CDPA holds its annual meeting in Albany

The Capital District Planners Association, a section of the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association, held its Annual Meeting and mentorship event this evening. About 30 members were present to approve an update to its bylaws and to elect a new executive board.

The new section officers are:

• Section Director Jesse Vogl, AICP

• Deputy Section Director Liz Podowski King

• Treasurer Melissa Marton

• Communications and Media Officer Sergio Ramirez

• Professional Development Officer Ethan Warren

• Secretary Mirren Galway

• Programming Officers Matthew Lee and Tess Drauschak

• Student Representative Shan Prevatt

NY Upstate Chapter endorses Federal land banking bill

The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association joined with the American Planning Association and more than 30 other organizations to endorse the bi-partisan Neighborhood Revitalization and Land Banking Act in the US Senate. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bill that would further assist land banks across the U.S. with efforts to remediate blight and stimulate economic growth.

“Since New York State joined the land banking effort in 2012, land banks have become essential resources here and across the country,” said Sean Maguire, AICP CEcD, Chapter President. “We’re further encouraged that this bill, when paired with the efforts of New York State’s leaders in Albany, will continue to bring resources to help land banks advance a new model for redevelopment in all communities, and especially those communities negatively impacted by practices of discrimination and disinvestment.”

Read Sen. Casey’s announcement here.