Blogs

February 28, 2020

Redefining National Hazard Policy in the Climate Crisis

APA is in the process of updating the Hazard Mitigation Policy Guide. Comment on the draft guide to help guide our advocacy on resilience moving forward.

January 9, 2020

Crafting a Disaster Recovery Guide With Planners in Mind

APA partnered with Texas A&M University to design a mixed-methods research project examining where planners turn for information and assistance after a disaster.

April 3, 2019

Planning and Wildfire in the Wildland-Urban Interface

Planners have important roles to play in shaping communities that are safer and more resilient to wildfire. A new PAS Report shows the way.

January 29, 2019

Four Plans for Shaping the Future of Puerto Rico

A summary of four plans that will shape Puerto Rico’s response to the urgent humanitarian needs of the island’s residents after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

October 22, 2018

When Disaster Strikes

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Florence and Michael, recovery practitioners should be prepared for the intense legal challenges related to post-disaster land use. Thoughtful and transparent communication is critical for engaging post-disaster regulation.

October 12, 2018

Hazard Mitigation Reforms Hitch a Ride on FAA Bill

Congressional legislation reauthorizing the FAA included important reforms that promote hazard mitigation and resiliency. The legislation marks one of the most sweeping changes to federal hazard programs in years.

September 26, 2018

The Latest in Resilience Resources from APA

Resilience, in all of its forms, is a key issue in planning. APA has been highlighting resources on the topic of resilience throughout the summer. Here is some of the latest in resilience resources.

September 10, 2018

Planners Discuss the Barriers to Effective Drought Mitigation Planning

APA research associate Joseph DeAngelis, AICP, outlines the findings from APA's recent Drought Mitigation Planning Summit and Survey Report, and what it means for planners.

August 8, 2018

Lessons from the One Water Summit

APA Research Associate Joe DeAngelis, AICP, reflects on lessons learned at the 2018 One Water Summit and previews APA's Water and Planning Connect conference.

May 3, 2018

APA Foundation: Hurricane Katrina Recovery Assistance

The APA Foundation provides planning assistance to communities hit hard by natural hazards. Some of the first to be helped were in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

March 27, 2018

Innovations in Community Resilience for Planners and the Public

Using a CommunityViz scenario tool, planners and community members explored ways of becoming more hazard-resilient and engaging the community in decisions.

February 7, 2018

Climate Adaptation: Climbing the Mountain Amid a Landslide

A new report assesses the current state of the climate adaptation field. Planner and author Jim Schawb says planners can bring their skills to the table and make a difference.

January 16, 2018

Living on the Edge: Get to Know Your WUI

One-third of the U.S. population lives in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). It's important for planners to consider the WUI during the community planning process due to its direct link to potential wildfire disasters.

December 15, 2017

A Planner's Close Encounter With Hurricane Irma

Mary Kay Peck, FAICP, chair of the APA Foundation board, shares her experience with Hurricane Irma and the work that will be done by the APA Foundation.

September 25, 2017

New Report Offers Integrated Approach to Water

APA's PAS Report "Planners and Water" introduces the One Water approach and prepares planners and decision makers to lead and respond effectively to emerging water challenges.

August 29, 2017

Tackle the Data Tsunami with APA Water Planning Network Tools

American Planning Association's newest Interest Group — the Water and Planning Network — provides periodic updates on current research, leading practices, and tools related to planning for water.

July 31, 2017

Integrating Solutions: 2017 Community Planning Workshop in Howard Beach

The 2017 Community Planning Workshop brought planners together with Howard Beach, Queens, residents and stakeholders to identify strategies and approaches — including green infrastructure — for combating persistent flooding.

June 5, 2017

Examining Resilience in Vermont After Hurricane Irene

Jim Schwab, FAICP, interviews Emily Seiple about her competition-winning paper on Waterbury, Vermont's recovery efforts after Hurricane Irene.

June 5, 2017

Happy 10th Birthday to NOAA’s Digital Coast!

NOAA's Digitial Coast is turning 10. APA is a partner in this initiative, which brings tools and resources to coastal communities.

May 7, 2017

Planning for Resilience

As the triple threats of climate change, rapid urbanization, and globalization exert pressure on cities, many of those places are looking to be more resilient — now and 25, 50, or 100 years from now.

May 2, 2017

Planning Ahead for Disaster Recovery

FEMA recently released the Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments, which provides guidance and tools for local governments.

Digital Coast Act: Protecting Our Coastal Communities

In a special Water Week guest post, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin makes the case for why planners must tell their representatives to support the Digital Coast Act.

March 22, 2017

A Planner's Resiliency Wish List for Congress

In recognition of Water Week, APA’s Hazards Planning Center Manager James C. Schwab, FAICP, outlines his water recommendations for Congress.

February 27, 2017

APA Part of New Collaboration to Promote Nature-Based Solutions

The Naturally Resilient Communities partnership has created a guide of nature-based solutions and related case studies of successful projects to help communities learn more and identify those solutions that might work best for them.

January 31, 2017

Strategies for Flood Resilience in Queens: 2017 Community Planning Workshop

The 2017 APA Community Planning Workshop involves developing adaptive strategies to flooding in the low-lying Queens, New York, neighborhood of Howard Beach.

January 25, 2017

Senate Committee Takes Early Action to Pass Digital Coast Act

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has taken quick action to approve the Digital Coast Act (S. 110), demonstrating that coastal data for planners is a priority.

January 17, 2017

Making Natural Infrastructure Solutions Happen

Jim Schwab, manager of the APA Hazards Planning Center, summarizes a November 2016 workshop hosted by the Pew Charitable Trusts on overcoming policy and permitting challenges to implementing natural infrastructure solutions.