Blog
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May 2, 2023
Planning for Biodiversity in the Face of Climate Change
As stewards of the urban ecosystem, planners can integrate habitat preservation and wildlife movement in an urban environment. A proposed Wildlife Ordinance in the City of Los Angeles aims to protect wildlife habitat and connectivity in its most ecologically significant areas. -
April 25, 2023
When It Comes to Large-Scale Solar, Show, Don't (Just) Tell
There's no substitute for a good visualization when it comes to demystifying large-scale solar development. -
March 6, 2023
Plan Now to Overcome Reflexive Opposition to Large-Scale Solar
Reflexive opposition to large-scale solar projects is on the rise in many parts of the country. Start planning now to avoid the reactive trap. -
January 24, 2023
Updated Large-Scale Solar Guidance from Solar@Scale
Is your community ready to have a conversation about large-scale solar development? Check out the new second edition of the Solar@Scale guidebook for a comprehensive discussion of local policies and actions that can affect the siting and design of community- and utility-scale solar facilities. -
August 9, 2022
Visual Guide to Agrivoltaics and Wildlife-Friendly Solar
Agrivoltaics — or the placement of a solar energy system on the same parcel of land as agricultural production — and wildlife-friendly solar practices can help communities capture multiple benefits from large-scale solar development. -
June 3, 2022
It’s Not Necessarily Solar vs. Agriculture
The topic of large-scale solar development in rural communities doesn't have to be controversial. Learn how local officials and developers can work together to clear up the misconception that these two land uses cannot co-exist. -
January 14, 2022
Solar@Scale Webinar Series
Join APA and ICMA for a nine-part webinar series on how local government policies and actions affect large-scale solar development outcomes. -
November 1, 2021
Solar@Scale: Opportunities for Planners to Act
A new guidebook from APA and ICMA highlights key opportunities for planners to help speed the decarbonization of the U.S. electricity grid by promoting context-sensitive large-scale solar development in the communities they serve. -
April 28, 2021
Transforming Boston's Moakley Park to Equitably Address Climate Change
Moakley Park Resiliency Plan creates a modern 21st century community park to address climate change needs and prioritizes social, cultural, economic, and environmental equity. -
January 14, 2021
Greenspace Resilience in the Wake of Disasters
Get recommendations for integrating proactive and resilient greenspace improvements into disaster recovery planning. -
December 21, 2020
Exploring Gaps in Guidance for Large-Scale Solar Development
The Solar@Scale team recently analyzed the existing literature on planning and zoning for large-scale solar development and identified some significant gaps. -
December 18, 2020
Do Planners Know Plan Integration Can Improve Local Resilience?
APA is partnering on a research project that asks planners what they think of planning integration and its potential for building community resilience. -
October 14, 2020
Solar@Scale: Improving the Local Rules for Large-Scale Solar
APA has partnered with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) on Solar@Scale, a new U.S. Department of Energy-funded project to help realize the potential benefits of large-scale solar development for cities, counties, and special districts. -
October 8, 2020
When It’s Right to Rightsize
Uncovering JAPA: The Flint water crisis shows when it's right to rightsize. -
August 13, 2020
Polycentric Development and the Future of Regions
Uncovering JAPA: If employed correctly, polycentric development can promote sustainable growth — allowing regions to thrive economically while preserving the environment. -
July 23, 2020
Planning for Climate Change, Planning for Communities
Uncovering JAPA: Can large-scale climate action coexist with community-based planning? One JAPA author says they can and they must. -
July 9, 2020
7 Ways to Plan a Stronger Climate Change Response
Uncovering JAPA: Current climate action plans are insufficient for the mounting climate crisis. Get seven principles to help bolster and fill the gaps in these plans. -
Congress Looks to Planning as a Climate Crisis Solution
A new congressional climate action plan positions planning as one solution to tackling climate change. APA supported the creation of the plan by contributing ideas for how federal climate policy can set the context for effective local and regional plans. -
June 18, 2020
When Climate Resiliency Is More Than an Afterthought
Uncovering JAPA: Affordable housing and resiliency must coexist. How can low-income households weather the storm? -
June 11, 2020
Sustainability Plans Can Be More Than Just Talk
Uncovering JAPA: Investing in a sustainability plan means investing in the future. -
June 4, 2020
A Simple Path to Sustainable Transportation
Uncovering JAPA: Shared autonomous vehicles will be part of the future, but do we need them to achieve sustainable transportation? -
May 28, 2020
Covenants, Codes, Restrictions, and Your Own Backyard
Uncovering JAPA: Explore the language of covenants, codes, and restrictions to learn the role homeowner associations play in regulating the aesthetic and ecological functions of yards. -
April 16, 2020
Simplifying Coastal Planning for Small Cities
Uncovering JAPA: How can small coastal cities plan for climate uncertainty? -
April 2, 2020
Changing Climate Calls for Changing the Built Environment
Uncovering JAPA: Building water-efficient cities might let us stick to the rivers and lakes that we’re used to. -
Regional Planning Can Help With Environmental Impacts of Warehouses
Uncovering JAPA: How can planning help regulate the disproportionate concentration of e-commerce-related warehouse facilities in greenfield sites? -
January 9, 2020
Proposed NEPA Changes Costly, Threaten Community Safety
In response to the proposed overhaul of NEPA regulations, the American Planning Association (APA) and Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) urge the Trump administration to not abandon review of development and infrastructure projects. -
August 22, 2019
No Eyes on the Street: City Officials and the Future of AVs
