Keep Up with Planning
You'll receive Planning, APA's flagship publication and the best source of news on contemporary planning practice. Find out about planning that works — successful programs, techniques, and strategies from across the nation. Planning's online edition is available exclusively to APA members.
Participate Close to Home
When you join APA, you join a chapter — your local source for networking and professional development. Most chapters offer an annual conference, educational workshops, AICP exam preparation courses, and a newsletter. Many also conduct legislative programs, sponsor planning commissioner training workshops, and conduct public information campaigns.
Connect with Specialists
Join an APA division and link to others who share your special enthusiasm. Most divisions spread their news and viewpoints through web-based discussions and publications. Divisions also assist APA's public policy program and educate other members through sessions at the annual National Planning Conference. Division membership is discounted for APA members.
Upgrade Your Skills
Take advantage of the advanced training put on by APA and its chapters. APA's training offerings include the annual national planning conference, a popular series of convenient audio/web conferences, and a semi-annual series of intensive, two-day, topical workshops. APA members save on registration for these and many other professional educational opportunities.
Expand Your Network
Personal connections are a valuable aspect of membership. Enjoy myriad opportunities to share experiences, brainstorm, and solve problems with other planners. Professional networking will help you succeed in your current job and may help you land the next one.
Read our award-winning member e-newsletter, APA Interact, to learn all about new APA resources, publications, events, and opportunities to participate. Follow its links to related features on the APA website. APA's blogs offer timely perspectives on the planning issues of the day.
Join Online
Become a member and connect with thousands of people who share your dedication to creating vibrant communities.
Download an application (PDF)APA Member Dues
Get Certified
Advance your career and affirm your commitment to the highest level of planning practice by earning certification by APA's professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners. Successful candidates are APA members who meet the Institute's requirements for education and experience and pass a rigorous comprehensive planning examination.
Save on Publications
Look to APA's online book service, APAPlanningBooks.com, for relevant and helpful resources no matter what kind of planning you do. Use your member discount on all Planners Press books and many other print and electronic publications. APA members also save 50 percent on subscriptions to the Journal of the American Planning Association.
Not a Planner?
APA membership is open to everyone who is committed to applying the benefits of planning to create communities of lasting value.
Members of planning and zoning boards and commissions, appointed and elected officials, and full-time students are eligible for APA membership at reduced rates with enhanced benefits.
Find out more about APA's Professional Institute.