Planners Are the Storytellers Our Communities Need

Over 70 planning advocates across 27 states met with members of Congress to share why their communities need federal support for housing and local zoning reform at APA's online Planners' Day on Capitol Hill.

While the Trump administration continues to make changes that will impact transportation, energy, infrastructure, and other planning-related issues, planning advocates continue to navigate the current challenging federal environment through smart, focused, localized, and consistent engagement with Congress.

Housing is an issue that remains a top priority for policymakers on both sides of the aisle, with bipartisan support and momentum pushing key bills forward. Legislation and federal programs that aim to address the nation's housing crisis are on the table — and planners are pulling up a seat to share why federal support for zoning reform is critical to making lasting change at the state and local level.

Each year, planners from across the country come together for APA's annual Planners' Day on Capitol Hill, an online experience that provides advocacy training and arms planners with the skills they need to, first and foremost, tell their communities' stories. As on-the-ground experts who are keepers of a community's history, data, and vision for the future, planners are uniquely positioned to tell Congressional representatives which federal programs and legislation will make the greatest impact back home.

The Federal Role in Local Action

This Planners' Day, more than 70 advocates representing 27 states held 99 congressional meetings. Planners were laser-focused on discussing the federal role in supporting local reforms through legislation like the Housing Supply Frameworks Act and programs like Pathways to Reducing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

Every community has a unique set of obstacles to housing production, but their stories all share a common theme: planners striving to turn challenges into opportunities. Bills like the Housing Supply Frameworks Act would create new tools, resources, and centralized data for planners, while PRO Housing, CDBG, and other grant programs would provide much-needed funding to continue making the reforms necessary to increase housing abundance in ways that fit each community's distinct needs.

Thank you to Sidney from @SenHydeSmith's for meeting with planning advocates about creating federal support for locally led #zoningreform. Through bipartisan action, planners can increase housing supply and boost economic outcomes throughout Mississippi! 🏘️ #ItTakesAPlanner pic.twitter.com/o459RuXgqK

— APAadvocates (@APAadvocates) June 25, 2025

Continuing Momentum

With a successful Planners' Day in the rearview mirror, the work doesn't stop for planning advocates. At the state, local, and regional level, planners are driving change by building coalitions, advocating for state funding, and continuing conversations with their elected representatives. Through partnerships such as the Housing Supply Accelerator, APA and planners are also working with elected officials and housing partners to create strategies and solutions for increasing housing supply.

Planners' message to Congress is clear: with federal support for local housing and zoning reform, planners can be the changemakers our communities need to take action on the housing crisis.

Relationships have formed with Congressional offices, and planning advocates will continue to tell the stories of our communities and be a resource for federal leaders by sharing local challenges, current opportunities, and a shared vision for a future of housing abundance.

"Make sure to go on and tell your story: I talked with my representatives, and they heard me. It happened, and it's been effective. I couldn't be prouder of this organization."
— APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP