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The Physical Footprint of Artificial Intelligence
Zoning Practice — October 2025by: Charlie Nichols, AICP October 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores the physical effects of AI deployment and highlights core considerations for local planning and zoning. It begins with a summary of the land use characteristics of the system of data centers that host and serve contemporary AI models before highlighting noteworthy regulatory approaches and areas of opportunity for zoning updates and decision-making processes. -
Managed Retreat
PAS QuickNotes 106by: Scarlet Andrzejczak June 01, 2024This edition of PAS QuickNotes explores managed retreat as a climate adaptation and risk management strategy.Nonmember price$0.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
As Gayborhoods Shrink, Pop-Up LGBTQ+ Spaces Can Build Inclusive Communities
Events are meeting queer people where they are. Here’s how planners can open doors to more.by: Aaron Greiner May 30, 2024Events are meeting queer people where they are. Here’s how planners can open doors to more. -
Test Concepts and Go Beyond the Screen with the Latest City-Building Video Games
From Spider-Man to Cities: Skylines, creating communities has never felt more real — and more relevant — for planners.by: Bill Jones May 16, 2024From Spider-Man to Cities: Skylines, creating communities has never felt more real — and more relevant — for planners. -
Support Grows for Preserving Rural Grocery Stores
Lawmakers and communities fight to save access to affordable, healthy food and the social infrastructure local markets provide.by: Kevin Hardy May 07, 2024Lawmakers and communities fight to save access to affordable, healthy food and the social infrastructure local markets provide. -
How the National Zoning Atlas Visualizes and Demystifies the Power of Zoning
Sara Bronin’s sweeping vision gives planners a tool to push for reform.by: Sophia BurnsSara Bronin’s sweeping vision gives planners a tool to push for reform. -
Yes, You Can Convert Vacant Retail to Housing
Rethinking ground-floor regulations to include residential uses is a controversial but doable solution to housing underproduction and a glut of empty storefronts.by: Larisa Ortiz April 30, 2024Rethinking ground-floor regulations to include residential uses is a controversial but doable solution to housing underproduction and a glut of empty storefronts. -
The New Math of Climate Resilience
A groundbreaking project in Norfolk, Virginia, multiplies the impact of a $112 million federal grant by making social vulnerability and environmental justice, not just property values, major factors in its calculations.by: Jim MorrisonA groundbreaking project in Norfolk, Virginia, multiplies the impact of a $112 million federal grant by making social vulnerability and environmental justice, not just property values, major factors in its calculations. -
Turn Down the Lights and Turn Up Conservation Benefits
How a Florida city became the state's first DarkSky-certified community through planning leadership, thoughtful policy creation, and ongoing community engagement.by: Rebecca Susmarski April 11, 2024How a Florida city became the state's first DarkSky-certified community through planning leadership, thoughtful policy creation, and ongoing community engagement. -
Dimensions of Equity
PAS QuickNotes 105by: Senna Catenacci April 01, 2024This edition of PAS QuickNotes defines and offers examples of structural equity, procedural equity, cultural equity, distributional equity, and intergenerational equity and demonstrates how planners can center these dimensions of equity in their work.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
3 Insights into the Future of Food Production
From gene editing to space tomatoes, here are some innovative approaches from the "2024 Trend Report for Planners."by: Jon DePaolis March 28, 2024From gene editing to space tomatoes, here are some innovative approaches from the "2024 Trend Report for Planners." -
Smart Tech to Help Build Your City’s Digital Twin
APA’s Technology Division recommends datasets planners can use for these powerful scenario planning tools.by: Andrew Buck, AICP, David Wasserman, AICPAPA’s Technology Division recommends datasets planners can use for these powerful scenario planning tools. -
Green Means Go: Seattle’s AI Solution to Reduce Stoplight Idling
Soon, AI may do more than just drive your car — it might control traffic lights and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.by: Joe Tedino March 14, 2024Soon, AI may do more than just drive your car — it might control traffic lights and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. -
