The American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners are proud to announce that NIRPC Executive Director Ty Warner has been inducted into the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP). Warner has earned the profession’s highest honor in recognition of his outstanding achievements and lasting contributions to planning practice and leadership.
Fellowship is granted to planners who have achieved certification through the American Planning Association’s professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and have achieved excellence in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, public and community service, and leadership. Invitations to join the College of Fellows come after a thorough nomination and review process, ensuring the candidate has had a positive, long-lasting impact on the planning profession.
“Being named a Fellow honors a planner’s dedication, vision, and impact on communities,” said Erin Perdu, AICP, president of the AICP Commission. “It recognizes those whose work inspires colleagues and sets a standard for excellence in the profession.”
Warner is the Executive Director of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) and has over 35 years of planning experience at the regional, county, and municipal levels. The Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized him in 2009 with their Distinguished Service Award for exemplary commitment to the planning profession.
Warner is one of 55 inductees into this year’s College of Fellows. The Class of 2026 Fellows were formally inducted during a ceremony at the National Planning Conference held in Detroit, followed by a black-tie reception honoring the inductees. Over 4700 planners attended the conference.
About the American Planning Association
The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides vital leadership in creating great communities for all. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the profession of planning, offering better choices for where and how people work and live. APA's nearly 40,000 members work in concert with community residents, civic leaders, and business interests to create communities that enrich people's lives. Connect with APA on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.