New York City launched the nation's first congestion pricing program on January 5, 2025. This session will cover the history of the idea here and in other world cities, the hurdles along the way, and what pushed it over the finish line despite a dozen lawsuits. Sam will present findings on traffic, air quality, transit, economic indicators, and revenue, dig into why entries are down about 10% while speeds have barely moved, and discuss how the plan could be improved.

Topics include:

• This history of congestion pricing in New York City, including previous efforts to reduce car traffic in the city’s most congested areas

• How a policy that looks politically impossible can gather enough support to get implemented

• Impacts from the programs first year and beyond

• The traffic phenomenon of gridlock, where speeds in a street grid approach zero

Join APA staff and leaders on September 15 from 11:00am-12:00pm CT for a special onboarding event designed to introduce new AICP members to the many opportunities and benefits available through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). An agenda will be sent out prior to the webinar. The event is free, but registration is required.

Please join the APA-NY Metro Chapter Transportation Committee on a tour of NJ TRANSIT’s Hoboken / Lackawanna Terminal in Hoboken, NJ.

We will learn about the restoration of the historic Terminal and plans for the surrounding station area, which aim to activate a key waterfront site while better connecting the terminal to the neighborhood around it.

Tour highlights include:

• History of the station and current operations – emphasizing the multi modal nature and ferry operations

• Overview of the NJ TRANSIT trains and light rail

• Description of the Long Slip project and overall development

• Visit to the Hoboken Tower

On September 9 at 12:00 p.m., NYMTC’s September 11 Memorial Fellowship cohort will present key findings from their transportation planning research conducted under NYMTC’s  9-11 Memorial Fellowship Program for Regional Transportation Planning.  

Join at NYMTC’s central office – 25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004 – or join virtually

*2.5M CM Credits available

Join us for the NYC Planners Exchange, an evening of networking, mentorship, and community with planners, designers, architects, and other professionals shaping New York City..

Thursday, August 20
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Good Behavior Rooftop Bar, NYC

Bring a colleague, make a new connection, and help strengthen our planning community. We hope to see you there!

In association with the Young Planners Group and Mentorship Committee 

Join ABNY’s Young Professional for their summer meet up.

Whether you are looking to make valuable connections, catch up with fellow Young Professionals, or learn more about the perks of the ABNY YP Associates program, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the summer season with your fellow YPs.

Join APA NYM Tappan Zee section and Westchester Municipal Planning Federation for a Discussion of Edge-on-Hudson and a walking tour to follow.

Edge on Hudson is a large redevelopment in the Village of Sleepy Hollow at the former General Motors assembly plant. Event will include presentations and a walking tour. 

When: Thursday, July 30th from 5:30-7:30

Where: DeCicco’s Special Event Bar; 1 Legend Dr, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Please RSVP here by July 23rd

With the opening of Grand Central Madison in January 2023, located below the historic Grand Central Terminal, Long Island Rail Road service now goes directly to Manhattan's east side for the first time ever.

Built on a former train storage yard, the 350,000 SF terminal features spacious concourses, public art, and a retail program. Grand Central Madison is both a functional transit hub, as well as designed as a public space.

This tour will be given by Paul Grether, Chief of Grand Central Madison Operating Company, and will include:

• Introduction and orientation in the Grand Central Madison Office

• A visit to the Grand Central Madison Operations Center

• A guided tour of the concourse, mezzanine and platforms

When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 5:45 PM - approx. 7:15 PM

 **Optional Happy Hour to follow. Location TBD!

Where: Grand Central Terminal. The specific meeting location at Grand Central will be sent to registrants before the event date.

Join the APA NYM Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Committee for a behind-the-scenes tour of 1325 Franklin Avenue, a NYCHA PACT project that combines affordable housing preservation with cutting-edge decarbonization strategies.

Led by Abdulla Darrat of Renewal Construction Services, attendees will explore the recently rehabilitated 116-unit senior housing development and learn about key sustainability upgrades, including building electrification, high-performance envelope improvements, energy recovery ventilation, and other measures designed to reduce emissions while improving resident comfort and building performance.

Join APA New York Metro Chapter for a special Pride Month program on Tuesday, June 30 at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center.
Building on the success of our previous LGBTQ history and planning events, this year's program will celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ communities to New York City's built environment. The evening will bring together planners, preservationists, advocates, and community members for conversation, reflection, and connection during Pride Month.

Additional details, speakers, and registration information will be announced soon.

The New York Transit Museum turns 50 this year! Join us to celebrate its milestone anniversary at our June Brown Bag on Thursday, 6/25 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

During the Brown Bag, guest speaker Polly Desjarlais, Content and Research Manager at the New York Transit Museum, will look back on 50 years of storytelling and share updates on the Museum’s activities heading into the Fall.

