credit cards cannot be accepted for payment at this time. Payment may be made at the event.

RSVP: Email names of attendees by August 25 to Karla Weaver at kweaver@nctcog.org or 817-608-2376.

Workshop Agenda Workshop Flyer

2011 Texas APA Conference Early Registration Open

Register now for the 2011 Texas APA Conference in Austin. The conference will be held October 5 - 7 at the Hilton Austin. Early registration ends on September 2, 2011. Register early and receive a $25 discount on the full registration fee. Reservations for rooms at the Hilton Austin end on September 16th. For hotel reservations call toll free 1-800-445-8667, or 512-482-8000.

AICP Credit - July 29th Networking Lunch - Follow Up

The Midwest Section's July 29th networking lunch, "Speaking Strategies for Influencing Audiences", has been approved fro 1.0 AICP CM credit. If you attended this lunch, you may now claim your credit through APA's website. An easy way to log your credit is to enter event number 17690 in the search box on the CM Activities page.

Elected and Appointed Officials Workshop

Each year, the Midwest Section - Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association hosts a workshop for local Elected and Appointed Officials covering the basics of development regulations, the role officials play in the urban planning process and an overview of challenges and innovations facing planning and development departments within our communities. This year, the Section has put together a panel of speakers that will provide insight and moderate discussion among attendees concerning a variety of topics facing those who deal with the development process. Speaker topics will include:

• Nuts and Bolts of Development Regulations (Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances)
• Ethics (Roles and Responsibilities of Officials)
• Legal Responsibilities
• Revitalization of Commercial Corridors

The workshop includes a catered lunch, presentation materials and opportunities to meet officials from other communities to network and discuss challenges and opportunities in the development process.

A flyer with more details will be posted very soon.

When: Monday, August 29, 2011 - 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Brookside Convention Center, 1244 Brookside Drive, Hurst

Cost: $25.00 per person

Questions: Clayton Husband, AICP at clayton.husband@arlingtontx.gov or 817-459-6668

Officer Nominations for 2011-2013

In accordance with the Midwest Section bylaws, the Nominating Committee recommends the following candidates for the ballot for officer elections for 2011-2013. The terms of office for all elected officers is two years, beginning at the conclusion of the annual fall meeting of APA Texas in odd numbered years.


Director-Elect: Douglas McDonald, AICP
Treasurer: Richard Schell, AICP
Secretary: Clayton Husband, AICP
Communications Coordinator: Clayton Comstock, AICP


Additional candidates may be placed upon the official ballot following the submission of a petition containing the signatures of at least ten or more of the qualified Section Members received by the Director by August 18, after which nominations will be closed. Petitions may be emailed to awilson@nctcog.org.

Open position - Community Development Director, City of Seabrook

The City of Seabrook, Texas is seeking a Community Development Director. This newly reorganized position will administer the City’s development processes while also guiding the city’s Economic Development functions. The Building Inspection, Permit and Code Enforcement functions are also overseen by this position. Applications will be accepted until August 10, 2011.

All inquiries regarding this process should be directed to the consultant who is working with the City of Seabrook. Applications should be submitted electronically.

Ron Holifield
Strategic Government Resources
P.O. Box 1642, Keller, TX 76244
214-676-1691
Ron@GovernmentResource.com
http://www.governmentresource.com/

Midwest Section Bylaws Election

Thanks to everyone that voted in the election to review the bylaws for the Section. The revised bylaws were approved by a unanimous vote. A copy is available here.

If you have any questions about the bylaws, please email Clayton Husband, AICP or call 817-459-6668.

2011 Texas APA Awards Deadline Extended

For those communities seeking to nominate plans, projects and ordinances for consideration of the 2011 Texas APA Awards the deadline for submittal has been extended to July 30, 2011. The original deadline published with the nomination form was last week, however the State website now places the date at the end of this week. Remember to submit 10 copies of your nomination packet. Good Luck!

