American Planning Association | City Planning & Management Division
The Mentorship Program brings together emerging planning professionals and experienced public-sector leaders to foster learning, leadership, and meaningful professional connections. During the six-month program, mentees gain practical guidance, career insight, and real-world perspectives from accomplished municipal planners who understand the opportunities and challenges of public service.
Mentors have the opportunity to invest in the next generation of planning professionals by sharing their knowledge, strengthening their own leadership and coaching skills, and gaining fresh perspectives from emerging talent. Together, mentors and mentees build relationships that enrich individual careers, strengthen local government practice, and advance the city planning profession.
Mentees will be thoughtfully paired with mentors whose interests, specialization, experience, and career goals align with their own. These intentional pairings will foster meaningful relationships and productive conversations.
Mentors and mentees will regulalrly connect regularly through one-on-one conversations, primarily in a virtual setting. This approach allows participants to build close relationships.
Participants will have opportunities to join facilitated group discussions and Q&A sessions with experienced planners who share insights from their professional development, career journeys, and experiences in public-sector planning.
Participants will receive articles, reading lists, videos, and other materials to introduce new ideas, spark conversation, and provide opportunities for continued learning between, and beyond, mentoring sessions.
Rick Willson, FAICP, PhD and professor of Urban and Regional Planning at CalPoly Pomona explains why it's critical for planners.
FULL PROGRAM CALENDAR FOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TO BE RELEASE IN DECEMBER 2026
Email: mentorship@apacity.org