By Kyle A. Gilmer, HRTPO Senior Transportation Planner
“You are not alone…we are your community.” With those words, American Planning Association (APA) President Sue Schwartz opened the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver, Colorado. Her message set the tone for a week focused on collaboration, adaptability, and the shared commitment of planners working to strengthen the places they serve.
Held March 29 through April 1, the conference brought together more than 4,300 planning professionals from across the country. HRTPO staff attended sessions and workshops that covered a wide range of planning topics and challenges. From housing and infrastructure to public engagement, climate impacts, and emerging technologies, the discussions reflected the evolving nature of planning at every level.
Throughout the event, one idea kept rising to the surface. Planning today demands more than just strategy – it requires resilience. In the opening keynote session, Dr. Mary Beth Janke spoke about staying steady in the face of disruption. Resilience, she explained, is not just about bouncing back. It’s about continuing to move forward, especially when times feel uncertain. That message carried through the rest of the conference, connecting back to the pressure and expectations planners face every day.
Leah Rothstein closed the conference with a reminder that change doesn’t have to start big to be meaningful. Often, it starts with doing something, taking the first step and staying committed. That idea reinforced one of the core strengths of planning: helping create great communities for all.
Sessions at NPC25 offered insights on a variety of issues, including transportation planning, housing affordability, data tools, and the use of artificial intelligence in planning workflows. Attendees also explored strategies for building trust, enhancing outreach, and improving coordination across agencies and sectors. These discussions reflected a profession that continues to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the people and region it serves.
Outside of the formal presentations, planners connected informally. Conversations during breaks, networking events, and workshops helped foster new ideas and shared understanding. These moments added depth to the experience, reminding attendees that collaboration is often where the most practical insights begin.
For HRTPO staff, NPC25 was more than a learning opportunity. It was a chance to connect with the broader planning community, explore new ideas, and reflect on how evolving and emerging trends intersect with local needs. The insights gained in Denver help inform the work being done across the Hampton Roads region, from transportation strategies to public engagement and long-range planning. As challenges continue to evolve, staying connected to conversations like these ensures that our approach remains thoughtful, informed, and responsive to the needs of the region and the communities we serve.