2021 STRATEGIC PLAN TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION 2020 - 20 2 5
The Executive Committee of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA) began the development of this Chapter Strategic Plan in the Spring of 2020, immediately following the TAPA Spring Conference. The COVID-19 Pandemic began soon after, derailing most previous plans and halting progress while the world weighed the effects of the virus and worked to formulate solutions to the crisis. Work on the plan restarted in early 2021. After obtaining input from the Standing Committees and Section Directors, the draft plan was compiled and reviewed by the Executive Committee in the summer of 2021 and final Draft was available to all Chapter members in the early fall of 2021. Final approval of the Chapter Strategic Plan shall be held in the late fall of 2021 during the Annual Executive Board Meeting at the 2021 Fall Conference.
Adoption Date
October 6, 2021
Chapter President
Lynn Tully, AICP, CEcD
Chapter Secretary
Cameron Taylor, AICP Candidate
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CONTENTS 1 MISSION
1
Mission Statement Executive Committee
2 STRUCTURE
3
Standing Committees Tennessee Planning Leadership Council
3 SECTIONS
5
Chapter Divisions
4 GOALS
7
Goals, Objectives, and Action Steps
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1. MISSION MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA) is to provide professional leadership and resources for the development of inclusive, livable communities across Tennessee by providing up-to-date training programs on current planning issues, professional development opportunities, and advocating for a highly qualified and diverse network of professional planners.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee, as outlined below, consists of ten voting officers that represent the chapter and each of its geographic sections, as well as five non-voting members by appointment.
PRESIDENT VOTING MEMBERS
NON-VOTING MEMBERS NON-VOTING MEMBERS
VICE PRESIDENT
LEGAL ADVISOR
TREASURER CHAPTER LOBBYIST WEST TENNESSEE SECRETARY
SECTION DIRECTORS
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
NATIONAL AFFAIRS LIAISON
CHATTANOOGA KNOXVILLE
FORMER PRESIDENT
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
STATE OF FRANKLIN STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
TENNESSEE PLANNING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
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2. STRUCTURE STANDING COMMITTEES
Implementation of the Strategic Plan is carried out by the Executive Board and standing committees, comprised of volunteers who provide expertise, services, and leadership that promote good planning practices throughout Tennessee with the support of the Executive Board. Most standing committees meet periodically throughout the year, though some, such as the Annual Conference committee, focus on a onetime events. Strategic plans from individual standing committees provide additional detail on their specific goals, objectives, and organizational structure. Each committee chair shall report back to the Executive Committee quarterly on their respective committee’s goals and activities. TAPA’s standing committees and leadership are listed below. With the exception of the Tennessee Planning Leadership Council (TPLC), committee participation is open to all members. Professional Development Committee Provides opportunities for development of skills and professional growth for planners at all experience levels, including the Emerging Planners Group and Mentor Match program. Chair: Professional Development Officer Additional Leadership: Student Planners Council Liaison, Mentor Match Program Coordinator, Section Directors Nominating Committee Identifies potential officer candidates to recommend for leadership positions with TAPA. Actively seeks and cultivates members for leadership in the profession. Chair: Former President Additional Leadership: President, Section Directors Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee Tracks planning-related legislation and policies and provides advocacy opportunities for members that promote excellent and equitable planning in Tennessee Chair: Legal Advisor Additional Leadership: Chapter Lobbyist and National Affairs Liaison, Former President, Representative Member from Each Section Public Relations Committee Represents the organization though social media postings, website updates, and additional public relations activities. Chair: At-Large Appointment by Chapter Secretary
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Conference Committee Plans the annual fall and spring conferences and ensures diverse educational topics are available for members. Chair: Vice President Additional Leadership: Section Director from Host Section, Professional Development Officer, Former Conference Chair Conference Awards Committee Identifies and selects projects for annual conference awards. Chair: Member from Host Section Additional Leadership: Member from Each Section, At-Large Member, TPLC Member Student Planners Council Maintains contact with all planning and planning-related programs throughout Tennessee and leads in recruiting and involving students for TAPA events and activities, including the student scholarship. Chair: Student Representative Additional Leadership: Representatives from Various Planning Programs Auditing Committee Provides internal audits of chapter financial activities as needed. Chair: President Additional Leadership: Vice President, Treasurer
TENNESSEE PLANNING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Starting in 2011, the Tennessee Planning Leadership Council (TPLC) are active Chapter members who have been nominated by their peers in recognition of their commitment to the profession of public planning, service to their community, and participation with the Chapter. TPLC includes outstanding practicing planners that provide leadership and counsel to practicing planners and elected officials upon request. The TPLC Leadership shall serve the Chapter in many leadership roles, including the professional development opportunities for members of all experience levels and in providing training opportunities to Planning Commissioners, Boards of Zoning Appeals members, and other local elected officials.
