2009 Annual APA Virginia/VAZO Conference

GREEN COMMUNITIES VIRGINIA
Planning for Environmental, Economic, and Cultural Sustainability
in the Commonwealth

March 25-27, 2009

Williamsburg Lodge
Williamsburg, Virginia

Full Conference Program

Certification Maintenance Credits Accepted

The Chapter has qualified all sessions for CM credits. Our goal is to structure the conference sessions so that AICP members can earn up to 12 to 14 CM credits by attending. Visit the APA Calendar of Events to view all the conference sessions  that were qualified. AICP related questions? Contact Glenn at 804/748-1970 or pdo@apavirginia.org.

VAZO credits will be available.

Keynote

Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Tim Beatley, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, Department of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia, will address us at the Opening Luncheon on Wednesday March 25. Much of Beatley’s work focuses on the subject of sustainable communities, and creative strategies by which cities and towns can fundamentally reduce their ecological footprints, while at the same time becoming more livable and equitable places. His books include Green Urbanism: Learning from European Cities, and Native to Nowhere: Sustaining Home and Community in a Global Age. He recently co-authored two new books with Australian planner Peter Newman: Resilient Cities and Green Urbanism Down Under. Beatley holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Beatley also host a book signing  featuring Resilient Cities and Green Urbanism Down Under. 

Conference Brochure

Download the 2009 Conference Brochure

There are several unique features the 2009 APA Virginia/VAZO conference to be aware of:

• This is a Joint VAZO and APA Virginia Conference: For the first time, the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials will partner with APA Virginia and share our annual conferences. There will be a special VAZO tract on Thursday March 26, but VAZO and APA-VA members may attend any and all sessions offered.  This partnership with VAZO was forged so that zoning officials who are also AICP members could earn CM credits. However, the synergy and interaction of the two groups will be a unique new aspect of this conference.
• The Conference Registration Cost has been Reduced: Conference registration will be $295 as compared to $395 last year.  The APA Virginia Board wanted to make the conference as affordable as possible in these tough budget times.
• Each and Every Session will be Registered for AICP Credit: All sessions have been registered with AICP and expected to gain certification for credits. Please note that the required Legal and Ethics sessions will each be offered on two consecutive days during the conference.  Remember this is the last state conference before the two-year CM credit reporting is due.
• More Than 50 Sessions Offered: From corridor overlays and form-based regulations to paying for growth and legislative debriefing on the 2009 General Assembly, a wide variety of subjects are covered.  Diversity, edge cities, transit oriented design, light rail planning, planning for the arts, green villages, urban trails, and case studies from a variety of Virginia jurisdictions are also in the mix.
• Green Topics Heavily Featured:  Nearly half of sessions feature green or sustainable topics such as climate change, zoning and green building, universal design, land conservation, sustainable transportation and case studies from several localities.
• Unique Location: Accommodations are in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg at the recently restored Williamsburg Lodge.  Please note that the conference rate will be honored three days before and three days after the conference.  Bring the family and enjoy Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown
• Two Pre Conference Bike Tours: Join two local (and fit) Planning Directors for either a 12 or a 35-mile bike ride highlighting the splendid bike trails and resources of the area.  This is a pre-conference Tuesday afternoon activity beginning at 1 p.m. 
• Travel the Triangle: Experience the area firsthand on Mobile Tours.  James City County’s established mixed use center  “New Town” and the City of Williamsburg’s just built“High Street” will be featured.  Additional mobile tours include New Kent County to tour green development and a winery as well as a walking tour of the Williamsburg area.  Past and present day development will be featured.
• And All the Rest: Also featured will be the Annual APA Virginia Awards and Outstanding Student Awards, a festive opening reception and post conference AICP training.