Candidate for Vice President for Continuing Education Hadley Peterson, AICP

I am an urban planner and project manager with experience leading planning efforts across Florida and the Mountain West, with a background in serving communities with limited capacity. My work focuses on parks and recreation master planning, redevelopment strategies, and community engagement, with an emphasis on translating vision into practical, implementable outcomes. While I currently work for Kimley-Horn, I have over a decade in consulting experience focused on multidisciplinary planning efforts that integrate design, economics, and landscape to create place-based solutions. Additionally, my work is rooted in implementation and I assist my clients in aligning planning solutions funding, operations, and long-term feasibility.

I have also been actively involved in the profession, serving for over 10 years on the Executive Board of the APA Urban Design and Planning Division. While in Colorado I served on the Executive Committee, and since moving back to Florida I have served locally on the APA Chapter and Section (CAS) Council Board. In these roles, I have helped develop dozens of educational sessions and programs, supporting continuing education and CM credits for planners nationwide. I have my Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University and am currently the Vice-Chair of their Alumni Council. I am dedicated towards advancing the planning profession through the education of long-standing and emerging planners.

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

Capacity and resource gaps: Smaller jurisdictions often lack the staff, funding, and tools needed to implement plans effectively.

Erosion of local planning authority: Recent state actions have limited the ability of local governments to adopt or enforce land use and growth management policies, undermining long-standing planning frameworks and local decision-making.

Increasing politicization of planning issues: Topics such as climate, land use regulation, and equity are becoming more polarized, making it more difficult for planners to apply data-driven, long-term solutions and clearly communicate the value of planning.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

I want to strengthen APA Florida as a practical resource for planners by expanding access to high-quality educational programming and CM opportunities, building on my experience developing sessions at the national level. I am particularly interested in helping planners access tools and peer learning related to implementation—funding, capital planning, and managing growth. I also want to support stronger connections across regions and ensure planners in smaller communities feel represented and supported.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

I would start by actively listening to members to understand their needs and priorities, and use that input to shape programming and initiatives. I would focus on delivering practical, high-value content, especially educational opportunities that support day-to-day planning work. I would also track participation and feedback to evaluate what is working and adjust as needed. Finally, I would work collaboratively with APA Florida leadership and members to build on existing efforts and ensure consistency, follow-through, and meaningful results.