Policy and Advocacy
An Opportunity for Reinvention
2023 Federal Priorities for Planning and Communities
Strong federal action — including effective regulation and additional legislative advances — can ensure that investments in climate action, infrastructure, and zoning reform drive planning outcomes that make our communities and our country more prosperous, equitable, and resilient.
Planners' Advocacy Network
The national network of planning advocates working to shape federal and state policy outcomes.
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Network members gain access to:
- Exclusive resources, tips, tools, and training
- Updates on the latest federal and state issues that impact planners
State Government Affairs
APA's State Government Affairs program provides insights on state policy trends that have an impact on planning across the country, engages state-level partners, and supports chapter level policy and advocacy programs.
Policy Guides
Tools to Influence Local, State, and Federal Policy
Policy Guides represent APA's official position on critical planning issues and arm planners with the tools to advocate for policies that create great communities for all. Policy guides, developed through a member-driven pricess, cover topics like Hazard Mitigation, Equity in Zoning, Housing, Climate Change, and more.
Policy Blog Posts
April 21, 2023
It Takes a Planner: Communicating Your Value to Policymakers
March 24, 2023
State of the State Addresses Aim to Tackle the Housing Crisis
January 20, 2023
What to Expect in State Legislatures on Zoning Reform in 2023
January 10, 2023
Congress Funds New ‘YIMBY’ Grants for Zoning Reform
September 20, 2022
Five+ Federal Infrastructure Programs Every Planner Should Know
July 18, 2022
Housing Scarcity Is Worse Than Ever
May 17, 2022
Addressing the Nation's Housing Crisis
March 14, 2022
Planners’ Input on Broadband Sought by Biden Administration
Amicus Curiae
APA works to advance planning through the judicial process by filing amicus curiae — friend of the court — briefs in select cases of national importance.
Communications Guide
This online, interactive guide is designed to help planners develop and deliver positive values-based messages about planning and APA to targeted audiences.