APA NPC ’22 – The Aftermath

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It’s over and San Diego is still standing.

Over 3,000 planning geeks descended on the southern California city for the annual APA National Planning Conference (NPC ’22) a few weeks ago. The annual COMICON for planning nerds was certainly a success.

National Planning Conference (NPC)

Opening Session of the National Planning Conference

APA CEO Joel Albizo and APA Board President Leo R. Asuncion, Jr. welcomed everyone to the event. Asuncion Jr. got a laugh from the crowd when he admitted during a question and answer session that the word he used too much was “cannibalize”. But the word is actually apropos for this conference. With so many sessions about zoning reform, to “cannibalize” your zoning ordinance may be the way right term to use.

They kicked off the conference on a good “note”. They brought in Mike Ford (@HipHopArch) the Hip Hop Architect. Mike delivered a great speech about the growing impact of Hip Hop on architecture and planning. He would also provide an uplifting discussion about how he’s been involving younger generations through Hip Hop as well. Check out the video below about his Hip Hop Architecture Camps.

San Diego as the Venue

San Diego itself was a great venue for NPC. Though temps were mostly in the upper 60s with very little wind. Which was a great escape from the recently often heavily windswept plains. It was perfect weather for all the mobile workshops that were offered as well.

At the center of it all was the Gaslamp District. Lying conveniently across the street from the San Diego Conference Center, the District is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. It was always an active place, especially during the weekend. Things didn’t quiet down until the early morning hours.

Gaslamp District at NPC

San Diego’s Gaslamp District

Always Something Good to Eat

The Gaslamp District is filled with great places to eat. There were too many good restaurants to point out. But I had to post this picture of the apple pancake at Richard Walker’s Pancake House (@RichardWalkers). I’m not sure if that monstrosity of flavor can still meet the definition of a “pancake”.

Apple Pancake

Apple Pancake at Richard Walker’s Pancake House

But I’m lured into Irish pubs wherever I go. When I last visited San Diego nearly a decade ago I was drawn to The Field Irish Pub (@FieldIrishPub), not once, but twice. Of course, being in San Diego, they had good fish n’ chips. But they also have a good shepherd’s pie. Hence, I had to come back this year and drag a couple of friends with me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hold back from digging in before taking a picture.

Shepperd's Pie

Shepperd’s Pie at The Field Irish Pub

Rural Planning at NPC

As mentioned in my pre-conference post, there were a number of sessions that piqued my interest from a rural mindset. Near the top of that list was Chad Nabity’s session, “Zoning Reform Won’t Solve Small Town Housing Issues”. It was a short, and quick-to-the-point session about housing affordability in rural areas.

In fact, there was an overwhelming theme throughout the conference about the affordable housing issue. It was a good kick-off to Affordable Housing Month.

I also attended two sessions that involved Donald Elliott of Clarion Associates. He didn’t mix words, you knew his stance on the subjects he presented on through his energetic speaking. In “Upzoning for Affordable Housing: Does it Work?” he pressed that the affordable housing issue is simple microeconomics. Supply and demand. There’s simply not enough supply to lower demand enough to make a difference in prices.

It seemed to ruffle the feathers of some in the NPC crowd, but it was a completely true statement. While numerous people were concentrating on zoning regulations and subsidies, the roots of the issue is purely supply and demand.

There was also a good session by Emily Goellner of the City of Wayzata, Minnesota. “Transforming Our Lakefront: Wayzata’s Storywas a great session about how a town of under 3,700 rejuvenated its waterfront to make a great place to be in downtown Wayzata. I just wished it was longer, as it was only 15 minutes long.

In Summary

Everyone talked about how they were happy to be back in person and it showed. Conference-goers enjoyed a great event at a great venue. I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference. In the spring of 2023 Philadelphia natives will have to get used to masses of visitors taking pictures of well-designed plazas and other inanimate well-planned areas.