The Benefits of AICP Certification

Over the course of more than two decades as president of BBPC in Annapolis, Maryland, Tom Cole has engaged with a variety of lending institutions and private sector real estate developers in both consulting and management capacities. Tom Cole is also a member of various professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners.

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) functions as a professional extension of the American Planning Association (APA). The AICP provides a number of valuable professional services, most notably certification opportunities. Professionals who complete AICP credential processes are able to immediately demonstrate the extent of their work experience and academic achievements in areas of effective community planning to colleagues and potential employers.

Certification is a great goal for individuals who have only just embarked on their career in community planning, and represents a significant step towards establishing oneself as an industry leader. Furthermore, AICP certification helps planners develop a sound code of ethics in accordance with the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Certified planners, according to research, are also more likely to receive better pay compared to non-certified planners. 

More information regarding the many advantages of AICP certification can be found online at www.planning.org.

American Planning Association's 2018 National Planning Conference

Annapolis-based Tom Cole received degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and economic development, he serves as president of BBPC, a nationally recognized real estate development, economics, and financial advisory services firm in Annapolis, Maryland. In order to stay current in his field, Tom Cole belongs to several professional organizations including the American Planning Association.

With over 38,000 members worldwide, the American Planning Association provides leadership to planners of vibrant, growing communities. The organization promotes ideas, education, and citizen empowerment. To that end, each year the American Planning Association hosts a National Planning Conference. In 2018, the conference will take place April 21-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The national conference will feature over 250 expert-led sessions, workshops, networking events, and an exhibition hall. For attendees who wish to focus their experience at the national conference, organizers have curated workshops and sessions around specific topics. Attendees can focus on a single issue or combine issues to fit their unique interests. Tracks include climate change and resiliency, development and the natural environment, and managing change in communities, among others.