The American Planning Association (APA) 2018 National Planning Conference was held in New Orleans April 20–24. Thousands of planners converged upon a beautiful city of great culture, planning and cuisine. The City sent four Planning Division staff including Community Development Director Mark Muenzer, Principal Planner Thomas Rogers and Assistant Planners Michele Morris and Ori Paz. City staff participated in a several seminar-style sessions, covering a wide range of topics including autonomous vehicle planning, form design, affordable housing, micro grids, public art and more. They also attended mobile workshops, affording them a firsthand view of urban farms throughout New Orleans and the efforts being made to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage. 

Renewed, refocused and inspired, staff attendees returned to work with greater perspective, new strategies and friends to call on across the nation.