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3. SECTIONS CHAPTER DIVISIONS
The five sections of the Chapter include West Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the State of Franklin. Each section has a Director, Vice-Director, Treasurer and Secretary as well as members that serve on the Chapter Standing Committees.
West Tennessee Section
Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley Counties. Middle Tennessee Section
Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Fentress, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Van-Buren, Warren, Wayne, White, Williamson, and Wilson Counties. Chattanooga Section
Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties. Knoxville Section
Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union Counties. State of Franklin Section
Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.
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4. GOALS
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTION STEPS
Goals were developed by the Executive Board to ensure that the Chapter’s everyday operations align with the overall mission of the organization. The Chapter’s four goals are shown below with their respective objectives. Action steps — detailed on the following pages — were identified to guide the implementation of the plan.
#1 Promote Effective Planning and Support
#2 Promote Professional Development
for Planning In Tennessee
Among Tennessee Planners
Objectives
Objectives
1.1 Increase citizen awareness and professional planners’ understanding of the role and value of planning in community and regional development.
1.1 Provide frequent and meaningful opportunities for Chapter members to broaden their planning knowledge through formal training and informal networking.
1.2 Advocate for a supportive framework for quality planning throughout Tennessee.
1.2 Encourage and support career development for planners at all experience levels.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
#3 Promote the Growth of the Tennessee APA Chapter
Objectives 1.1 Find new ways to actively engage members and raise awareness of the Chapter’s activities. 1.2 Provide financial resources that are sustainable and adequate to support the desired level of Chapter activity, visibility, and services provided to members.
#4 Celebrate Great Planning in Tennessee Objectives 1.1. Identify and elevate a specific great place in Tennessee for an annual award. 1.2 Develop continuous opportunities that highlight excellent planning in Tennessee at the annual Fall Conference and throughout the year.
1.3 Document all Chapter policies, roles and responsibilities to support consistency and orderly transitions among officers and committees.
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GOAL 1: PROMOTE EFFECTIVE PLANNING AND SUPPORT FOR PLANNING IN TENNESSEE Objective #1 Increase citizen awareness and professional planners’ understanding of the role and value of planning in community and regional development.
1.1
Regularly collect and publish information on the status of planning in Tennessee communities and local planning commission contacts.
1.2
Offer the resources of the TPLC to local planning commissions to meet their ongoing training requirements. Explore the possibility of tracking their training and providing certificates.
1.3
Formally assign the duties of the Chapter’s Planning Officials Development Officer (PODO) responsibilities to the TPLC.
1.4
Provide a session at the Annual Conference for planning commissioners, elected officials, and other interested citizens.
1.5
Create a list of planning topics on the Chapter website and document and disseminate best planning practices throughout the state, including those appropriate for rural, suburban, and urban communities.
Objective #2
Advocate for a supportive framework for quality planning throughout Tennessee.
2.1
Establish mutually-beneficial partnerships between TAPA and allied professional organizations, institutions, and other related organizations to support good planning practice (FPM, ASLA, Building Officials, Farm Bureau, etc.).
2.2
Have Chapter and section representatives periodically attend meetings of partner organizations and, when appropriate and provide updates back to the members. Join with other state Chapters when possible.
2.3
Create a Chapter Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee, composed of the Chapter lobbyist, National Affairs Liaison, Immediate Past President and a member from each section, who monitors proposed state legislation and provides recommendations to the Executive Committee as to whether the Chapter should take an official position on various issues and/or proposed legislation.
2.4
Re-establish the TAPA ex-officio seat with Tennessee Municipal League (TML) for further advocacy opportunities.
2.5
Explore and promote practices that support and advocate for inclusive planning.
2.6
Develop legislative advocates for good planning. Prepare planning legislation to sponsor and support within the legislature. Explore a Legislator of the Year Award.
2.7
Explore hosting a “Planners day on the Hill”. Develop educational materials for legislators related to planning topics.
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GOAL 2: PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG TENNESSEE PLANNERS Objective #1 Provide frequent and meaningful opportunities for Chapter members to broaden their planning knowledge through formal training and informal networking.
