Planning Leadership Academy
Overview
In partnership with the California Chapter of the American Planning Association, the California Planning Roundtable Planning Leadership Academy is a professional development program created to help planners prepare for leadership roles in their organizations. Through the program, participants will gain knowledge and skills in leadership, organizational dynamics, communication, and career planning to help them identify and achieve their professional goals while equipping them with tools to make even stronger contributions to their organizations.
Become a Changemaker
This program was developed to help planners make an impact. Learn directly from fellow change makers from across California who are advancing best practices and important causes and leading others through transformative changes.
Why Participate?
Discover what kind of leader you want to be. This is the most critical step towards significant improvements in leadership. Self-aware leaders can clearly communicate their vision to stakeholders, colleagues and employees.
Participants also learn important skills like how to leverage conflict and build more effective working relationships with others. You will learn specific, practical strategies that can be implemented at your organization immediately. Lessons will help you:
- Articulate your personal leadership philosophy
- Build a high-performance team
- Align and accomplish organizational goals
- Strengthen your influence
See the 2027 Program Flyer
2027 Program Schedule
Six virtual Zoom sessions on Friday mornings (8:30am - 10:30am)
- January 29 Leading at Any Level
- February 26 Finding Your Leadership Path
- March 19 Emotional Intelligence
- April 23 Difficult Conversations
- May 21 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
- June 11 Leadership Reflections
Registration
2027 CPR Planning Leadership Academy (PLA) Application - APA California
October 3, 2026 and extends through November 30, 2026
Registration will be limited to 100 participants
- Fee: $120 (includes CliftonStrengths assessment)
- 12 CM credits
- Participants should have at least five years of professional experience
Featured Speakers
Speakers to be announced soon.
Testimonials
I experienced a valuable opportunity to reflect on my strengths as well as areas I needed to improve as a leader. I cherished the thoughtful conversations and commitment from all participants and facilitators.
PAT HACHIYA, AICP
SUPERVISING REGIONAL PLANNER, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Lessons and discussions were very insightful and interesting. I would recommend to any planner who wants to improve their abilities and effectiveness.
LUIS ESCOBEDO, AICP
SENIOR PLANNER, CITY OF WHITTIER
I appreciated the format where industry experts shared their personal stories and some of their career challenges and lessons. I also appreciated the small break-out rooms where our peers shared in a supportive and engaging environment.
MICHAEL CASS
PRINCIPAL PLANNER, CITY OF MARTINEZ
The small discussion groups provided the opportunity to share experiences in a more personal way. There is tremendous value in being able to share professional challenges in a setting where people can listen and share their own ideas and approaches.
NANCY WOLTERING
ASSOCIATE PLANNER, TOWN OF WOODSIDE