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

Federal Strategy Director

Darcy Kremin, AICP

Senior Principal Planner
Beverly Choi

Bev Choi

Northern California Community Planning Program Manager

Jeff Caton

Sustainable Communities Director

Selena Whitney, AICP

Senior Energy Planner

Shannon Fiala

Senior Environmental Planner

Alison Lenci

Senior Planner

Dave Davis

Principal Planner

Paul Stephenson, AICP

Senior Managing Associate

Eryn Brennan

Environmental Planning Director

Mario Accordino

Civil and Environmental Engineer

Find us at booth #205 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
Presenter: 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.

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.