AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRAVEL
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO
ATTEND THE 2026 AMERICAN PLANNING
ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 3, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development formally requested authorization to travel to Detroit, Michigan, from April 24 through April 28, 2026, to attend the 2026 American Planning Association National Conference; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities for its municipal officials in order to enhance the quality of services provided to the residents of the City; and
Whereas, the Planning Commissioner has requested authorization to attend the 2026 American Planning Association National Conference to be held from April 24 through April 28, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan; and
Whereas, the American Planning Association (APA) is a national nonprofit professional organization that serves as an educational and advocacy organization for urban, city, and regional planners across the United States, with more than 40,000 members nationwide; and
Whereas, the annual APA National Conference provides educational training, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities for planners and public officials, with attendance typically ranging between 3,500 and 6,500 participants; and
Whereas, the Planning Commissioner is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and a member of its College of Fellows (FAICP), and is required to obtain thirty-two (32) continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain professional certification; and
Whereas, attendance at the conference will provide an opportunity for the Planning Commissioner to obtain certification maintenance credits while also advancing development, planning, design, and organizational capacity initiatives that may benefit the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the 2026 conference will be held at the Huntington Place Convention Center and lodging is anticipated at the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, subject to availability; and
Whereas, the estimated cost of attendance, including hotel accommodations, conference registration, and airfare, is approximately Two Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars and Seventy-Six Cents ($2,433.76).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mount Vernon City Council hereby authorizes the Planning Commissioner to travel to Detroit, Michigan, from April 24 through April 28, 2026, to attend the 2026 American Planning Association National Conference.
Section 2. Funding. The City Council authorizes such costs associated with attendance at the conference, including lodging, registration, airfare, and related per diem expenses, in an amount not to exceed $2,433.76, subject to applicable City financial policies and procedures to be paid from the Austerity Budget Code A1030.402 upon submission of proper documentation, subject to the availability of funds and the Comptroller's approval.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.