CENTRAL SECTION
About Us
The Central Section is a networking and continuing education organization for professional planners in the Central Valley of California. Our members work in private firms, as consultants, or in city/county government.
The mission of the California Chapter Central Section is to provide its members with opportunities for advocacy, networking, outreach and professional development in the art and science of planning within Central California. Each year, we host engaging events and fun activities for our members such as the Section Planning Achievement Awards, the annual Sierra Retreat at Camp Lake Sequoia, Christmas Tree Lane Walk-Night/Holiday Gathering and our professional development programs.
Section
The Central Section of APA California covers a vast 11 county region encompassing Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. The Section’s geographical area includes the greater central and southern San Joaquin Valley – the most productive agricultural region in the world; the foothill and mountain regions with four National Forests (Stanislaus, Sierra, Sequoia and Inyo); four National Parks (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Death Valley); the Giant Sequoia National Monument, the eastern deserts of Kern County and the Owens Valley region on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
Committees
CenCal APA welcomes Section members to help shape the future of planning in Central California while ensuring services to members are provided year-round by joining a committee of their choice. Current standing committees are described below including ways to indicate your interest. We thank you for your interest! Learn More
Join The Board
Join the CenCal APA Board of Directors and play a vital role in shaping the future of planning in our region. Whether through elected or appointed positions, you’ll contribute to strategic initiatives, advocate for sound planning principles, and collaborate with fellow professionals to build stronger, more vibrant communities. This is your opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the Central California planning landscape. Contact membership@cencalapa.org today to learn how you can get involved and lend your expertise.
Membership
APA National Membership
We invite you to join us as a member of the American Planning Association (APA). APA is the essential membership association for planners. No other organization associated with the planning profession provides the quantity and quality of information, continuing education, and peer relationships that APA does. Membership in APA provides you with the most opportunities to elevate the practice of planning, the communities you serve, and your career. Learn more
APA California (Chapter-Only)
The APA California Chapter also provides the opportunity for anyone interested in California planning activities to join as a Chapter-Only member. Chapter-Only membership is a lower cost ($150) option, but some restrictions apply. Learn more
Sights of the Central Section
Giant Sequoias
Sierra Nevada Range
Agriculture
Almond Blossoms
Vineyards
Downtown Fresno
Fresno Foothills
Sequoia and Kings Canyon
