This October, J-U-B team members joined planners, engineers, and community leaders at the American Planning Association (APA) conferences in both Idaho and Utah. These annual gatherings bring together professionals dedicated to shaping thriving, resilient communities, and J-U-B was proud to contribute through presentations, panels, and collaboration.
APA Idaho Chapter Annual Conference
October 1–3, 2025 | Nampa, Idaho
The APA Idaho Chapter Annual Conference brought together planning and engineering professionals from across the state to share insights, exchange ideas, and build partnerships.
Sharing Expertise and Advancing Ideas
The conference opened with a hands-on Planning & Zoning 101 Workshop, covering topics such as comprehensive planning, zoning codes, and hearing procedures, a reminder that collaboration is key to solving local planning challenges.
Throughout the event, J-U-B’s professionals were featured across several sessions:
- Modernizing Idaho’s Fiber Optic Network: Jennifer Switzer showcased GMI’s collaboration with ITD to improve data management and planning processes.
- Balancing Growth and Community Values: Sheri Freemuth joined a panel exploring how Idaho communities like Jerome and Chubbuck are aligning growth with local priorities.
- Resilient Team Building: Josh King and Alison Tompkins shared strategies for strengthening collaboration through personality insights and teamwork.
Attendees also enjoyed engaging sessions on urban renewal, CAFO planning, and a Nampa downtown walking tour, where participants explored 3D visualizations of proposed improvements that bring future planning to life.
Inspiration and Connection
Keynote speaker Nina Idemudia, AICP, inspired attendees with “Resilient by Design: Defying Gravity and Solving Wicked Problems in Planning.” Her talk emphasized perseverance and creativity in addressing complex urban challenges, a theme that resonated deeply with our team.
Networking was another highlight, from the Thursday evening reception at Mother Earth Brewing to the County Roundtable discussions. Alex Jones joined conversations with representatives from Payette and Elmore counties, sharing insights on budget management and resource strategies.
APA Utah Fall Conference
October 9–10, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah
Just a week later, J-U-B staff participated in the APA Utah Chapter Fall Conference at the Gateway Megaplex Theatre Complex. The event provided opportunities to connect with regional partners, clients, and planners while exploring emerging topics such as:
- Innovative tools for public engagement
- Prioritizing green infrastructure and urban tree planning
- Effective development agreement strategies
- Upcoming state legislation impacting general plan compliance
Looking Ahead
Both APA conferences offered valuable insights, collaboration, and inspiration, reinforcing J-U-B’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities through planning, design, and partnership.