Holistic Accessibility
Zoning Practice — August 2025by: Jill Bahm, AICP, Rose Kim August 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores how zoning and other local development regulations can promote accessible places, spaces, and homes. It begins with an explanation of the importance of accessibility for all communities and a brief overview of common accessibility frameworks before highlighting specific regulatory strategies and inspirational international efforts. -
Finding Solutions for Older Adults to Age in Grace
By considering the needs of a burgeoning senior population, planners can promote creative and community-focused housing options.by: Patrick SissonBy considering the needs of a burgeoning senior population, planners can promote creative and community-focused housing options. -
How Planners Can Inspire and Empower Citizens to Get Involved
Community planning academies offer a way to educate community members and motivate them to make positive contributions to their neighborhoods.by: Donna Carney February 15, 2024Community planning academies offer a way to educate community members and motivate them to make positive contributions to their neighborhoods. -
Transfer of Development Rights for Managed Retreat
Zoning Practice — July 2025by: Kerry Fang July 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice examines the potential promise and limits of TDR as a tool for widespread managed retreat in the U.S. It begins with a brief review of TDR basics before highlighting key program design challenges associated with using TDR for managed retreat and summarizing how existing programs have or have not responded to these challenges.List Price$10.00 -
Use These 5 Conflict Resolution Tips to Design Better Meetings
Don’t get bulldozed. Learn ways to navigate conflicts to achieve shared goals with stakeholders.by: Jon DePaolis January 11, 2024Don’t get bulldozed. Learn ways to navigate conflicts to achieve shared goals with stakeholders. -
Mobility as a Service
PAS QuickNotes 104by: Ievgeniia Dulko January 02, 2024This edition of PAS QuickNotes explains how Mobility as a Service combines integrated digital platforms, supportive policy frameworks, and sustainable, equitable transportation solutions to create more cohesive, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility systems.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
Creating a Childcare-Friendly Community
Zoning Practice — June 2025by: Lauren Sayre, AICP, Ashley Jankowski June 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores how zoning reforms and other complementary actions can foster a more supportive environment for childcare facilities. It begins with brief overviews of the ongoing childcare crisis and the regulatory landscape for childcare facilities before outlining the key components of a childcare-friendly approach to zoning.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00 -
Reclaiming the Missing Middle Ground: How Planners Got NIMBYs to Yes
During a contentious zoning debate, planners in Arlington, Virginia, used data and meaningful engagement to help the community expand housing choices.by: Patrick Sisson December 14, 2023During a contentious zoning debate, planners in Arlington, Virginia, used data and meaningful engagement to help the community expand housing choices. -
3 Ways Planners Can Prompt ChatGPT for High-Quality Results
Generative AI can act as your virtual assistant, but only if you ask the right questions.by: Jacquelyn Kirkwood December 12, 2023Generative AI can act as your virtual assistant, but only if you ask the right questions. -
Music Policy (Taylor’s Version): A Healthy Music Ecosystem Calls for an Intentional Approach
Five steps your city can take to become a music city and support the next big star.by: Kati Woock November 22, 2023Five steps your city can take to become a music city and support the next big star. -
The Planner's Paycheck: Where We Go from Here
by: David Morley, AICPIn times of political instability and economic pessimism, planners cannot rely on our work to speak for itself. The final part of this three-part series offers tips to help planners document the specific sources that fund their positions, explore alternative funding sources, and share stories about the value of planning with decision-makers. -
Harvesting Benefits from Incentive Zoning
Zoning Practice — May 2025by: Jacqueline Berg, AICP May 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores how incentive-based zoning has evolved over the decades to become an increasingly effective tool in helping communities reach their planning goals and community vision. It begins with an overview of the origins and evolution of incentive-based zoning in the U.S. before presenting a modern, three-pronged approach. -