1.1 Create and maintain a list of planning contacts for all city, county and state entities. 1.2 Ensure affordable continuing education for planning in Tennessee, through both direct sponsorship and by serving as a clearinghouse to promote other CM-approved planning events.
1.3 Provide training in specific topic areas related to equity and diversity in planning practice. 1.4 Build awareness of the significance and value of the AICP certification and make resources available to TAPA members who are pursuing it.
1.5 Coordinate training with the University of Memphis, TSU, MTSU, UTK and ETSU and other educational institutions in the state that offer planning and planning related education.
1.6 Create a framework for the FAICP application process to guide Chapter applicants through the process.
1.7 Share events and publications related to planning topics for group discussion and interaction. 1.8 Host an AICP Preparation session at each fall conference. Schedule an AICP study session in the spring, utilizing insight from recently certified planners to identify best practices for exam preparation. Seek volunteers to create online, recorded presentations that cover topics in the exam. Objective #2 Encourage and support career development for planners at all experience levels.
2.1
Provide networking opportunities for planners at all experience levels to interact, share experience and advice, and encourage one another professionally.
2.2
Support the Mentor Match program with continued recruitment of highly qualified mentors.
2.3
Develop a statewide Emerging Planners Group (EPG) with networking and professional development opportunities. Identify regional representatives to ensure statewide opportunities.
2.4
Identify and collaborate with all Chapter FAICP members to provide support for new applicants.
2.5
Provide one ticketed networking opportunity for both of the chapter’s emerging professionals groups — Emerging Planners Group (EPG) and Mentor Match — at the Fall Conference.
2.6
Provide one annual ticketed event per region for the Emerging Planners Group (EPG) outside of the Fall Conference.
2.7
Consider joining a consortium comprised of other state Chapters PDO’s to share educational resources and networking opportunities.
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GOAL 3: PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF THE TENNESSEE APA CHAPTER Objective #1 Find new ways to actively engage members and raise awareness of the Chapter’s activities.
1.1
Identify and recruit professionals who currently practice planning in Tennessee but are not yet members of the Chapter. Explore a partnership with MTAS/CTAS for this information.
1.2
Maintain and expand participation in the Chapter’s Facebook, and Twitter accounts and launch a new Linked In group account. Use hashtags to promote the Annual Conference, other Tennessee-specific planning events, section news, job/internship opportunities, and members’ professional accomplishments.
1.3
Maintain an up-to-date website through our APA web portal.
1.4
Report regularly to the Chapter on its membership statistics and participation.
Objective #2 Provide financial resources that are sustainable and adequate to support the desired level of Chapter activity, visibility, and services provided to members.
2.1
Undertake an annual financial planning process to prepare an annual operating budget based on input from the Executive Committee, Sections, and other members.
2.2
Develop recommendations for a proposed dues structure and other fund-raising strategies, based on best practices from other APA Chapters, and present for consideration at the each Annual Meeting typically held in conjunction with the Fall Conference.
2.3
Develop an investment strategy to optimize financial performance of Chapter savings and other funds.
Objective #3 Document all Chapter policies, roles and responsibilities to support consistency and orderly transitions among officers and committees.
3.1
Develop a Conference Planning Guide that will be followed by each section when it is their turn to host the Annual Conference. The guide will address the responsibilities of the host section and the Chapter Executive Committee, explain financial policies, include examples of previous checklists, correspondence, budgets, schedule, etc.
3.2
Develop written training/orientation for Chapter officers and committee chairs to familiarize them with roles and responsibilities.
3.3
Maintain official copies of Chapter and section by-laws, including any amendments, and post on the Chapter website.
3.4
Maintain archives of standard operating procedures and guides held in the TAPA dropbox archives.
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GOAL 4: CELEBRATE GOOD PLANNING IN TENNESSEE Objective #1 Identify and elevate a specific great place in Tennessee for an annual award.
1.1
Create an annual “Great Places in Tennessee” award given to Tennessee communities modeled after APA’s Great Places award. Consider involving TPLC for awards criteria and selection.
Objective #2 Develop opportunities to highlight excellent planning in Tennessee that celebrates local planning successes at the annual Fall Conference and throughout the year.
2.1
Produce a quarterly spotlight of an exemplary planning activity for each section.
2.2
Consider updating the Chapter’s website to showcase award-winning and meaningful planning projects developed by TAPA planners, providing an opportunity to build an archive as a future resources for members.
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