Nexus Strategy & Implementation Presents Interactive Workshop at the APA Indiana Fall Conference

We had a fantastic time presenting an interactive, hands-on workshop at the APA Indiana Fall Conference in South Bend, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an engaging and thoughtful planning community.

The American Planning Association (APA) is the nation’s leading professional organization for planners, bringing together professionals who are dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. APA Indiana (APA-IN) serves as the state chapter, supporting planners across Indiana through professional development, education, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing opportunities such as this annual conference.

(ID: Gretchen Sipp in a black and white pants suit with a red tie explaining the pillars of Collective Impact.)

Building Knowledge Across Indiana’s Planning Community

Our session, “Leveraging Collective Impact as a Launchpad for Equity and Sustainability in the Planning Community,” brought together 36 planning professionals from across Indiana for a collaborative learning experience centered on real-world application, peer discussion, and actionable outcomes.

The conference provided an ideal setting for planners, consultants, and community leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen their capacity to implement projects that advance equity and long-term sustainability.

(ID: APA Indiana Logo, turquoise blue with block letters.)

Putting Collective Impact into Practice

During the workshop, participants explored the five core principles of Collective Impact and how these tenets can be leveraged as a launchpad for implementing Universal Design projects in their home communities and for their clients.

Rather than a traditional lecture format, this session was intentionally designed as a working session. Attendees actively engaged in discussion, reflection, and group problem-solving while examining how Collective Impact can help municipalities and organizations bridge equity gaps and create more inclusive, sustainable outcomes.

(ID: Gretchen Sipp in a black and white pants suit with a red tie, Jessica Renslow in a houndstooth wrap dress and Daniele Sipp in a black and white business casual assemble smile at the APA IN Fall 2025 Conference.)

Learning Through Real-World Case Studies

To ground theory in practice, we shared three case studies from past Nexus Strategy & Implementation projects. Each example demonstrated how intentional stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration can lead to creative solutions with long-term impact.

These case studies sparked meaningful conversation around:

• Building shared vision among diverse partners

• Aligning systems and resources for greater impact

• Designing projects that are accessible, inclusive, and community-centered

(ID: Planners get a hands on demo experience navigating the pillars of Collective Impact.)

From Learning to Action

A key goal of the workshop was ensuring participants left with something tangible. By the end of the session, each attendee walked away with a rough draft concept outlining how they could apply the information they learned to an active or future project either within their own community or for a client.

This emphasis on practical implementation reflects our belief that planning education is most effective when it empowers professionals to move from ideas to action.

(ID: Planners using Collective Impact. to brainstorm possible ways to implement Universal Design projects in their home communities.)

Grateful for the Planning Community

It is always a pleasure to support the planning profession and contribute to the conference experience of our fellow American Planning Association members. We’re thankful to APA Indiana for the opportunity to share our work, learn from peers, and engage in meaningful dialogue around equity, sustainability, and inclusive design.

A special thank you to everyone who participated, asked thoughtful questions, and brought their expertise and curiosity to the session.

(ID: Gretchen Sipp in a black and white pants suit with a red tie 7 Universal Design principles.)

Meet the Presenters

• Jessica Renslow, M.Ed: Nexus Strategy & Implementation

• Gretchen Sipp: Nexus Strategy & Implementation

We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting planners as they apply Collective Impact and Universal Design principles to shape more equitable and resilient communities across Indiana and beyond.