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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 ProjectsWildlife Habitat ProtectionA census of local planning activity in jurisdictions that contain priority conservation areas. Planning for Food AccessAPA's Planning and Community Health Research Center will identify and inventory comprehensive and sustainability plans with food access goals and policies. Wind EnergyAPA and partners will produce a wind energy implementation guidebook for planners. BrownfieldsHelping groups in low-income communities see opportunities in brownfield sites. Complete StreetsOur states, cities, counties, and towns have built miles of streets and roads that are safe and comfortable only for motor vehicle travel. Family Friendly CommunitiesEngaging planners in thinking about what makes a family-friendly community. Integrating Hazard MitigationA study of best practices in integrating hazard mitigation into all forms of local plan making and planning activities. Planning for a New Energy | |||||
| Featured Projects | |
 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. |  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. |
Research 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.
For 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.
States and their local governments now have new practical tools available to help combat urban sprawl, protect farmland, promote affordable housing, and encourage redevelopment.
In 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.
Everyone 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.
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.
In the last decade, the paradigm of smart growth has prompted many communities to improve the physical design of downtowns and neighborhoods.
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity as more people move into areas where developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands.
In early 2005, APA contracted with the Transportation Research Board to produce a Synthesis Study on Tribal Transportation Programs.
APA's National Centers for Planning are dedicated to helping planners create communities of lasting value.