This event is eligible for one Certification Maintenance credit from the American Planning Association. 

Virtual presentation and discussion with James Rausse, the Commissioner of Planning for the City of Mount Vernon and Patrick Cleary of Cleary Consulting regarding the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan for the City of Mount Vernon.  

In this session, attendees will learn about:

• The purpose and legal role of a comprehensive plan in New York State, including its relationship with land use, zoning, capital investments, housing, transportation, and economic development decisions

• The planning process used to prepare the Envision Mount Vernon Comprehensive Plan

• The community engagement strategies used during plan development

• The adoption process and associated environmental review requirements

• Implementation challenges and opportunities following plan adoption

• Applying lessons from Mount Vernon to other urban planning contexts

Come join the APA NYM Young Planners Group for a conversation with AICP-certified planners about their experiences taking the AICP and how it has benefited their careers.

Date: June 9th, 2026

Time: 6PM - 7PM

Where: Zoom

Mark your calendars! The APA New York Metro Chapter Long Island Section will host the annual Arthur Kunz Memorial Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, June 5, 2026.

This year’s event will take place at the Sustainability Institute at Molloy University in Amityville, NY. Join fellow planners in celebrating scholarship recipients and honoring the legacy of Arthur H. Kunz.

More details coming soon: https://apalongisland.org/

Across the Region a significant number of residents have a condition that substantially impairs their cognition, movement, vision, hearing, ability to live independently, or ability to take care of personal needs. Every person deserves to travel unimpeded on the public transportation system.

Join the APA-NYM Transportation Committee for an important panel discussion on how transit and transportation agencies address this issue through fixed route, paratransit and other services and/or policies. The panel will also focus on synergies between the public and private sector to enable greater accessibility.

Topics include:

• What is the current state of transit accessibility in NY Metro Region?

• How do agencies bridge the gap between paratransit and fixed route service?

• What role does technology play in advancing accessibility?

Panelists:

• Edmund Asiedu, Accessibility Policy Advisor & ADA Coordinator (NYC DOT)

• Namecca Parker, General Manager - Access Link (NJT)

• Charley Cohen, Senior Accessibility Officer (MTA)

• Rachel Birnbaum, Partner Enablement Team (Via)

• And moderated by Cindy Myers, Project Manager - NYCT Access–A-Ride (Marine Tiger)

When: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:00-7:30 PM

Where: Jacobs, One Penn Plaza 24th Floor, New York, NY 10119

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-aboard-all-access-tickets-1989264211807

Interested in AICP certification? Join the APA-NYM Young Planners Group for an informative virtual session on the AICP process.

This event will cover key topics including eligibility requirements, application tips, and study strategies to help you prepare with confidence. Attendees will also hear directly from AICP-certified early-career planners during a Q&A panel, offering real-world insights and advice on navigating the certification journey.

The session will be led by Nickie Mitch, AICP (Arcadis) and Andrew Schloss, AICP (MTA, Suffolk County, FlixBus). Panelists will be announced soon.

Whether you’re exploring AICP or actively preparing for the exam, this is a great opportunity to learn and connect with fellow planners.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-up-with-the-aicp-tickets-1988047943917?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Master of Science in City Planning Program at the Marxe School, Baruch College, for a screening of A Home Worth Fighting For. Through the eyes of longtime residents, this documentary examines the fight to preserve public housing and challenges a development process that prioritizes private interests over community voices.

This in-person event highlights residents organizing to protect their homes and advocate for transparency in decisions shaping their neighborhood.

Refreshments will be served.

Register here: https://baruch.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87h3sTZw8zFdPRI

Please join us to celebrate the life and lasting contributions of Angela Witkowski.

Angela was a long-time New York planning professional who dedicated her career to public service and community development. She served the Metro Chapter as a part-time administrator, worked as a planner for the Village of Hastings, and contributed to the private sector as a senior planner at BFJ Planning. Her impact on the planning profession and the communities she served will not be forgotten.

Memorial Service Details

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Location:
Hudson Valley Writers Center
300 Riverside Drive
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
(at the Philipse Manor Metro-North Train Station)

There is direct access via rail from the train station, and free parking is available for those arriving by car.

YPG Social & Mentorship Kick-Off

Join us for the YPG Social & Mentorship Kick-Off, co-hosted by the Young Planners Group and Mentorship Committees, on Thursday, April 30 from 6:00–8:00 PM at TJ Byrnes.

Note: Mentorship program participants will receive their match information in the coming days.

Join the APA NYM Transportation Committee and members of the QueensLink project for a comprehensive overview of QueensLink, a proposed rapid transit line along the dormant Rockaway Beach Branch corridor.

Speakers will address the planning rationale, connectivity benefits, and policy landscape shaping the project's future — and what it could mean for Queens and the broader region.

