Since 1949, APA's program of applied research has resulted in practical, up-to-date information about best practices in urban and regional planning in the U.S.
APA's National Centers for Planning are dedicated to helping planners create communities of lasting value.
Green Communities
APA's Green Communities Research Center has the expertise and influence to help planners and citizens create greener, more sustainable communities.
Hazards Planning
APA's Hazards Planning Research Center identifies practices that protect communities from natural and manmade hazards and educates planners and allied professionals about those practices.
Planning and Community Health
By working with policymakers, public health professionals, environmental scientists, transportation engineers, educators, and others, planners work to create healthier communities.
APA's Planning and Community Health Research Center will identify and inventory comprehensive and sustainability plans with food access goals and policies.
APA and partners will produce a wind energy implementation guidebook for planners.
Helping groups in low-income communities see opportunities in brownfield sites.
Our states, cities, counties, and towns have built miles of streets and roads that are safe and comfortable only for motor vehicle travel.
Engaging planners in thinking about what makes a family-friendly community.
A study of best practices in integrating hazard mitigation into all forms of local plan making and planning activities.
A research and education project exploring planning in the context of energy issues and climate change.
How do we amend our ordinances to advance smart growth?
A survey of planning legislation in 50 states.
How planners use arts and culture to achieve community goals.
The effects of policies, practices, and environmental factors on youth diet and physical activity.
| Featured Projects | |
 Planning the Urban ForestPlanners need to adopt a green infrastructure approach and incorporate trees into urban plans. Learn how to develop an urban forestry program that reaps the many benefits of trees. |  City Parks ForumWe are facing a new era of defining what constitutes a park. No longer seen as simply grass and trees, parks provide a multitude of benefits to their users. |
Research activities at APA are supported by grants from foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies, as well as subscription revenues. APA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with organizations that have similar or complementary interests.
In the last decade, the paradigm of smart growth has prompted many communities to improve the physical design of downtowns and neighborhoods.
States and their local governments now have new practical tools available to help combat urban sprawl, protect farmland, promote affordable housing, and encourage redevelopment.
In 2003, a partnership between APA and the National Association of County and City Health Officials began to restore the bridge between land-use planning, community design, and public health practice.
Everyone needs housing — a place to live, a place to call home. But the realization of safe, decent, affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult for more and more individuals and families.
For planners and building officials, signs are but one component of the complex built environment. And planning for and regulating signs is just one aspect of a city or community design program.
In early 2005, APA contracted with the Transportation Research Board to produce a Synthesis Study on Tribal Transportation Programs.
Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity as more people move into areas where developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands.
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