Cultural Humility in Planning
PAS QuickNotes 112by: Chloe Greene May 01, 2025This edition of PAS QuickNotes defines cultural humility and explains why it is an important skill for planners to develop and practice to create communities of belonging.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
How the Bipartisan 'Montana Miracle' Confronts the Housing Crisis Head On
Governor Greg Gianforte explains how the state passed sweeping zoning reforms that boost supply and expand housing choice.by: Joe Tedino October 30, 2023Governor Greg Gianforte explains how the state passed sweeping zoning reforms that boost supply and expand housing choice. -
The Push for Parking Reform
How states are reducing and eliminating parking mandates to increase housing supplyby: Kiley ChapleyRecent legislative efforts in Washington, Connecticut, Colorado, Minnesota, and Montana highlight a growing movement to reduce or eliminate parking requirements. While each state’s approach varies, the common theme is clear: outdated parking mandates are increasingly an obstacle to housing affordability and sustainable development. -
5 Affordable Housing Tech Tools for Every Stakeholder
Use these apps, maps, and datasets to make critical decisions about urban development, land use, and equitable housing solutions.by: Sarah Bassett, Vasudha Gadhiraju, AICP, Colleen Willger, AICP October 19, 2023Use these apps, maps, and datasets to make critical decisions about urban development, land use, and equitable housing solutions. -
The Planner's Paycheck: A Foundation Based on Disruption
by: David Morley, AICPThe decisions federal, state, and local officials make about how to pay for planning have consequences not only for the future of the profession but also for the long-term health of the communities we serve. Part 2 of this three-part series takes a closer look at how three previous disruptive periods affected funding patterns for local planning work. -
Planners Manage Conflict Every Day: Here's How to Get Better at It
7 takeaways to help you anticipate challenges, use emotional intelligence, and problem-solve with critical thinking.by: Linda McIntyre, AICP October 12, 20237 takeaways to help you anticipate challenges, use emotional intelligence, and problem-solve with critical thinking. -
Rapid Growth Overwhelmed Austin. These Housing Reforms Made a Difference.
by: Elissa ChudwinThe Austin metro was the country's fastest-growing region from 2010 to 2022, according to census data, and housing demand outpaced supply. A series of changes to land use regulations is helping to improve affordability and availability of housing. -
New All-Electric Housing Subdivisions Help States Reach Climate Goals
In Colorado, developers including Habitat for Humanity are building affordable, net-zero homes powered by solar energy.by: Sharon Sullivan September 28, 2023In Colorado, developers including Habitat for Humanity are building affordable, net-zero homes powered by solar energy. -
The Planner's Paycheck: Where the Money Comes From
by: David Morley, AICPAs federal policy shifts threaten core planning-related programs, pandemic-recovery funding ends, and the specter of economic recession looms larger, it's time for planners to take a close look at the sources of funding that pay for their positions. Part One of this three-part series explores how we pay for planning now and reviews some warning signs we've seen through the first half of 2025. -
How to Pave the Way for Equitable EV Adoption
Use these 3 steps to empower ‘garage orphans’ to go electric with publicly accessible chargers.by: Adam Lubinsky, AICPUse these 3 steps to empower ‘garage orphans’ to go electric with publicly accessible chargers. -
How Planners Can Refocus Their Thinking to Incorporate the Future into Plans
Acquiring the skills of foresight and futures literacy helps planners to confidently prepare for an uncertain tomorrow.by: Patrick SissonAcquiring the skills of foresight and futures literacy helps planners to confidently prepare for an uncertain tomorrow. -
Opening the Door to Unconventional Homes
Zoning Practice — March 2025by: Charlie Nichols, AICP, Benjamin Schmidt March 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores the rise of unconventional housing types, such as barndominiums, 3D-printed homes, and shipping-container homes, and examines common regulatory barriers and potential regulatory reforms planners and local officials may be able to use to foster housing innovation and advance sustainable, resilient, and inclusive housing solutions. -
5 Housing Trends Planners Can Influence Now
