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If you belong to a local planning commission or zoning board or hold elected or appointed public office, the American Planning Association invites you to become a member. You'll gain an experienced and helpful partner in your work to create a vital and healthy community. Why I Joined APAGet the Tools You NeedWhether you're new to your position or a seasoned veteran, you need targeted training on essential planning concepts and techniques. We can help you recognize and respond to impending challenges and acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to try innovative solutions to difficult problems. Learn to Turn Down the Heat and Reduce RiskA skilled commission can guide competing interests toward consensus on controversial issues in orderly, productive, public meetings. Familiarity with ethical decision making and current planning law will help you and your fellow commissioners decide fairly, sidestep legal pitfalls, and avoid costly litigation. Connect to the Nationwide Planning CommunityOther planning commissions, perhaps in towns thousands of miles away, may already have solved the problem yours is facing now. APA publications — especially Planning and The Commissioner — demonstrate how your community fits into the national picture. Personally, you'll have many opportunities to share experiences with other commissioners and planners at meetings, conferences, and training events. Use the Best ResourcesThe Commissioner, the nation's foremost training publication, is free for APA planning board members. APA's Planners Press publishes most of the guidebooks and instructional manuals used to train planning commissions, zoning boards, and boards of adjustment. Our educational materials reflect emerging issues, new techniques, and changing legislation. Most are discounted for members. Open the Door to LeadershipWe work on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and in the courts to promote community-friendly policies and laws. Our national leadership depends on strength at the grass roots. Get involved with APA and we'll help you become a leader and advocate for pro-community policies. Learn Planning on Your Own TermsAPA chapters offer nearby training that accounts that for state and local laws and regulations that affect your decisions. Listen in, individually or with other commissioners and planners, to audio/web conferences with experts on important community planning topics. APA's multi-module CD-ROM training packages facilitate self-study. Not a Commissioner, Board Member, or Official?APA membership is open to everyone who is committed to applying the benefits of planning to create communities of lasting value. | ||
