By Andi Anderson
The Community Matters Live webinar series, organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, is providing a new professional development opportunity for planners.
Members of the American Planning Association (APA) can now earn certification maintenance credit through selected sessions in the educational webinar series.
The first approved session, titled “Utilizing Distributed Wind for Energy Cost Reduction in Private and Public Sectors,” will be held on July 22. The webinar has been approved for 0.5 APA Certification Maintenance credit, allowing planners to earn professional development credit at no cost.
Community Matters Live is a monthly webinar series that brings together Extension specialists, researchers, and industry experts to discuss topics that influence local communities. Areas of focus include planning, local government, housing, economic development, and community growth. The series is designed to provide practical information that can help community leaders and decision-makers address emerging challenges and opportunities.
According to Tobin Krell, Community Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the addition of APA credit enhances the value of the program while maintaining its focus on useful and applicable knowledge.
“Community Matters Live is designed to connect local leaders, planners and community partners with timely issues that are already shaping community decisions,” said Tobin Krell, Community Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Having this session approved for APA credit adds a professional development option for planners while keeping the focus where it belongs, on practical information communities can use.”
The July 22 webinar will examine how distributed wind technology can help reduce energy costs and improve energy resilience for agricultural operations, small businesses, households, and public institutions. The session will also discuss important local government considerations, including zoning regulations, permitting requirements, and site selection processes.
Krell noted that the APA credit approval may attract a wider audience of planning professionals while encouraging broader discussions on community issues.
“As Community Matters Live brings in new speakers and broader areas of expertise, APA credit can help open the door for more planners to take part,” Krell said. “That matters because many of the questions Iowa communities are working through are also being discussed in other places. The more we can connect those conversations, the more useful the learning becomes.”
Currently, the July 22 webinar is the only session approved for APA credit. However, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach plans to submit additional sessions for approval as future topics and speakers are confirmed.
Upcoming Community Matters Live webinars will explore data center development on August 26 and changing realities in city budgeting on September 23. The series continues to serve as a valuable platform for learning, collaboration, and informed community decision-making.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Iowa, Education