YEP! Learning Lab at NPC26: Empowering Young Voices in Planning

At the 2026 National Planning Conference (NPC26) in Detroit, Michigan, YEP! Youth Engagement Planning hosted an interactive Learning Lab that brought planning professionals together to experience youth engagement in action. Rather than a traditional presentation, the session provided participants with hands-on strategies, creative activities, and practical tools that can be immediately applied in communities of all sizes.

Throughout the Learning Lab, attendees explored why youth engagement matters and how meaningful participation can lead to stronger planning outcomes. Participants worked through interactive exercises, discussed real-world case studies, and learned best practices for designing youth-friendly engagement opportunities that move beyond token participation.

The session featured YEP!'s growing collection of educational resources, including the Ava Tanner the City Planner children's book series, youth engagement activities, classroom lessons, games, and community engagement tools that help introduce planning concepts to children and teens. Participants also experienced several of YEP!'s signature activities that encourage creativity, collaboration, and civic learning while making planning accessible and fun.

Together, attendees brainstormed innovative ways to engage youth in comprehensive planning, parks and recreation planning, transportation projects, downtown revitalization, housing initiatives, and community visioning efforts. Discussions focused on meeting young people where they are—through schools, libraries, youth organizations, community events, and interactive programming—and creating opportunities for youth to become active partners in shaping the future of their communities.

The Learning Lab reinforced one of YEP!'s core beliefs: young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are valuable contributors today. By equipping planners with practical resources, proven engagement techniques, and inspiring examples from across the country, the session empowered participants to return home ready to build stronger relationships with youth and create more inclusive planning processes.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Detroit for an engaging, energetic, and inspiring Learning Lab. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping communities across the country amplify youth voices in planning.

It’s More Than Elementary: Customizing Actionable Youth Engagement - Monday, April 27, 2026 at 8:30 AM EST

Youth Influencers: Transforming Planning Through Intergenerational Engagement - Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM CST

We had a great time at NPC25 in Denver!

The YEP! team was invited to be a presenter at the APA American Planning Association National Planning Conference in 2025! Our mobile workshop, Girl Scouts DreamLab: Youth Planning the Future, featured our hallmark, signature workshop training planners about the importance of youth engagements and then put those skills to use in interacting with Girl Scouts from the Denver area in completing our curriculum for the first-ever Girl Scout City Planning patch!

Date and Time: Girl Scouts DreamLab: Youth Planning the Future
Sunday, March 30, 2025
11:00 – 2:00 PM

Date and Time: Generational Learning: Native Youth
Sunday, March 30, 2025
1:30 – 4:30 PM

Date and Time: “Ava Tanner The City Planner” Book Signing
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Coohill’s 6:30 – 8:30 PM