Learn more about the project in the QueensLink Initial Business Case report, released in March 2026.

More details coming soon!

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 6PM - 7:30PM

Where: WSP Offices - One Penn Plaza, 4th Floor  (250 W 34th Street, New York, New York, 10119)

This event is currently open to APA members. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-queenslink-project-vision-planning-and-opportunity-tickets-1986808186770

NYC Buildings are challenged by the need to comply with LL97 by reducing their carbon emissions over time. NYCHA working with building experts and supported by NYSERDA and NYPA are showing pathways to compliance. Energy experts will present innovative energy efficiency and electrification retrofits at NYCHA campuses illustrating GHG reductions and how LL97 requirements may be met. 

Please register here

New York Metro Reception at NPC 2026 

Join us for an evening of networking, drinks, and connecting with planners from across the New York Metro area during NPC 2026! 

 Monday, April 27, 2026
 5:00 – 8:00 PM
 Detroit Beer Co

Whether you're a student, emerging professional, or seasoned planner, this is a great opportunity to meet peers, expand your network, and unwind during the conference. This is a joint event with the New York Upstate, Delaware, and Alabama Chapters, along with the Economic  Development, Food, and STaR Divisions. 

 Register here (Choose New York Metro Chapter Member):
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-npc-joint-reception-detroit-beer-co

We also have a limited number of subsidized tickets available for students and those facing financial hardship. Please reach out to src@nyplanning.org for more information

The APA-NYM Transportation Committee and YPT-NYC are excited to bring back our Transportation Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, April 25th!

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026; 10:00AM -3:00PM

Where: Meet at Bowling Green to start – but the hunt will take you all across the city!

Please sign up at: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ypt-nyc-apa-nym-transportation-scavenger-hunt-2026-tickets-1985920374299 

NYMTC Brown Bag Series: Gateway Development Commission: Hudson Tunnel Project Construction Update

Construction is underway in New York and New Jersey – and even in the Hudson River itself – on the most urgent rail infrastructure project in the country. With preparations for tunnel boring in full swing, this presentation will dive into the latest milestones on the Hudson Tunnel Project.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

12 - 1 p.m. EST

Webinar number:

2825 847 9476

Webinar password:

BBGPPU04232023

Join by phone

+1-415-527-5035 USA Toll

Access code: 282 584 79476

Webex link: https://bit.ly/4-23brownbag

APA credit page: https://www.planning.org/events/eventsingle/9326821/  

When: Thursday, April 9th 6PM- 9PM

Where: Good Behavior, 44 W 29th St, 18th Floor 

Please join us on Thursday, April 9, for a Spring Happy Hour. The APA NY Metro Chapter is pleased to host this event in association with the Young Planners Group (YPG).

If you haven’t already, consider joining YPG’s Mentor/Mentee Program or exploring other ways to get involved with NYM Chapter committees.

Light bites will be provided from 6–9 PM at Good Behaviour’s Rooftop Terrace (weather permitting). Cash bar. This event is open to all.

Pedestrian modeling is an increasingly important tool in transportation planning and urban design. It helps planners and engineers understand how people move through streets, transit stations, bridges, and public spaces, test design alternatives, and evaluate safety, capacity, and comfort before projects are built.

Join the APA-NY Metro Chapter Transportation Committee for a virtual session focused on real-world applications of pedestrian modeling. The program will begin with a brief overview from NYC DOT on what pedestrian modeling is and how it is being rolled out in New York City.

When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12:00 - 1:15 PM

Where: Virtual Webinar on Zoom

Please register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z_66vrAlRn-Lm0Fu-sav1g 

Join NYMTC technical and transportation analytics staff as they discuss the findings from the latest Hub Bound Travel Data report. This important study measures and examines the magnitude of public and private transportation modes operating to and from Manhattan’s Central Business District – the busiest area of New York City!

To kick off 2026, the APA NYM Tech and Waterfront Committees are getting together for a tour of the Cornell Tech campus and networking afterwards at the Cornell University Gensler Family AAP (Architecture Art Planning) NYC Center. This event is open to committee members and friends. We hope you can join us!

Please click here to register.

Date & Times: Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 2-5 pm

• 2pm – Walking Tour: Overview, Tata Innovation Center, Bloomberg Center, The House, Cornell Tech Walk, and more

• 4:00pm – Summary, Q & A, and 2026 Plans: Gensler Family AAP (Architecture Art Planning) NYC Center

• 4:30pm – Networking: APA Committees and Cornell AAP students

Location: Meet at Tata Innovation Center - lobby, Cornell Tech campus

• Check-in starts at 1:45pm

• 11 E Loop Road (near Tram and subways), Roosevelt Island, New York, NY 10044, USA