2026 Western Planner Conference: "Urban Vibe, Rural Charm"

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind planning conference experience in the heart of the Upper Midwest. Planners, practitioners, and community leaders from across the region will gather in Sioux Falls for a joint conference hosted by the South Dakota Planners Association, Western Planners Association, and American Planning Association -- Tribal & Indigenous Division. With the theme Urban Vibe, Rural Charm, this conference celebrates the places we plan -- from thriving urban centers to small towns and Tribal communities -- while tackling the real-world challenges shaping the future of the Western United States. More than 13 states will be represented, bringing together diverse perspectives at a pivotal moment for community planning. The conversations, connections, and ideas sparked here will influence how our communities grow, adapt, and thrive for years to come. Western Planner has held conferences since 1981, where we elevate small town, county, rural and tribal issues.