AICP Recognition and Planning Services Procurement Study Group
APA and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) have long promoted the AICP credential and ethical commitment as a pathway to career growth, advancement, and leadership. That was made easier with the advent of Certification Maintenance requirements to along with passing the exam. However, there is continuing concern that some state and other public agencies do not consistently support the AICP credential as an important threshold to higher levels of job responsibility and internal career advancement, nor do they typically cover the cost of taking the exam or the dues required to remain a member in good standing. This is a particular concern raised by planners in state agencies such as the Florida Department of Transportation, where our members play an increasingly important role.
In what may be a related issue, APA Florida will look into whether it would make sense to pursue an initiative to include planners in the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), which currently includes “professional services” within the scope of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or registered surveying and mapping, as defined by the laws of the state, or those performed by any architect, professional engineer, landscape architect, or registered surveyor and mapper in connection with his or her professional employment or practice.
There are varying reasons for the status of both topics. APA Florida is creating a study group to explore those two issues and develop recommended courses of action to the Executive Committee. The study group will be comprised of public and private sector planners, including those in state government, small and large companies, and those familiar with various types of professional services procurements.
The Chapter is seeking interest from 10-12 members who would like to serve on this study group. The work of the study group will consist of regular virtual meetings over a six-month period, with the development of recommendations by early 2024. The study group will complement APA Florida’s Professional Development and Continuing Education activities.