VHB Leads Engaging Conversations at SNEAPA and NNECAPA Conferences

At this year's American Planning Association (APA) conferences in New England , VHB led informative discussions on innovative planning solutions for the most pressing challenges facing New England communities. Our team shared insights on the local and regional trends shaping the future of planning, housing, and urban design.

At the Northern New England Chapter American Planning Association (NNECAPA) Conference, Massachusetts Land Planning Team Leader Luke Mitchell participated in the Keynote Plenary panel, "One Region, Many Realities: Planning Across a Fractured Northern New England." The discussion offered attendees a comparative exploration of the forces reshaping Northern New England, focusing on four key themes: demographic change, employment trends, market conditions, and housing production.

"Communities facing very different demographic and economic realities require different strategies, priorities, and expectations," said Luke. "By placing local decisions within a broader regional framework, we can develop more informed, resilient, and context-sensitive solutions."

At the Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) Conference, Luke joined a panel that similarly examined how various southern New England communities-from gateway cities, affluent suburbs, and coastal communities to legacy industrial centers and rural towns-are responding to fundamentally different challenges while operating within the same regional economy. Highlighting that effective planning begins with understanding context, the panel explored how local planning responses differ according to the communities' unique needs.

Project Manager Kayla Northup led the SNEAPA session, "From Region to Roadside: Saving Lives on Rural Roads." This engaging presentation examined the distinct road safety concerns that rural communities face, including long travel distances, higher speeds on two lane roads, and limited multimodal options. Integrating the Safe System Approach, the panelists shared how regional planning agencies, public health leaders, and local governments can work together to create a coherent safety strategy across many small towns.

Through our role as Platinum Sponsor and strong regional participation, VHB's presence at the 2026 SNEAPA and NNECAPA Conferences reflects our commitment to create future-ready communities through thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic urban planning. By sharing knowledge and leading conversations, VHB helps implement ideas across New England and our greater footprint.

Learn how VHB's New England Land Planning team collaborates with communities, developers, and regulators to create healthy, livable, and sustainable neighborhoods for the future.