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Since 1949, APA's program of applied research has resulted in practical, up-to-date information about best practices in urban and regional planning in the U.S. National Centers for Planning
Green Communities Hazards Planning Planning and Community Health Current Research ProjectsCoastal Zone ManagementWorking with the Coastal States Organization, APA’s Hazards Planning Research Center will produce a PAS Report on coastal zone management. Drought MitigationAPA's Hazards Planning Research Center is preparing a PAS Report on best practices and case studies in drought planning, working with the University of Nebraska's National Drought Mitigation Center and the National Integrated Drought Information System. Great Lakes Coastal HazardsAPA is working with the Association of State Floodplain Managers to help local decision makers address the dynamic hazard threats facing Great Lakes communities. NOAA Digital CoastA partnership with NOAA to review new planning tools for coastal communities, assist in using and accessing those tools, and in helping advance coastal zone management policy. Planning for Food AccessAPA's Planning and Community Health Research Center is identifying and evaluating plans that address community-based food systems. Planning for Public HealthA multi-year research study to identify and analyze the plan-making processes and the health goals, objectives, and policies of local comprehensive plans across the U.S. Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery: Next GenerationAn update and overhaul of the classic PAS Report Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction, incorporating numerous planning lessons learned from the last 15 years of dealing with major disasters. SunShot Solar Outreach PartnershipAPA and partners will help local and regional governments implement solar energy in their communities.
Completed Research ProjectsResearch activities at APA are supported by grants from foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies, as well as subscription revenues. APA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with organizations that have similar or complementary interests. Arts, Culture & CreativityThe Planning and Community Health Research Center developed a series of briefing papers to illustrate how planners use arts and culture strategies to achieve economic, social, environmental, and community goals. Bridging the GapThe effects of policies, practices, and environmental factors on youth diet and physical activity. BrownfieldsThis three-year initiative involved community development leaders, community members, and others and resulted in a guide to redeveloping brownfield sites. City Parks ForumWe are facing a new era of defining what constitutes a park. No longer seen as simply grass and trees, parks provide a multitude of benefits to their users. Complete StreetsDiscover policy and implementation practices that are helping to create complete streets in communities across the country. Context-Sensitive Signage DesignFor planners and building officials, signs are but one component of the complex built environment. And planning for and regulating signs is just one aspect of a city or community design program. Family Friendly CommunitiesThis project engaged planners in thinking critically about what makes a family friendly community, what's currently being done, and what opportunities are there to create more friendly communities. Growing SmartStates and their local governments now have new practical tools available to help combat urban sprawl, protect farmland, promote affordable housing, and encourage redevelopment. Healthy Communities through CollaborationIn 2003, a partnership between APA and the National Association of County and City Health Officials began to restore the bridge between land-use planning, community design, and public health practice. Housing ChoiceEveryone needs housing — a place to live, a place to call home. But the realization of safe, decent, affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult for more and more individuals and families. Land Based Classification Standards (LBCS)The LBCS model extends the notion of classifying land uses by refining traditional categories into multiple dimensions. These multiple dimensions allow users to have precise control over land-use classifications. Planning and Designing the Physically Active CommunityIn the last decade, the paradigm of smart growth has prompted many communities to improve the physical design of downtowns and neighborhoods. Planning for a New Energy and Climate FutureA PAS Report, a database, a reader, and other resources provide information on integrating energy and climate issues into planning. Planning for WildfiresWildfires are increasing in frequency and severity as more people move into areas where developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands. Planning the Urban ForestPlanners need to adopt a green infrastructure approach and incorporate trees into urban plans. Learn how to develop an urban forestry program that reaps the many benefits of trees. Smart Growth CodesHow do we amend our ordinances to advance smart growth? State Laws and Natural HazardsA survey of planning legislation in 50 states. Tribal Transportation ProgramsIn early 2005, APA contracted with the Transportation Research Board to produce a Synthesis Study on Tribal Transportation Programs. Urban AgricultureReserach that resulted in a Planning Advisory Service Report on the role of planning practice in developing and sustainable urban agriculture to support economic, social, and environmental goals. Wildlife Habitat ProtectionA census of local planning activity in jurisdictions that contain priority conservation areas. | My APA
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Hazard Mitigation
