ESA is pleased to sponsor, present, and exhibit at the 2025 APA Conference in Monterey, California from September 28 – October 1. This year’s conference will focus on exploring solutions for housing, climate resilience, equity and mobility. ESA’s planners will share insights on supporting climate resilience, advancing clean energy, reimagining aging malls, and navigating today’s evolving planning landscape.
ESA’s team of planners, energy and community development specialists, and federal policy experts will be attending the conference and we look forward to connecting with you.
Eric Beightel
Darcy Kremin, AICP
Bev Choi
Jeff Caton
Selena Whitney, AICP
Mario Accordino
Shannon Fiala
Alison Lenci
Dave Davis
Paul Stephenson, AICP
Eryn Brennan
Find us at booth #207 in the De Anza Ballroom at the Portola Hotel & Spa, located at Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940.
We’ll be speaking at the following panel discussions:
SESSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Part 2: Choose Your Own Adventure! – Planning Edition
Sunday, September 28 | 10:15am – 11:15am
Moderator: Darcy Kremin
Ever wonder what your career in planning could look like? In this interactive session, students will navigate different planning paths—from environmental to transportation, housing to historic preservation—guided by real-world planners. Explore how your choices can shape your career adventure!
Riding the Waves: Financing Coastal Resilience in an Uncertain Climate
Sunday, September 28 | 2:45pm – 4:00pm
Presenters: Jeff Caton and Shannon Fiala
This session explores how coastal communities can overcome financial and political barriers to fund sea level rise adaptation. Using Santa Cruz as a case study, panelists will share lessons learned, funding strategies, and innovative financing tools to help communities secure climate resilience investments.
How can coastal communities navigate financial and political barriers to fund sea level rise adaptation? Using Santa Cruz as a case study, panelists will share lessons learned, funding strategies, and innovative financing tools to help communities secure climate resilience investments.
Sunny Side Up: Cracking the Solar Energy and Battery Energy Storage Codes
Tuesday, September 30 | 2:30pm – 3:45pm
Moderator: Selena Whitney
This timely panel will explore how jurisdictions are balancing the growth of solar and storage with community needs, environmental health, and public safety. Attendees will gain real-world insights and practical strategies for planning and permitting energy projects that support California’s 2045 goals while addressing local challenges.
Living Shorelines to Protect, Restore, and Reconnect in an Era of Adaptation
Tuesday, September 30 | 2:30pm – 3:45pm
Presenter: Mario Accordino
Living shorelines are at the heart of nature-based approaches to coastal adaptation strategies that protect communities and enhance ecology. This panel, comprising experts in funding, policy, and design, will present on multiple scales and share implementation lessons learned. ESA will present the 65% Shoreline Design of the Estuary Park Renovation and Expansion Project in Oakland, CA, and several constructed living shoreline case studies throughout the state.
Siri, What Should I Do with My Aging Mall? Reimagination in a Digital Era
Wednesday, October 1 | 9:00am – 10:15am
Presenter: Beverly Choi
This panel will bring together perspectives of urban planning, economic development, public finance, city leadership, and the private sector developer to discuss realistic ways that aging shopping malls can be revitalized, while also supporting the production of critically needed housing.
Closing Plenary
Wednesday, October 1 | 10:30am – 11:45am
Presenter: Eric Beightel
We’re proud to share that Eric Beightel will be a featured speaker at the Closing Plenary of the 2025 APA Conference. This session will bring together public- and private-sector planners for a candid conversation on staying grounded in purpose, navigating uncertainty, and continuing to champion equity, sustainability, and community in today’s evolving planning landscape.
- Senior Environmental Planner | Pacific Northwest
- Senior Climate Resilience Planner | Northern California
- Principal Air Quality & Acoustics Analyst | Southern California
- More opportunities on our Job Openings page
