About the Chapter
The New Mexico Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NM) is an organization of professional planners and planning officials who serve New Mexico’s communities in many ways, at all levels of government, the private sector and not-for-profit organizations.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to engage professional planners and communities to improve and promote the quality and standards of planning in New Mexico. We better all communities of New Mexico by:
Building Awareness
Increasing awareness of all aspects of the profession of planning.
Training
Training leaders to use proven and effective planning processes.
Engaging Communites
Engaging communities to promoting equitable and inclusive outcomes for all.
Professional Development
Offer professional development opportunities for all members that promote the use of credible planning principles.
Board Members
JOHN VALDEZ, AICP
President
president@apa-nm.org
MARIA LOHMANN
Vice President
RACHEL HERTZMAN, AICP
Secretary
apanmsecretary@gmail.com
TOM MENICUCCI, AICP
Treasurer
JAMES FOTY, AICP
Professional Development Officer
pdo@apa-nm.org
MAREN NELDAM
UNM Student Representative
AT LARGE MEMBERS
MERIDITH HILDRETH, AICP
Officer at Large
JESSICA LAWLIS, AICP
Officer at Large
MICHAEL VOS, AICP
Officer at Large
DAN PAVA, FAICP
Western Planner Representative
ERICK AUNE, AICP
Immediate Past President
Member Info
Chapter Only Membership
This membership is for individuals who want to be involved with the activities of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Planning Association, including planning commission members or elected officials. Membership is $50.00 annually and you will automatically be signed up for Western Planner’s electronic journal and articles, as the NM-Chapter is a Sponsor of Western Planner, Inc. You will also receive invites to member-only functions and discounted annual conference registration.
National Membership
Membership has its benefits. When you join APA, you join thousands of planners, officials, educators, students, and others who have made a personal commitment to making great communities happen. Membership in the APA community also includes many tangible benefits. For more information and to become a national member visit: www.planning.org/join/
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
The American Institute of Certified Planners is APA’s professional institute and provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners’ qualifications. Certified planners pledge to uphold high standards of practice, ethics, and professional conduct, and to keep their skills sharp and up-to-date by continuously pursuing advanced professional education. For more information and to become an AICP member visit: www.planning.org/aicp/
Legislative Policy Action Committee (LPAC)
The Legislative Policy Action Committee (LPAC) functions as a standing committee of the Chapter under the direction of the Executive Committee of APA-NM. The purpose of the LPAC is to provide a mechanism for ensuring that the Chapter has a role in State legislative and policy issues of importance to planning professionals in New Mexico. The activities of the LPAC may include any of the following: a)monitoring pending legislation throughout the year and informing Chapter members of significant legislation; b)lobbying and testifying on behalf of the Chapter before the Legislature during the session and interim committees; c) advocating and drafting statutory reform on planning issues, subject to review and approval by the Executive Committee; and d)serving as a liaison between the Chapter and State agencies in regard to planning-related legislation.