Ethical Principles for Everyone

Ethical planning isn't always easy. The following APA document offers principles and procedures to help engaged citizens, planning officials, and practicing planners in negotiating the tough ethical and moral dilemmas they sometimes face.

APA Ethical Principles in Planning
This statement is a guide to ethical conduct for all who participate in the process of planning as advisors, advocates, and decision makers. It presents a set of principles to be held in common by certified planners, other practicing planners, appointed and elected officials, and others who participate in the process of planning. We encourage its use, its adoption by planning bodies as appropriate, and its consideration by plannners in their daily practice.

Please note that it is a guide and not a code by which individuals may be held accountable. For those who are certified planners (identified as members of the American Institute of Certified Planners), the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies. Click here for information on ethics for certified planners.