Uncovering JAPA: Cities have only dipped their toes in the water when it comes to regulating autonomous vehicles and their technology. -
October 4, 2018
Congressional Funding Could Affect Your Local Park
Funding for our parks, green spaces, and the National Park Service are on Congress's agenda. APA is calling on planning advocates to ensure these vital spaces and sources of funding will be protected. -
September 18, 2018
Water Managers, Planners Connect on Common Goals
Water and Planning Connect, a first-of-its-kind APA specialty conference, brought together planners and water professionals from across the United States as the first step in building a stronger foundation between the professions. -
July 31, 2018
Meeting the Housing Challenge in Norfolk as Sea Levels Rise
Norfolk, Virginia, is facing unique housing challenges from sea-level rise. Planners there are working to give residents more housing options in low-risk flood areas. -
July 25, 2018
What to Know as Congress Gears Up for Farm Bill Conference
The current farm bill is set to expire. The House and Senate will meet to confer on bills that differ on policies for farming, land conservation, nutrition programs, planning, and rural development. -
July 19, 2018
Planning Resilient Urban Forests with i-Tree Landscape
i-Tree Landscape is a free geographic tool that uses tree information to aid local and regional planning for more resilient communities. -
April 6, 2018
Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities
What if every schoolyard was a green schoolyard? Multifunctional schoolyards can ensure kids' healthy mental, physical, cognitive, and social development. -
Climate Adaptation: Climbing the Mountain Amid a Landslide
A new report assesses the current state of the climate adaptation field. Planner and author Jim Schawb says planners can bring their skills to the table and make a difference. -
January 26, 2018
Aging in Place: Housing, Supports, Safety
Planners have the ability to create housing options that enable citizens to be independent and to thrive at all ages. One of a series of blog posts on APA's Plan4Health webinar and seminar on “Planning Livable Communities for All Ages." -
January 16, 2018
Living on the Edge: Get to Know Your WUI
One-third of the U.S. population lives in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). It's important for planners to consider the WUI during the community planning process due to its direct link to potential wildfire disasters. -
December 7, 2017
Planning in Uncertain Times and a New Agenda for the Future
To achieve greater social cohesion, inclusion, and safety in a society where the needs of all citizens are met, the approach needs to be comprehensive and have wide citizen support. Planning is the vehicle through which much of this vision can be achieved. -
October 23, 2017
Get New Megaregional Planning Resources
Get resources on megaregional planning from APA and the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development at the Georgia Institute of Technology. -
September 25, 2017
New Report Offers Integrated Approach to Water
APA's PAS Report "Planners and Water" introduces the One Water approach and prepares planners and decision makers to lead and respond effectively to emerging water challenges. -
September 14, 2017
Revitalizing Smaller Legacy Cities, From Gary to Lowell
How can smaller legacy cities revitalize? A new report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the Greater Ohio Policy Center recommends eight strategies. -
September 8, 2017
Plan4Health Success Story: Mount Hope Coalition to Increase Food Security
Through Plan4Health, the Mount Hope Coalition to Increase Food Security in Providence, Rhode Island, aims to educate residents on the health and economic benefits of producing locally grown food and options for securing fresh, healthy food. -
August 29, 2017
Tackle the Data Tsunami with APA Water Planning Network Tools
American Planning Association's newest Interest Group — the Water and Planning Network — provides periodic updates on current research, leading practices, and tools related to planning for water. -
August 9, 2017
Plan4Health Success Story: Building Wellness in Bensenville, Illinois
Through the Plan4Health project, B-Well Bensenville (Illinois) created an Active Transportation Plan and a Complete Streets Policy for the community to ensure that all residents can safely bike and walk to school and work. -
August 8, 2017
Designing for Health: Expanding the Architect's Perspective
The American Institute of Architects, Westchester Hudson Valley, is expanding the role of architecture in community design, leveraging APA's Planners4Health initiative and participating in the Joint Call to Action for Healthy Communities. -
August 4, 2017
Advancing Healthy Communities: How to Sustain the Momentum
Planners and public health professionals came together to discuss the importance of sustainability in the final session of the Planners4Health curriculum series. -
July 31, 2017
Integrating Solutions: 2017 Community Planning Workshop in Howard Beach
The 2017 Community Planning Workshop brought planners together with Howard Beach, Queens, residents and stakeholders to identify strategies and approaches — including green infrastructure — for combating persistent flooding. -
July 25, 2017
Pilot Projects Promote Equity and Green Infrastructure in Parks
Updates on Great Urban Parks Campaign pilot projects in Baltimore, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. -
June 30, 2017
Your Park: Why It's More Essential Than You Think
This summer, it's time to enjoy the weather at your local park. APA's Great Places in America program has celebrated dozens of the nation's most captivating and well-planned public spaces. -
February 27, 2017
APA Part of New Collaboration to Promote Nature-Based Solutions
The Naturally Resilient Communities partnership has created a guide of nature-based solutions and related case studies of successful projects to help communities learn more and identify those solutions that might work best for them. -
February 23, 2017
Research Shows Changing Urban-Suburban Real Estate Preferences
The preferences of real estate investors have changed from suburban to urban over the past six years.
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