History

Though the Planning Association of Washington was formed in 1963, its history began in the 1950s when regional planning associations were formed throughout the state. The Inland Empire Planning Association and the Central Washington Planning Association led the effort to form PAW when the national meeting of the American Society of Planning Officials was held in Seattle in 1963.

Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, PAW held local conferences throughout the state, providing training and promoting membership.

The 1970s were a period of change. PAW held statewide conferences twice a year and developed the Short Course on Local Planning. Implemented by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, it is now presented over 30 times a year.

The 1980s and 1990s brought growth and maturity to the Planning Association of Washington. PAW formed an affiliation with The Western Planner in 1982. PAW has co-sponsored a Joint Awards Program with the APA-WA Chapter since 1986 and conducted joint conferences from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s.

PAW has worked actively to develop partnerships and co-sponsor conferences with other agencies and organizations involved with planning, including tribal organizations.