Planners' Advocacy Network
Be Part of the Action...
APA's Network of engaged planning advocates is working to shape federal and state policy outcomes.
...Join the Network
Membership in the Planners' Advocacy Network is free to APA members.
What's in It for You
- Influence federal and state policy outcomes
- Receive regular policy updates coming out of Washington and state capitals
- Access to leaders in Congress & the White House
- Tailored advocacy training to advance planners' agenda
Click the button, then check "Yes, include me in the Planners' Advocacy Network."
Advocate's Toolbox
Making an impact through advocacy can be daunting. As APA members, you have special access to this suite of tools needed to make a lasting impression on Capitol Hill, in state capitals, and beyond.
Use this guide to send emails that convey a clear and timely message to elected officials.
Use this step-by-step guide to schedule a meeting with your elected officials in Washington or the district office.
Use this checklist to plan a site visit or tour for your elected officials.
Use this template to request an in-person meeting with your elected official.
Use this template to write your personalized thank yous to your elected officials.
Use the framework below to create 2-3 stories for your meetings with elected officials that show how local planning leads to increased housing supply (success frame) or what is preventing local efforts from increasing housing supply (challenge frame).
Connecting Planning to Income: Telling You Story
Use this storytelling map to highlight how planners are leading the way by highlighting local community outcomes directly and why/how elected officials can continue to support good planning in your community. If you would like an example of how to use the story map, take a look here.
‘What is Community Planning?’ One Pager
What is Community Planning and why do we need it? Use this one pager to give elected officials an overview of how planners are utilizing data-driven insights and long-term vision to help leaders make decisions that residents need to thrive.
Ongoing Training
You're the Messenger: Communicating the Value of Planners
Asynchronous Mini-Course
Cost: Free | 1 CM
This series from APA's Upskilling Initiative will explore the perception gap between planners' and policy insiders' perspectives and equip you with the tools to advocate for planners' importance. The speakers will present the latest research findings on the current realities planners face in political spaces.