February

DRAFT MINUTES 

APA Utah Board Meeting Minutes
Date: February 12, 2026
Call to Order: 12:05 PM

Attendance

Present:

• Scott H.

• Katherine W.

• Vann C.

• Bruce P.

• Chris H.

• Francis L.

• Jason B.

• Meagan B.
  
  

Absent:

• Tippe M.

• Mike G.

• Ted Knowlton

• Erika C.
  
  

Quorum: Yes (minimum of 6 members met)

Discussion Items

• Maximizers Book – General discussion.

• Retreat Minutes – Noted that retreat minutes are still needed.
  
  

Committee Reports

Treasurer’s Report

• Reviewed current account totals (see agenda packet).

• Reviewed the proposed 2026 budget.

• Financial Statements and Budget Review

Scott presented the financial statements and proposed budget for the organization. He explained the current assets, liabilities, and equity positions, as well as the budgeted revenues and expenditures for the year. The budget shows a net operating loss of $9,170, but Scott noted that this could change as revenue from grants comes in. Bruce inquired about budget allocations for professional development, particularly for AICP exam preparations, to which Scott confirmed there was $1,000 allocated. Jason explained the reasons for the negative operating revenue, including board expenses and the conservative approach to conference revenue. The board will review and adopt the budget later in the agenda.

2026 Budget Review Meeting

The board reviewed the 2026 budget proposal, which has been simplified to make it more readable while maintaining transparency. Bruce raised questions about the documentation accompanying the budget, which led to a clarification that the first page shows the proposed 2026 budget, while the second page displays the 2025 results. Meagan and Jason explained that they have reviewed the budget in detail and are working to anticipate any expenditures that may arise among committees. The board agreed to proceed with reviewing committee reports, with communication to be addressed last.

Legislative Committee

• The committee has launched with approximately 5–6 planners participating.

• APA Utah is listed as a qualifying trainer for Citizen Planners.

• Met with National APA Legislative Liaison.

• Conducting direct outreach to legislators and monitoring active bills.

• Planning a legislative wrap-up session at the Spring Conference.

• Coordinating a joint meeting with the League.

• APA Utah will represent ULUI at the Spring Conference in St. George.

Legislative Advocacy and Planning Initiatives

The legislative committee has been actively engaging with state legislators, with several members successfully connecting with representatives to discuss planning-related issues and advocate for the inclusion of American Planning Association training materials as qualifying resources for planning commissioners. Francis and Jason expressed pride in the committee's efforts, highlighting their coordination with the League and preparation for the upcoming spring conference in St. George. The group is monitoring bills that could preempt planners' discretion and is planning a legislative wrap-up session, including a joint webinar and representation at the ULUI Spring Conference. Bruce inquired about potential policy positions for APA Utah, specifically regarding rental fee transparency and affordability, which the committee is currently examining.

Professional Development Officer (PDO)

• The committee consists of 8 members; the first meeting was held.

• AICP training sessions scheduled February–May.

• CM reporting window April–September.

• Recruiting CM credit reviewers and enterers.

• Encouraging promotion of available scholarships.
  
  

Programs Committee

• Committee membership is currently low; recruitment is underway.

• Working toward a goal of 10 members.

• Mentorship program kickoff held in January.

• Coordinating with the Early Career Planners Group.
  
  

Partners & Affiliates Committee

• First meeting scheduled.

• Actively seeking additional members.
  
  

Student Representative

• Working with Eli as Vice Chair.

• First meeting scheduled.

• Outreach efforts are underway to connect with universities, students, and faculty.

• The USU Spring Poster Tour is in planning.
  
  

Communications Committee

• Emailed after meeting: we broke the group into 3 factions: the e-blast, social media, and the newsletter. We have a good group for each. 

It took a while to get all the login information, but we officially have it, and our first social media post is tomorrow - it will be a series of urban planning-focused valentines. 

We plan on at least 2 social media posts a month

We have our second meeting next week to discuss our newsletter topics, As well as our social media rollout. 

We will have a social media post about the benefits of APA sponsorship.

Past President Committee (PPC)

• No report (not represented).
  
  

Membership Committee

• No report (not represented).

Action Items

• CPC Grant: Agreed to pursue either a Trends Report (Jason / Tippe) and/ or a Planning 101 Course (Chris). *Meagan suggests something that is combined. 

The board discussed several key items, including a new grant opportunity through CPC for which they will submit a letter of intent to fund an annual planning trends report that will serve dual purposes of documentation and training. The board reviewed and approved the 2026 budget and discussed a new travel policy for conferences, with Jason requesting email votes on preferred options due to time sensitivity for the upcoming Detroit conference. The Professional Development and Ethics Committee reported progress on AICP prep sessions and outlined four main goals for 2026, including continuing education credit review and scholarship promotion. Student representatives Vann and Katherine shared updates on their committee's progress in engaging students at BYU and USU, respectively.

• Email Votes to be Conducted On:
  
  

  • 2026 Budget Approval

  • Board Travel Policy

Adjournment: 1:14 PM

Action Item: 

Next steps

• Chris: Send Utah your available times for the next couple weeks (17th through 27th) for possible Programs Committee meeting scheduling.

• Mike: Reach out again to Mountain America regarding the transition of finances for the Treasurer role.

• Bruce: Send Francis information about the rental fee legislation (Senate Bill 29 or related) for potential legislative committee review.

• Bruce: Send Jason the membership list for the Professional Development and Ethics Committee.

• Utah/Nicole: Invite Meagan to participate in reviewing and rating spring conference session proposals.

• Jason: Submit a letter of intent (LOI) for the CPC program grant, proposing a trends report combined with a 101 series for early career planners.

• Scott: Pass on the website enhancement grant idea to Erica and the Communication Committee, and offer to accompany them if needed for discussions with Rob Terry.

• Jason: Resend the 2026 budget document to the board with clear labeling and instructions for review and feedback.

• All board members: Review the proposed 2026 budget and travel/conference policy, and provide feedback/preference via email for upcoming vote.

• Jason: Send out an email to the board soliciting preferences on the travel/conference policy options and schedule an email vote.

• Student reps (Katherine, Vann, Eli, and committee): Meet next Friday to set expectations, assign outreach roles, and plan for student engagement (e.g., class visits, poster tour for spring conference).

• Bruce/Professional Development and Ethics Committee: Coordinate with Nicole (and Nikki) on providing short thought pieces for newsletters/emails on professional development, ethics, and continuing education.

• Bruce/Professional Development and Ethics Committee: Work with Nicole to better publicize available AICP and other APA scholarships to members and universities.

• Utah/Programs Committee: Schedule and hold follow-up meeting with EPG members and new committee members to further outline Planning 101 content and plan February event.

• Utah/Programs Committee: Send out mid-period survey in March to mentorship program participants.

• Meagan: Recruit additional Partners and Affiliates committee members, especially from southern Utah, potentially during the spring conference.

• Meagan/Nicole: Divide responsibilities within Partners and Affiliates committee (e.g., SAM credit, sponsorships).