World Town Planning Day

World Town Planning Day is celebrated in 30 countries on four continents each November 8. It is a special day to recognize and promote the role of planning in creating livable communities. World Town Planning Day presents an excellent opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective, and APA encourages its members to consider planning challenges and solutions around the globe on that day.

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) endorses World Town Planning Day as a strategy to promote a broad-based awareness, support, and advocacy of community and regional planning among the general public and all levels of government through activities in recognition of American accomplishments on World Town Planning Day, November 8 of each year.

Program History

The international organization for World Town Planning Day was founded in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires to advance public and professional interest in planning, both locally and abroad. WTPD began to be observed in many countries 20-30 years ago. WTPD is promoted each year by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISoCaRP) headquartered at The Hague in The Netherlands.

Why celebrate World Town Planning Day?

• To draw attention to the aims, objectives, and progress of urban and regional planning around the globe.
• To highlight the valuable contributions sound planning has made to the quality of global human settlements and their environment.
• To give worldwide coverage to the ideals of urban and regional planning not only within the profession but also among the general public.

What is APA doing for World Town Planning Day?

To highlight the impact and benefits of planning around the United States, APA encourages members to celebrate National Community Planning Month in October of each year.

APA encourages members to continue to think globally on November 8, World Town Planning Day.