2026 OAPA Annual Planning Conference Early Registration Pricing and Hotel Blocks Close on August 28

Registration is now open for the 2026 OAPA Annual Planning Conference! Join us September 15–17, 2026, in beautiful Seaside, Oregon, for three days of inspiring education, meaningful networking, and conversations that will help shape the future of planning across Oregon.

This year's theme, Anchored in Place, Navigating Change, reflects the opportunities and challenges facing our communities as planners work together to create resilient, thriving places.

Conference highlights include:

• Inspiring keynote speakers
• Educational sessions led by planning professionals from across the region
• Mobile workshops showcasing innovative planning on the coast
• Networking events with colleagues and industry partners
• The annual OAPA Awards Celebration recognizing excellence in planning

Whether you're a seasoned planner, a new professional, an elected official, a student, or a planning commissioner, you'll leave with practical ideas, valuable connections, and fresh perspectives to bring back to your community.

Register early to secure your spot and make your hotel reservations while availability lasts.

We look forward to welcoming you to Seaside this September!

Click here to Register!

2026 OAPA Annual Planning Conference Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!

Support Oregon’s premier planning event while connecting with professionals shaping communities across the state.

The 2026 OAPA Annual Conference, themed Anchored in Place, Navigating Change, brings together planners, elected officials, consultants, students, and community leaders for three days of education, collaboration, and networking.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable visibility, build meaningful connections, and showcase your commitment to resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

Join us in Seaside and put your organization in front of Oregon’s planning community.

Ready to get involved? View the sponsorship opportunities and reserve your sponsorship today.

Sponsorships are Selling Fast!

Better Planners Podcast New Podcast: Chuck Sams on Tribal Planning

The latest episode of the Better Planners Podcast is a collaboration with OAPA's DEI Committee and features a conversation with Chuck Sams, the 19th director of the United States National Park Service (2021-2025) and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse tribes.

We talk with him about tribal planning, lessons we can learn from indigenous nations, relationship building between tribes and government entities, and the current hot topic: data centers. 

The conversation draws on Chuck's extensive experience in environmental stewardship, including 30+ years doing salmon and watershed restoration work all across the Pacific Northwest and the country. He now serves as one of two of Oregon's members of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the director of Indigenous programs at the Yale Center for Environmental Justice, and senior fellow at the University of Oregon Law School. 

Click here to listen

OAPA Design Competition Call for Proposals - Due September 1

The OAPA welcomes members, students, and affiliates to submit an image celebrating creativity within Oregon’s planning community. We invite submissions that reflect the spirit of planning, community, and place to be featured on OAPA merchandise. This is a great opportunity to showcase your artistic talent, contribute to our chapter’s outreach efforts, and see your work shared statewide. Let your imagination lead the way—we can’t wait to see what you create!

Click Here for Information