Networking Luncheon - Speaking Strategies for Influencing Audiences

Please join us as we welcome Michael Putnam from the University of Texas, Arlington, School of Communication for a networking lunch presentation to learn tips and strategies for more effective communication. In order to reach our audience we have to be conscious of how we organize our message, careful of the selection of the kind of content or substance we build into it, and make it come alive with effective verbal and nonverbal delivery skills. Reasoning Strategies, Persuasive Appeals, and Delivery Techniques will be discussed and are tools than can help us present more effectively to the public, various boards and committees, and elected officials.

Networking Lunch Flyer

When: Friday, July 29, 2011 - 11:30am Registration, Noon to 1pm presentation.

Where: Intermodal Transportation Center, 1001 Jones St. Downtown Fort Worth

Cost: $15 APA Members - $20 nonmembers (includes box lunch)

RSVP: Karla Weaver at kweaver@nctcog.org or 817-608-2376

AICP: CM Credits have been requested.

Midwest Section Texas APA Board Meeting

A Board Meeting of the Midwest Section - Texas APA will be held on Tuesday July 26th at 4:00pm. The meeting will be held at Panera Bread, 1409 N Collins St, Arlington TX. For more information contact Director, Amanda Wilson, AICP

Open Position - Transportation Planner I/II FTA Program Administration

The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a qualified individual to assist the Regional Transit Coordination and Operations Team in administering, managing, and overseeing Federal Transit Administration programs, including the Urbanized Area Formula Program, Job Access/Reverse Commute Program, and New Freedom Program. These programs are complex due to the type and number of projects funded, the multitude of customers served, coordination of a variety of transit needs, and the involvement of multiple jurisdictions.

This position will provide assistance throughout the life cycle of these programs and projects, from grant approval through project implementation leading to grant closeout. This individual will assist in the review, analysis, and evaluation of the overall direction and effectiveness of project and program oversight. Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online. To be considered for any other NCTCOG position that may currently be open, applicants need to apply online separately for those postings. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing work experience, as well as a current resume.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical, quantitative methods
• At least one year of related experience
• Previous experience with Federal Transit Administration programs desired

Salary: Starting at $42,077.00 per year

Job Location: Arlington, TX, US

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Website: NCTCOG Job Application

Open Position - Transportation Planner I/II Sustainable Development

The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is increasing its staff and currently seeking a Transportation Planner I or II in Sustainable Development, specifically in the areas of Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordination and Transit-Oriented Development Planning.

This position will conduct activities related to multi-modal corridor studies, bicycle/pedestrian studies, parking analysis, traffic calming, rail and tranist project, Context Sensitive Design, land-use redevelopment projects, urban design/landscaping, and Complete Streets. Applicants wishing to be considered for this position should apply online. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing work experience, as well as a current resume.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in analytical, quantitative methods such as urban/transportation planning, design or landscape architecture or other related field of study.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and developing layers and shapefiles.
• Experience working with public and elected officials desired.

Salary: Starting at $39,324 or $43,077 per year.

Job Location: Arlington, TX

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Website: NCTCOG Job Application

Open Position - Transit System Planner - Fort Worth Transportation Authority

The T, a public transportation system, is currently seeking a Transit System Planner to perform a variety of complex transit planning development activities under the general supervision of the Director of Planning. Incumbent will assist or lead in the development of transit-related research and planning studies including the planning of capital rail and bus transit projects. Incumbent will participate in other comprehensive, mid-and long-range regional transit planning projects such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning, and assist in the implementation of fixed-route bus service changes. Must be able to demonstrate immediate proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word, ArcView, and project management.

The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Urban/City & Regional Planning, Geography, Business, or a closely related field. Masters degree, AICP and/or PMP a plus. Applicant must have five + years experience in transit planning and/or in urban or city planning with experience managing the planning of complex capital projects.

Starting salary range: $54,019 - $64,524. Benefits include medical, dental, a 457b plan with 3-6% company contribution, tuition reimbursement program, scholarship program for employees and their dependents, an onsite wellness center, employer paid life insurance, long term care, and long term disability. THIS POSITION WILL CLOSE ON JULY 25, 2011.

