EngagingCommunities

APA Community Engagement Interest Group

EngagingCommunities is the official podcast of the APA Community Engagement Interest Group, which shares outstanding work by our network of planners and changemakers, who actively involve their communities in creating better places and a brighter future. Host Kelly Hickler talks to leaders who are paving the way in civic engagement and shares strategies you can implement in your own community. Hosted by Kelly Hickler, AICP Sponsored by Konveio

  1. 2025-12-18

    Season 2, Episode 8: Designing Strong Engagement with Vince Verlaan

    In this episode, host Kelly Hickler talks with engagement and facilitation expert Vince Verlaan about what “strong engagement” really means and why it matters. Drawing on 25 years of experience across city planning, sustainability, and organizational development, Vince shares insights on moving beyond check-the-box consultation, preparing organizations internally before engaging the public, and designing engagement processes that are genuinely relational. The conversation explores the IAP2 spectrum, facilitation in high-conflict environments, and how engagement plays a critical role in addressing complex challenges like climate change, budgeting, and long-term community decision-making.

    46 min

  2. 2025-11-12

    Season 2, Episode 7: Human First Messaging with Katie Evans

    In this episode of EngagingCommunities, host Kelly Hickler talks with Katie Evans, Senior Communications Strategist at Woodard & Curran, about what it really means to make public communication human-centered — from translating technical jargon into plain language to running effective listening sessions that build trust. They dive into: - How to turn required notices into meaningful messages - The art of listening without defending - Why every project should start with impact - Creative ways to boost participation (yes, food helps!) If you’ve ever struggled to get people to care, show up, or understand why your work matters, this episode is for you.

    38 min

  3. 2025-08-07

    Season 2, Episode 6: Grounded Leadership with Abe Herman

    On this episode of EngagingCommunities, join host Kelly Hickler as she chats with Abe Herman, the outgoing mayor of Grand Junction, Colorado — and possibly the only rock climbing mayor you’ll meet. Abe shares how he went from outdoor educator and small business owner to elected office, and how he’s navigated community engagement as a policymaker without a traditional planning background. We dive into the challenges of balancing vocal public feedback with broad community needs, navigating polarized conversations with respect, and rolling out a controversial traffic calming pilot in Grand Junction’s award-winning downtown. Abe brings honesty, humility, and humor to a conversation that reminds us what true public service looks like, and why local government can be both frustrating and inspiring.

    1h 4m

  4. 2025-06-18

    Season 2, Episode 5: Community Driven Design With Nora Bland and Laura Doherty

    Welcome to the very first in-person episode of EngagingCommunities (formerly known as EngagingCities Fireside Chats) the official podcast of the APA Community Engagement Interest Group. Join host Kelly Hickler as she chats with Nora Bland and Laura Doherty from Cushing Terrell, a multidisciplinary design firm based in Denver. Together, they explore what community driven design really looks like in practice, from creative outreach methods to project wins (and missteps) that shaped better outcomes. Don’t forget to join the Interest Group at https://apacommunityengagement.org It’s free and open to all!

    23 min

  5. 2025-04-29

    NPC25 Denver Pop-Up Podcast

    Join Kelly on scene at the American Planning Association National Conference in Denver for a fun pop-up podcast.

    18 min

  6. 2025-03-07

    Season 2, Episode 4: Incremental Urbanism With Rik Adamski

    Rik Adamski is the President of Ash & Lime, as well as a co-founder of the  Storefront Renaissance League. He emphasizes the importance of bottom-up, incremental approaches to planning, highlighting the significance of understanding and enhancing the human experience in urban spaces. He discusses the nuances of practical urban planning, from the importance of getting the details right to fostering community pride through small, impactful actions.  Rik underscores the importance of empowering local stakeholders. By engaging with community members and small business owners, planners can identify immediate actions that make a meaningful impact. Whether it's enhancing storefronts, introducing pop-up retail, or activating public spaces, Rik’s approach advocates for tangible results through iterative, community-engaged processes. This episode is rich with examples, principles, and actionable steps for policymakers, planners, and community leaders aiming to create vibrant, resilient places. Contact  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikadamski  ASH+LIME: https://www.ashlime.com  Resources https://storefrontleague.com  https://www.neighborhoodevolution.com  https://www.incrementaldevelopment.org  https://street-plans.com/our-firm/people  https://saveyour.town  Monte Anderson: https://www.monteanderson.org   Marci Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcigoodwin   Evan Snow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansnowfl   Kathleen Minogue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-minogue  APA Community Engagement Interest Group: https://www.planning.org/divisions/groups/community-engagement

    1h 9m

  7. 2025-02-20

    Season 2, Episode 3: Fashion Meets Mobility With Fatima Elkott

    Fatima Elkott is the co-founder of Conscious Community Connectors. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots community engagement and the power of creativity in urban planning projects. From her early experiences in Hillsborough County to founding her own consultancy, Fatima highlights the necessity of building genuine connections and compensating residents for their contributions. We uncover how collaborative efforts, like the innovative Tampa Connect Fashion Week, can make city planning engaging and effective. Fatima also talks about the challenges and rewards of working with marginalized communities and the need for intentional relationship building in urban development. Tune in to hear her thoughts on youth engagement, social media strategies, and the transformative impact of true co-creation in planning our cities. Contact  fatima@consciouscommunityconnectors.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-elkott-528739106  https://www.consciouscommunityconnectors.com

    47 min

  8. 2025-02-04

    Season 2, Episode 2: Urban Renewal and Community Connection With Mark Christensen

    Mark Christensen, AICP is a Senior Planner with AVI in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He shares his journey with various planning roles, including his tenure with AmeriCorps. The discussion focuses on Mark's experience in establishing an Urban Renewal Authority in Cheyenne and the challenges associated with urban renewal and tax increment financing. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparency, and utilizing technology such as ArcGIS Story Maps and QR codes to enhance public understanding and involvement in planning processes. The conversation also highlights lessons learned from initial community pushback and the successful adoption of more effective engagement strategies in later projects. Contact  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-christensen-aicp-96993a149/ mchristensen@avipc.com

    34 min
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About

EngagingCommunities is the official podcast of the APA Community Engagement Interest Group, which shares outstanding work by our network of planners and changemakers, who actively involve their communities in creating better places and a brighter future. Host Kelly Hickler talks to leaders who are paving the way in civic engagement and shares strategies you can implement in your own community. Hosted by Kelly Hickler, AICP Sponsored by Konveio

Information

  • Creator
    APA Community Engagement Interest Group
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Konveio LLC
  • Show Website
    EngagingCommunities