Candidate for Vice President for Continuing Education Doug Kelly, AICP

As a graduate of the UF URP program, my extensive statewide public and private planning experience, leadership roles in APA-FL (past VP of Section Affairs), FPZA (past State President) and the University of Florida URP Advisory Council - 10th year, and other professional accomplishments have prepared me well for the position of Vice President of Continuing Education. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of planning, land use, growth management, and development issues, giving me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing us throughout Florida. This experience has reinforced the importance of accessible, relevant, affordable and high-quality continuing education that helps professionals stay current with changing legislation, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices.

In addition, my involvement with professional organizations, public agencies, consultants, developers, and elected officials has provided a broad perspective on the educational needs of planners at all career stages.

As Vice President of Continuing Education, I would leverage this experience to expand learning opportunities, strengthen partnerships with APA National and Florida Chapters, and ensure that members have access to affordable and timely education on critical topics. My goal would be to help Florida planners remain informed, competitive, and prepared for the future of the profession.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

Expanding Access to Affordable Education. Our profession is more complex while state legislation continues to reshape local decision-making. APA Florida must leverage its influence with APA National to provide affordable, high-quality educational opportunities.

Managing Growth, Housing Demand, and Technology. Florida's rapid growth creates all kinds of problems. You know firsthand. APA Florida must lead the discussion on the responsible use of AI to improve planning efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Strengthening the Profession. APA Florida must lead and advocate professional excellence, ethical AI use, and the value of planning in Florida. If we don't then who will?

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

Strengthening the profession is the most important. It's the foundation upon which the other initiatives depend. We're facing increasing legislative changes, population growth, housing affordability challenges, and the emergence of artificial intelligence as a planning tool. Successfully navigating these issues requires a highly skilled, ethical, and respected professional workforce. By investing in (affordable) professional development, promoting responsible AI use, and reinforcing the value of planning to elected officials and the public, APA Florida can enhance our profession's credibility and influence. A stronger profession will be better equipped to advance Florida's future.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

By continuous feedback and engagement. Regular feedback from our Sections, Student Representatives, Young Planners Group, committees, and members across Florida would help identify priorities early on, measure progress, and adjust course when needed. Success requires collaboration, transparency, and accountability. By engaging members statewide, we can deliver meaningful results. The best plans are not created in a vacuum; they are shaped by the collective expertise of our members!