The Planners’ Forums are a combined effort on behalf of Department of Commerce, the Planning Association of Washington, and the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association to educate and support planners throughout our state with new and important topics to planning.
The Planners’ Forums offer a unique opportunity – at no charge – for planners, planning commissioners, elected officials and community members to talk informally about local issues, to share ideas and to receive updates from state and federal agencies whose work may impact land use.
The Planners’ Forums also satisfy requirements for credentialed planners toward professional development through advanced-level presentations provided by professionals on an array of timely and relevant planning subjects. Registration is not necessary for this training.
Forum schedule
Winter 2026
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Watch a recording of the Winter 2026 Eastern Planners’ Forum (Vimeo).
Current and past Eastern forum materials.
Eastern forum contact:
Amy Hilland, senior planner
Email: Amy.Hilland@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 509-606-3525
Winter 2026
Date: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25
Agenda: Safer Land Use (WSDOT), State Environmental Policy Act (Ecology)
Register: Winter 2026 Northwest Planners’ Forum (Zoom)
Current and past Northwest forum materials.
Northwest forum contact:
Lexine Long, AICP senior planner
Email: Lexine.Long@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-480-4498
Current and past Peninsula forum materials.
Peninsula forum contact:
Ted Vanegas, senior planner
Email: Ted.Vanegas@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3031
Current and past Southwest forum materials.
Southwest forum contact:
Catherine McCoy, senior planner
Email: Catherine.McCoy@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-280-3147
Current and past Tribal forum materials.
Tribal forum contact:
Bridget Ray, tribal coordination manager
Email: Bridget.Ray@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-2735
Video library
Many Planners’ Forums are recorded. Browse and watch past recordings on Commerce’s Vimeo channel (Vimeo).