Program areas at American Planning Association
Memberships & Educational Resources: See Schedule O for Program Service descriptionAPA is an education not-for-profit and several of our educational services are provided free of charge. APA membership is voluntary and open to any individual interested in the field of planning. Our monthly magazine focuses on information about trends, current planning practices, new approaches, reviews of books, reports, and events in both private and public sectors. The Journal of the American Planning Association is published quarterly to report on research, new thoughts, and current literature. It is edited independently through a university- based editorial team and has a worldwide subscription list. The Zoning Practice periodical is published quarterly and helps guide those who write and administer development codes; monitors all the latest trends in local land-use controls; and brings the reader current news and ordinance excerpts.Each quarter APA's Planning Advisory Service (PAS) publishes a new PAS report providing authoritative guidance on current issues and innovative practices. APA celebrates excellence in planning through our Great Places in America program. Annually, APA recognizes a total of 15 great neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces of exceptional character, quality, and planning. The neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces are suggested by residents or visitors. The National Planning Conference brings planners, planning commissioners, elected officials, educators, allied professionals, students and engaged citizens together in an assembly of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to gain knowledge of current community challenges and initiatives in the field of planning. The American Institute of Certified Planners' (AICP) Certification Maintenance program helps certified planners gain the knowledge and skills they need to remain current in the practice of planning. Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPATs) are a key AICP initiative. Through this program, a multidisciplinary team of expert planning professionals is paired with community members, key stakeholders, and relevant decision makers in a place-based initiative to foster community education, engagement, and empowerment.APA also produces audio conferences, webinars, training workshops, streaming videos and audio recordings to promote education about communities and planning.
Policy & Outreach Services: See Schedule O for Program Service descriptionSince 1949, APA's program of independent applied research has resulted in practical, up-to-date information about best practices in urban and regional planning in the U.S. and around the world. The service translates basic university research and best practices into practical examples for both private and public sector entities. Research activities are supported by grants from foundations, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies, and subscription revenue. APA educates planners on planning issues and advocates changes to planning practices that respond to the evolving needs of communities at all levels. The process of creating vital communities recognizes that change is inevitable. APA's communications team educates media and the public about the importance of the relationship between good governance and good planning; the impacts of planning, and the role of planners and engaged citizens in shaping our nation's communities. It also recognizes successful initiatives and projects through the annual national planning awards program.
Certification & Accreditation: See Schedule O for Program Service descriptionAPA plays an integral role in the education and development of planners through its support for the accreditation of academic planning programs. AICP is APA's Professional Institute that is focused on the certification of planners, setting standards for professional practice, encouraging professional development, promoting pro bono services, and supporting ethical practice.