Benefits of Membership

Membership in CCAPA brings the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities offered by the Chapter. These include:

Meetings & Conferences
Throughout the year, CCAPA holds a number of meetings that focus on planning-related topics of interest and educational value to our members. These include professional development workshops, legislative updates and – along with the Massachusetts and Rhode Island chapters of APA – an annual two-day regional conference and awards ceremony, held in such locations as Hartford, Springfield and Newport.

Chapter Publications
CCAPA produces several publications to help our members stay well-informed about the planning profession in Connecticut. These include:

• Connecticut Planning, CCAPA's quarterly newsletter, which features timely articles about planning practice and issues of interest to our members, information about upcoming events, membership news and employment opportunities.
• Membership Directory, which includes a comprehensive listing of all CCAPA members and an advertising directory of planning consultants.

Awards and Scholarships

• The Connecticut Planning Awards have been presented annually by CCAPA since 1989 to acknowledge planning excellence in Connecticut. The awards recognize innovative land use plans and projects, the outstanding achievements of Chapter members and others in planning public service, and leadership in media coverage of planning issues in the state.
• The Diana Donald Scholarship was established by CCAPA in 1983 to honor the late Diana Donald, a pioneer of women in planning in Connecticut. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a Connecticut student pursuing a graduate degree in planning or a planning-related field of study. Click here for more information.

Legislative Action
Because much of the work of planners and planning officials is directly affected by state law, CCAPA maintains an active presence at the State Capitol in Hartford. The Chapter's Government Relations Committee serves as our primary vehicle for influencing land use legislation in Connecticut. The Committee closely monitors bills related to planning and land use and advocates the Chapter's position on such proposals, frequently testifying before the General Assembly. The Committee also initiates legislation to improve the planning and development process in Connecticut.

Professional Development
CCAPA conducts Continuing Education seminars and courses for its members, usually dealing with topics of immediate interest to planners in Connecticut. The Chapter's Professional Development Committee provides assistance to members preparing to take the examination for professional certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)