President's Message

Chapter President Matt Frater

If there’s anything that I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s the importance of community. As AI is running rampant, and as apps divide our already divided attentions (there’s an app for that, of course), I’ve found myself needing to focus in – doubling and tripling down on the things that hold us together to keep myself grounded. APA-WI is one of those things for me. And I want to make sure it can be for you, too.

We are a community of people connected by caring deeply for the future of places and the people who live there. No matter the place, no matter the set of descriptors attached.

APA-WI is a non-partisan organization – but that doesn’t mean we should disregard the fear in our world right now. Our communities can be as divided as our attentions. And our organization can’t solve that, but we can ground each other as neighbors through it. Our skills are uniquely suited to it.

So as I step into the role of President, I invite you to join me in finding an enhanced and enriched community here. To keep learning from each other and taking the best from each other in the process, always leaving room for more members at the table.

Who we invite into our community shapes us. And if we’re lucky, we can all give shape to each other along the journey.

Matt Frater

Matt Frater, AICP is the new President of the American Planning Association – Wisconsin Chapter for the 2026-27 term. He is a proud holder of a High School Equivalency Diploma from Minneapolis Public Schools, attending Minneapolis Community & Technical College and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in completion of a degree in Urban Political Economy, History, and American Indian Studies, and is a graduate of the Urban and Regional Planning master's program at UW – Madison. He works for the City of Madison, WI, where he works on housing policy, finance, stability, and equity.