DRAFT MINUTES 

APA Utah Board Meeting Notes

Date: May 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:29 PM
Location: Virtual

Call to Order: 12:05 PM

Attendance

Present:

• Jason Boal

• Meagan Booth

• Chris Hupp

• Scott Hill

• Bruce Parker

• Mike G.

• Katherine Wentworth

Absent:

• Erika Chmielewski

• Ted Knowlton

• Tippe Morlan

Quorum: Yes (6 or more present)

Action Item / New Business

Universal Planning Statement Working Group

Bruce Parker introduced a proposal to appoint a three-member working group to draft a universal statement emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, reasoned, inclusive, and deliberate planning processes grounded in reliable data and information. The statement would focus on advancing the well-being of current and future generations impacted by planning decisions.

The board also discussed broader goals related to public education, including a potential “Citizen 101” training initiative focused on civic engagement in planning processes.

Motion

Motion: Form a three-member working group consisting of Katherine Wentworth, Bruce Parker, and Meagan Booth.
Motion by: Francis
Second by: Chris Hupp

Vote:

• Opposed: None

• All in Favor: Yes

Result: Motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Legislative Committee

Discussion focused heavily on the growing number of data center applications across Utah and the need for better planner education and public communication tools.

Topics discussed included:

• Deep-dive training opportunities focused on data centers

• Evaluating accurate versus inaccurate information related to impacts

• Water usage and evolving data center technologies, including closed-loop systems

• Questions planners should be asking applicants

• Available technical and legislative resources

• Communication strategies for public engagement

• Potential legislative triggers and code updates to better address data centers

Additional updates:

• Legislative Wrap-Up event upcoming

• “The Checklist” project is nearing completion

Administration & Finance Committee

Financial Update

Scott Hill reported that funds were successfully moved into a money market account earning approximately 2.4% annual interest.

Banking Transactions

• On 4/28/26: $50,000 withdrawn from checking

• On 4/28/26: $50,279.98 withdrawn from savings

Balance Sheet Summary

As of April 30, 2026

Category

Amount

Total Assets

$265,068.57

Current Assets

$265,068.57

Bank Accounts

$264,871.60

Other Current Assets

$196.97

Total Liabilities

$22,711.89

Accounts Payable

$18,915.02

Credit Cards

$3,796.87

Total Equity

$242,356.68

Action Items

• Remove Mike from bank accounts and cancel associated cards

• Reassign old email account access to Scott Hill

• Schedule coordination meeting via Doodle poll

Communications Committee

Social Media & Communications Updates

The committee reported strong growth across LinkedIn metrics over the past 90 days:

• Impressions up 424%

• Reactions up 375%

• Comments up 500%

• Reposts up 300%

Additional updates included:

• First newsletter of the year distributed successfully

• Next newsletter anticipated in July

• APA Utah’s first social media reel performed very well

• Upcoming reel theme: “Why Sponsor APA Utah?”

• Bike Month campaign will highlight active transportation projects across Utah

• Upcoming planner and volunteer spotlights planned

WhatsApp Pilot

The committee noted mixed results with the WhatsApp experiment due to unexpected spam activity. However, the platform was found useful during the Spring Conference. Potential future uses include:

• Conference-specific QR code access

• Limited distribution methods to reduce spam

• Collaboration with program groups to determine future use

Membership Committee

No update submitted.

Partners & Affiliates Committee

Updates included:

• Continuing work on CM credit training files

• Email migration efforts underway

Action Item

• Schedule committee meeting

Past President Committee / Elections

Elections Update

Current declared candidates include:

• 1 candidate for APA Utah President

• 2 candidates for Vice President

• 2 candidates for Board Member positions

The board discussed opportunities for the Past Presidents Committee to support onboarding and mentorship efforts, including practical “Planning 101” style training for early-career planners.

Professional Development & Programs

Professional Development Officer (PDO)

• AICP Prep Sessions completed successfully

• Sessions hosted Wednesdays during lunch and Thursdays from 5:00–6:30 PM

• Monthly refresher sessions to continue through September

• Examination window has been extended to five months

Programs

Upcoming initiatives and reminders included:

• Upcoming events and programs

• Conference awards promotion

• Fall conference call for sessions

• Need for board assistance promoting submissions and awards

Additional updates:

• Awards tab added to website

• Rolling admissions planned for mentorship program

• Summer social planned for July

• Potential winter social event at a Mammoth game

Student Committee

Report to be distributed via email.

President & Vice President Report

The board noted successful participation at NPC and positive feedback from the Spring Conference.

Discussion also included:

• Potential Arbinger Institute keynote speaker for the Fall Conference

• Continued development of the Fall Conference website and Cvent platform

• Potential extension of the conference call for sessions deadline to align with awards deadlines

• Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at: 1:29 PM