American Planning Association

American Planning Association (APA): Nonprofit education and membership organization committed to promoting good planning.  The organization, which serves more than 43,000 members, is headquartered in Washington D.C., with offices in Chicago and Shanghai, China.

APA was founded in 1978 after the consolidation of two planning associations, the American Institute of Planners (founded in 1917) and the American Society of Planning Officials (ASPO, established in 1934). The first executive director of APA was Israel Stollman.

Leadership: APA is governed by members, elected and appointed. Leadership includes the 13-member Board of Directors and the eight-member AICP Commission, Chapter Presidents Council, Divisions Council, Student Representatives Council, and a number of committees and task forces.

Chapters:  Forty-seven state or regional groupings that enable members to become engaged in local events.

Divisions: Twenty-one special interest groups that focus on different aspects of planning.

The National Planning Foundation: Independent 501(c)(3) subsidiary of APA that funds philanthropic efforts like scholarships and research projects.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP): APA's professional institute that provides leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners. More than 16,000 planners have earned the AICP credential. APA members must meet certain education and experience requirements, and pass a written exam to become a certified planner.

Events

National Planning Conference: Theannual five-day event that brings together more than 5,000 planners in a different city each year to participate in mobile workshops, training and development opportunities.

National Community Planning Month: Held every October, this program raises awareness of the importance and value of planners and planning through a variety of nationwide events.

Centennial of the Planning Movement of America: Recognizing 100 years of planning in 2009. The initiatives and events of 1909 established the foundation for the growth and emergence of America's planning movement. APA will be celebrating the planning centennial from October 2008 through December 2009 with a variety of activities

Honors

Fellow of AICP: Certified members who have received the honor of fellowship for their significant contributions to planning and society.The highest honor given to a planner.

National Planning Awards: Honor given annually by APA to the best plans, projects, and people for their innovative work in bettering communities. The awards are presented during a special luncheon ceremony during APA's National Planning Conference.

Great Places in America Program: Recognizes 10 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces of exceptional character, quality and planning.