From commercial-to-residential conversions to the rise of coliving, here’s what you should know today for a more equitable tomorrow.by: Joseph DeAngelis, AICP August 10, 2023From commercial-to-residential conversions to the rise of coliving, here’s what you should know today for a more equitable tomorrow. -
A Guide to Community Planning Academies
PAS Report 605by: Donna Carney August 01, 2023Community planning academies offer a model for authentic public engagement, creating an informed and involved constituency of residents who support local planning.Nonmembers$25.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
Robert Goodspeed Plans for Uncertain Futures Using Exploratory Scenario Planning
On local or global scales, XSP broadens planning tools to bring into view the outside forces that shape planning.by: Joseph DeAngelis, AICP July 27, 2023On local or global scales, XSP broadens planning tools to bring into view the outside forces that shape planning. -
4 Tools to Empower Data-driven Planning for Climate and Transportation Equity
Planners can take advantage of the national focus on infrastructure investments to enhance mobility and climate resilience for underserved communities.by: Kelly Dunn, David Wasserman, AICPPlanners can take advantage of the national focus on infrastructure investments to enhance mobility and climate resilience for underserved communities. -
How Cellphone and Fitness App Data is Helping Create Equity in Public Parks
Park planners harness novel data sources and tools to direct equitable conservation, amenities, and access.by: Clement Lau, FAICP July 20, 2023Park planners harness novel data sources and tools to direct equitable conservation, amenities, and access. -
Why Urban Canopies Are Growing as Key Climate Infrastructure
To mitigate increased urban heat and air pollution, cities enlist their trees and forests.by: Alex Brown July 13, 2023To mitigate increased urban heat and air pollution, cities enlist their trees and forests. -
Modernizing Outdoor Lighting Regulations
Zoning Practice — February 2025by: Kaitlin McBride February 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores how lighting zoning and other regulatory strategies can help planners and local officials modernize their outdoor lighting regulations. It begins by summarizing common problems with existing exterior lighting regulations before examining the concept of lighting zoning, and highlighting alternative approaches to meeting outdoor lighting objectives. -
Computer Vision for Planning
PAS QuickNotes 111by: David Wasserman, AICP February 01, 2025This edition of PAS QuickNotes defines computer vision, an emerging subfield of artificial intelligence, and explores its potential benefits and considerations for planning practice.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
YouTube Influencer Dave Amos Brings Urban Planning to the People
The planner and professor explains how social media can be an informal classroom, how San Luis Obispo uses Instagram effectively, and how his video about Gary, Indiana, went viral.by: Meghan Stromberg June 22, 2023The planner and professor explains how social media can be an informal classroom, how San Luis Obispo uses Instagram effectively, and how his video about Gary, Indiana, went viral. -
Land-Use Policy Could Help Solve the American West’s Water Crisis
As the twin pressures of water shortages and massive growth run the Colorado River dry, planners explore innovative solutions.by: Patrick SissonAs the twin pressures of water shortages and massive growth run the Colorado River dry, planners explore innovative solutions. -
3 Essential Tips for Planning with Multilingual Communities
Community engagement experts offer tested approaches that prevent tokenism, create trust, and foster a sense of belonging.by: Rebecca Greenwald June 09, 2023Community engagement experts offer tested approaches that prevent tokenism, create trust, and foster a sense of belonging. -
Planning With Artificial Intelligence
PAS Report 604by: Thomas Sanchez June 01, 2023Artificial intelligence can help planners by enhancing current planning procedures, increasing efficiency, and allowing them to refocus their work on the human components of planning.Nonmembers$25.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
Housing Diversity Encourages Age-Friendly, Accessible Communities
AARP’s Rodney Harrell talks about aging in place, ADUs, and how zoning reform can help planners provide housing that meets community needs.by: Brenna Donegan June 01, 2023AARP’s Rodney Harrell talks about aging in place, ADUs, and how zoning reform can help planners provide housing that meets community needs.