James A. Castañeda
Planning Manager - Somos Group
- Role
- President Elect at Apa California
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About James A. Castañeda
I’m a professional, enthusiastic, detail-oriented Urban Planner — a critical thinker who’s passionate about cities and the advancement of planning through thoughtful civic engagement. I’ve provided guidance on meaningful and effective public involvement, using technology and storytelling concepts in planning, and how to better understand planning processes.Specialties: current land use planning, community outreach, community engagement, social media, technology, environmental planning, planning liaison, airport planning.
Experience
President Elect
Jan 2026 — Present
Over members are strong, the California Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA California) is a network of practicing planners, citizens, and elected officials committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning within the state. APA California offers a wide spectrum of member benefits, including information, services, and support to advance planning in California.As Vice President of Administration, I coordinate and oversee the financial and administrative activities of the Chapter by maintaining the general fund and accounts, providing the Board of Directors with income and expenditures reports, preparing and submitting a year-end financial report and budget, conducting long-range forecasting and programming in cooperate of Chapter staff, and prepare an annual Chapter report.
Education
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Science, City and Regional Planning
1996 — 2004
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Social Media
- Program Management
- Government
- Land Use
- Event Planning
- Urban
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Ceqa
- Data Analysis
- Management
- Project Planning
- Airports
- Analysis
- Blogging
- Local Government
- Research
- Sustainability
- Comprehensive Planning
- Land Use Planning
- Transportation Planning
- Community Outreach
- Community Development
- Urban Design
- Project Management
- Urban Planning
- Gis
- Zoning
- Customer Service
- Environmental Planning
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