NPC26 Cruises into the Motor City
Thanks For Being a Part of NPC26!
Detroit is a city that understands planning isn't just a profession — it's a responsibility, says Mayor Mary Sheffield.
Nearly 4,000 people converged in Detroit for the American Planning Association's (APA) 2026 National Planning Conference (NPC26). "What makes this conference so powerful is that it's not just about ideas but also action and implementation," added Sheffield during the opening ceremony. "It's about taking back what you learn here during this conference to create real, measurable change."
From April 25-28, planners connected with peers, learned innovative ways to address complex issues in the field, and gained valuable knowledge to help continue building better communities. "As planners, we don't give up; we work every day to make our country better," said APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP, referencing the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. "And, as planners, we're helping set the path for the next 250 years of the country. We will continue to bring people together and make room for every voice. In my mind, that represents the best and truest form of democracy, locally, practically, powerfully."
Keynote Conversations
This year's keynote speakers shared their inspiring stories, giving planners ways to rethink their own resilience and wellness practices.
"Everything you want is on the other side of a 10-minute courageous conversation, and sometimes that conversation is with yourself."
— Jaz Ampaw-Farr
"It's never about the race. It's always about the relationships."
— John Register
Forming Connections
Over the four-day conference, attendees were able to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new bonds with peers while taking part in sessions, events, and mobile workshops.
A morning jog along Detroit's iconic waterfront made for an unforgettable experience for planners who attended the Motor City 5k Move and Groove Fun Run at NPC26.
Planners from across the U.S. made their way to the Midwest to connect with their peers.
Throughout the weekend, an artist from Ink Factory translated attendees' answers on what bold moves they make for equity into several murals at the E-Space in the Hub.
Excitement was in the air as attendees strode into NPC26, looking to learn the latest happenings in the field.
The Motor City Street Dance Academy gave the conference a jolt of energy during the opening keynote.
Planners' generosity was on full display all weekend, as more than 1,500 pairs of socks were donated during the NPC26 Community Service Project to support unhoused neighbors across the Detroit metro area. The initiative was supported through a partnership with the Ruth Ellis Center.
Learning the Latest
NPC26 was rich with ways to take in best practices, trends, and guidance, including case studies, learning labs, lightning talks, panel discussions, and innovation talks.
Panel sessions, labs, mobile workshops, case studies, and more provided planners with a variety of ways to learn the latest in the field.
The winners of the ninth annual Student Planning and Design Competition were (left to right) Andrew Sarphie, Meryl Pawlick, Emma Uppelschoten, and Nick Lucovsky from Georgia Institute of Technology's School of City and Regional Planning. This year, 34 entries were submitted, and the top three teams presented to a panel of judges during the conference.
Closing keynote speaker John Register spoke about overcoming fear and embracing a new normal. He showed the silver medal he earned in the 2000 Paralympic Games as one example of how he has embraced that.
Planners On the Case
The challenges facing today's practitioners can sometimes feel like trying to solve a mystery, but planners at NPC26 were up to the task. Inside the Hub, attendees stopped by the APA Policy "Planners on the Case" space to learn from cases their peers have closed on issues related to housing affordability, economic development, and transportation.
One of three in-person Planner Peer Exchanges held during NPC26 in the Hub, offering planners the opportunity to connect peer-to-peer.
APA also hosted three Planner Peer Exchanges to hear directly from planners about how federal policy and funding changes have impacted them and their communities, as well as what ideas or suggestions they had for ways APA can continue providing support.
Share Your Stories and Observations
Celebrating Certification
The whole range of the certification spectrum was on display at the conference, including an induction ceremony for 55 new members of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP).
"On behalf of the 2026 class, I want to thank our families and friends and colleagues who supported our work as planners, which allowed us to earn this amazing distinction," said John Gaber, FAICP, this year's class speaker. "Earning the FAICP designation is an amazingly reflective [experience]. The nomination process requires a narrative section that allows us to reflect on all the projects and community work over the years."
Supporting the Planners of Tomorrow
The APA Foundation's scholarship application portal is open through May 15, 2026, and will award 20 total scholarships totaling $100,000 this year. But with donations made throughout NPC26, conferencegoers helped fund three additional student scholarships.
This year's application cycle has seen more than double the number of applications than in 2025, so every donated dollar makes a huge difference. Consider making a contribution to the Foundation to help support emerging planners.
Students and emerging planners had ample opportunities to learn more about the field and connect with mentors during NPC26.
They also had a chance to show off their knowledge during sessions and special events.
Continue the Connection
NPC26 Online, May 27 - 29
There's still time to be a part of NPC26. Join the online conference and access the keynotes and a slate of brand-new, high-quality education sessions.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
Top image: Nearly 4,000 people turned out for the American Planning Association's (APA) 2026 National Planning Conference (NPC26) in Detroit, which was kicked off with an inspiring opening keynote address by Jaz Ampaw-Farr (middle). Photos by Hugh Anderson Photography.