Candidate for Secretary Alan P. Amidon

I came to planning through the loss of a peer to traffic violence. That loss was a turning point, when I resolved to make a change to help make communities safer for the vulnerable. As an Associate in the Safety Practice Area at Cambridge Systematics, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous statewide transportation safety plans and collaborate with passionate experts and community leaders to reach shared safety goals. Through planning and documenting meetings, I have helped track progress and spur action. As a community advocate, I have organized and lead numerous bicycle races, competitions, and group rides. In both these capacities, accountability has been critical for delivery and credibility. Vital to accountability is documentation; to organize meetings, to establish priorities, to develop and execute a plan of action, to function as an organization.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

The three most important challenges facing APA Florida are the same as those facing Florida: resilience in the face of rapid change (ie funding, climate, political context) planning for an aging population that includes retaining young professionals, and building/maintaining systems (transportation, legal, environmental) recognize and support the dignity of all living things. APA Florida should continue to be at the forefront of thought leadership on these issues.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

I want to connect with planners across the state, contribute to increasing the value of APA for its members, and become more familiar with APA Florida as an organization as a whole.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

My efforts will be successful by listening, collaborating, and learning from colleagues, and through progress tracking, flexibility, and accountability.