OMS 2023 Annual Report What’s inside
Who we are
What we achieved
Our financials
What we envision
Who we are The Orlando Metro Section is one of 12 sections of the American Planning Association, Florida Chapter. Our section includes Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter Counties. With over 400 members, our section is one of the largest sections in the state, larger than many state Chapters of APA. Our Purpose The primary purpose of the Orlando Metro Section is to facilitate the individual participation of APA members in the affairs of the Section and to further the mission of APA in the Section’s Central Florida service area. Our Programs Our programs have included educational events (both in-person and virtual) and social events, i.e. quarterly happy hours, an annual meeting, and an annual holiday party. In 2023, we piloted a successful Planning Academy 101, a full-day workshop for new planners and people who work with planners to explain planning basics. We also piloted two new programs: OMS Connect and OMS Book Club, which qualified for one Equity CM credit.
What we achieved Our member survey We wanted to know more about what our members wanted from the Orlando Metro Section. In March 2023, we conducted a member survey and we used the results to develop the 2023 event program.
Our impact by the numbers
6
in-person educational events
Our section held 6 in-person educational events in 2023. Three of those events qualified for the Sustainability and Resilience CM Credit, and three events qualified for the Equity CM credit. In addition, we held two webinars that qualified for CM credits with over 600 attendees.
Happy Hours were held in Sanford, Winter Springs, and St. Cloud in 2023. Our annual holiday party at Hangry Bison in Winter Park drew 40 OMS members to celebrate the holiday season and meet both new and old friends.
12
month board meetings
3
networking events & socials
Our OMS board members met monthly in 2023 to conduct a member survey, revise bylaws, elect new board members, produce a budget and ledger, and create the event program. The events subcommittee met 11 times in 2023 and communicated by email numerous times to produce the events highlighted in this report.
We offered a total of 10 educational events in 2023 which yielded a total of 14 CM credits which included 3 for Sustainability and Resilience, 3 for Equity, and 2 for Law. 80% of these educational events were provided free of charge to our members.
14
CM credits offered
Our impact on social media We have been very active on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram in 2023. On LinkedIn, we have our largest following with 574 followers with 203 reposts in 2023. Our engagement rate has steadily improved over the last year and it is our hope to boost engagement even more in 2024. Overall Engagement
Instagram Engagement
Facebook Engagement
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Our impact in words
“Being new to the field, the most effective parts were the beginning, middle, and end. I needed all of it.” Attendee from the Planning Academy 101 June 2, 2023 (all registrants attended in person)
“The workshop presented some requirements and issues to be aware of related to the Live Local Act that were good to know.” Attendee from the Live Local Act webinar July 26, 2023 (broadcast statewide to 712 registrants)
“I liked that it was a casual presentation where you could ask questions, etc. The location was perfect. I really liked that you had different speakers for each topic, made it interesting. The cost was reasonable.” Attendee from the AICP Exam Training Sept. 29, 2023 (First in-person exam prep held since COVID)
Our year in photos
Our financials In 2023, our section started with a $15,260.09 account balance and concluded with an incredible $21,319.70. This financial growth reflects our membership strength and diligent fiscal management over the past several years. We value member input, guiding us to provide professional development, workshops, and networking events. These funds will help us organize accessible events for our members without significant financial burden. In 2023, a $1,500 section grant funded Planning Academy 101, and we received a $2,667.88 revenue share from FPC23. 2023 was a year of growth that reinforces our commitment to enriching our members' experiences. Together, we'll continue to prosper and impact in 2024.
2023 monthly account balances Account Balance 25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
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What we envision We are looking forward to another year of providing quality educational programs to our members to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the planning profession. We are planning several in-person and virtual events that will qualify for CM credits. We’re also looking forward to some fun, social events that will help planners foster friendships and working relationships to benefit themselves, their colleagues, and their communities to be the best they can be.
Planning Workshops
Planning Academy 101 will be offered again on June 7, 2024, and Planning Academy 102 will be a monthly webinar series covering a variety of topics to increase knowledge about different aspects of planning. We will also hold a Planning Officials Training on April 19, 2024. Click here to learn more about the Planning Academy 102