This April, Giffels Webster is proud to join planning professionals from across the country at the 2026 National Planning Conference (NPC26) at Huntington Place in Detroit. Hosted by the American Planning Association, the conference brings together thousands of practitioners to share ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen the future of the planning profession.
Taking place April 25 to 28, NPC26 offers a dynamic mix of educational sessions, mobile workshops, and networking opportunities focused on today’s most pressing challenges, including housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and evolving technology. Giffels Webster will also be exhibiting at the conference, providing an opportunity to connect directly with attendees and share insights from our work across communities.
For our team, attending NPC26 is about more than professional development. It is about connections. The conference provides an opportunity to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and bring new perspectives back to the communities we serve.
We are excited to contribute to this year’s program by leading a conversation on real-world housing solutions. Join Joe Tangari, AICP, Principal Planner, Andy Aamodt, Senior Planner, and Julia Upfal, AICP, Senior Planner, for Housing Challenges and Wins: Diverse Communities, Real Solutions, an interactive roundtable focused on practical strategies that move housing forward in challenging environments.
The session will also feature insights from municipal partners, including Claire Karner, Planning and Zoning Director for East Bay Township; Joe Meyers, Community Services Director for Ypsilanti; Jake Parcell, City Planner and City Development Director for Sterling Heights; and Nik Stepnitz, Assistant City Manager and Community and Economic Development Director for Clawson. These perspectives reflect a mix of ongoing partnerships and past project experience.
Housing Challenges and Wins Session Details
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM ET
Location: HPCC, Room 251A-C, Huntington Place
Credits: CM 1.5
Later in the conference, Jill Bahm, AICP, will also take the stage as part of Lightning Talk 3. Her presentation, From Master Plan to Masterpiece: Making Art Official, explores how incorporating art into master plans and ordinances can strengthen community identity, support local artists, and create more vibrant public spaces. This fast-paced session will highlight big ideas and practical takeaways for planners working through complex challenges.
Lightning Talk 3 Details
Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET
Location: HPCC, Room 410AB, Huntington Place
Credits: CM 0.5
Having the conference in Detroit makes this experience especially meaningful. As a firm with deep roots in the region, we have seen firsthand how collaboration, creativity, and long-term vision can support community transformation.
We look forward to connecting with colleagues, partners, and peers in Detroit as we continue turning ideas into impact together.