Applicants must apply online at http://www.the-t.com/ . You must have an email address to apply online. A kiosk in Human Resources is available Monday - Friday from 8:30pm-4:00pm in Human Resources at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, 1600 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

CNU NTX Event: The Architecture of Community

How often do citizens, city officials, and other decision-makers find confusion instead of clarity when discussing urban design? How can we attempt to help guide neighborhoods, towns, and cities and overcome the failures of the past, address current issues, and anticipate the needs of the future when we lack of a common language on urban design?

CNU North Texas along with USGBC, The Dallas Center for Architecture, ULI, and The Dallas Architecture Forum presents two lectures by Dhiru Thadani and Anne Ricker followed by a panel discussion on creating a sense of community through the built environment.

July 28, 2011 from 1p-5p at the Dallas Center for Architecture

Registation is $75 at www.cnuntx.org

Continuing Education Credit available for USGBC, CNU, AIA, and AICP members

Dhiru Thadani

Architect, urban designer, and author Dhiru Thadani will discuss and illustrate solutions found in the urban paradigm of the built environment to prescriptively solve several current global crises. He will argue the need for a common design language, which is the subject of his book, The Language of Towns & Cities: A Visual Dictionary -- Book signing to follow event.

Anne Ricker

Anne Ricker is a member and speaker for the Urban Land Institute, International Downtown Association and American Planning Association. With extensive experience in real estate market analysis, urban redevelopment and vision building for public and private sector clients, Anne focuses on assisting communities and the investors within them by preparing strategies for development and redevelopment and identifying partner roles and resources. Anne is a founding principal with consulting firm Ricker Cunningham.

Open Position - Planning Project Manager I (#3234) - City of Arlington

THIS POSITION WILL CLOSE ON JULY 24, 2011

$4,645 - $5,806 per month depending on experience. Full-Time position available - M-F 8am to 5pm.

Under general direction, leads and manages the activities of planning teams responsible for performing planning assignments such as long-range plans and studies and current planning activities, including preparing and presenting staff reports, ordinance revisions and providing technical planning and zoning assistance to the public and city departments. Bachelor's Degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, or related fields plus two (2) years related experience. Prefer a Master's Degree in related field. AICP preferred. Must successfully complete a pre-employment screen including criminal background check.

For more information and to apply please visit www.arlingtontx.gov The City of Arlington is proud to be EOE.

2012 Conference Logo Designs Wanted

The 2012 Texas APA Conference Committee is seeking your ideas and submissions for the design of the logo for the 2012 Texas APA Conference (to be held in downtown Fort Worth).

The theme for the conference is "The New Frontier", generally focusing on the concept of "Texas Then & Now" as it relates to planning. The conference logo will be used on a variety of materials, from the conference program and banners to session signage, shirts and giveaway items. The files available to the right have some sample logos from previous conferences.

Some quick parameters for designing the logo:

Needs to be scalable and recognizable at different scales for printing/use on giveaways and materials.

Needs to be usable in b/w or two-color printing as well as four color printing (would prefer no gradient fills).

Needs to be relevant to Fort Worth area - planning as well as thematic.

If you have further questions or want to submit a logo design for consideration, please contact Stephen Cook at scook@eulesstx.gov or Lyndsay Mitchell at lyndsay.mitchell@arlingtontx.gov.

82nd Texas Legislature Wrap-Up POSTPONED

Please join us as we welcome Cathy Cunningham of Boyle and Lowry, Jonathon Bazan of the City of Irving and Amanda Wilson of NCTCOG for a networking lunch to learn about how the 82nd Texas Legislature will affect planners.

Cathy and Jonathon will provide a brief overview of the legislative process and political happenings during the session. In addition, they will provide an update on the 82nd Texas Legislature regular and special sessions and cover issues related to the planning profession. Amanda will provide an update on how transportation issues were addressed during the session. Speakers will also discuss issues that may return during future legislative sessions.

When: POSTPONED. Due to a speaker scheduling conflict, this session will be rescheduled for September. Registration 11:30am - noon, presentation: noon-1:30pm.
Where: Transportation Council Room - North Central Texas Council of Governments
Cost: $10.00 APA Members / $15 non-members. Box lunch from Jason's Deli included
RSVP: Amanda Wilson at awilson@nctcog.org or 817-695-9284
AICP: CM Legal credits have been requested. Approval is pending.