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Zoning Alternatives to Penalizing Homelessness
Zoning Practice — January 2026by: Chasidy Miles, Lauren Week January 05, 2026This issue of Zoning Practice explores the barriers to and opportunities for accessory commercial unit (ACU) adoption. It offers advice for communities considering ACUs through practical recommendations for enabling ACUs as the missing middle between home-based businesses and traditional commercial districts, bridging neighborhood-scaled commerce and community-serving design. -
How Being a Secret Shopper Changed a Planner’s Perspective
Rebecca Everette, AICP, shares how navigating her city's permitting process showed a need for empathy and mutual understanding.by: Sophia Burns August 22, 2024Rebecca Everette, AICP, shares how navigating her city's permitting process showed a need for empathy and mutual understanding. -
New Road Fees for Amazon and Others Supercharge State Transportation Funds
As gas tax revenues decline due to EV use, states look to online shopping to foot the bill for road repairs and transit projects.by: Alex Brown August 08, 2024As gas tax revenues decline due to EV use, states look to online shopping to foot the bill for road repairs and transit projects. -
Geoengineering
PAS QuickNotes 107by: Senna Catenacci August 01, 2024This edition of PAS QuickNotes offers planners a primer on geoengineering, the intentional, large-scale manipulation of natural systems to mitigate global warming.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
Complete Streets Drive Housing, Jobs, and Retail Gains
A new study finds measurable economic benefits beyond the aesthetics, traffic calming, and pedestrian and bicyclist safety they already are known for.by: Arthur Nelson, FAICP August 01, 2024A new study finds measurable economic benefits beyond the aesthetics, traffic calming, and pedestrian and bicyclist safety they already are known for. -
Omaha Leverages Public-Private Partnerships to Increase Housing Supply
With an eye on equity, layering funding sources creates a revolving loan fund for developing or refurbishing housing.by: Jon DePaolisWith an eye on equity, layering funding sources creates a revolving loan fund for developing or refurbishing housing. -
5 Tech Tools for Conservation Planning and Urban Green Projects
APA’s Technology Division recommends tools planners can use to put sustainable infrastructure principles into practice.by: Kevin Meindl, AICP, Lian Plass, AICP, Alana Tucker, AICPAPA’s Technology Division recommends tools planners can use to put sustainable infrastructure principles into practice. -
Accessory Commercial Units
Zoning Practice — December 2025by: Bobby Boone, AICP, Max Pastore December 01, 2025This issue of Zoning Practice explores the barriers to and opportunities for accessory commercial unit (ACU) adoption. It offers advice for communities considering ACUs through practical recommendations for enabling ACUs as the missing middle between home-based businesses and traditional commercial districts, bridging neighborhood-scaled commerce and community-serving design. -
What Now for Communities and the Unhoused?
Planners find solutions even before the recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision.by: Daniel VockPlanners find solutions even before the recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision. -
Strategic Planning for Communities and Organizations
PAS Report 607by: Wayne Feiden, FAICP, University of Massachusetts Center for Resilient Metro-Regions July 01, 2024Strategic planning is any short-term process designed to take advantage of strategic opportunities that results in a plan for concrete actions or programs.Nonmembers$25.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00 -
Climate-impacted Native Alaskan Towns Seek Solutions in Manufactured Housing
Melting permafrost and a lack of labor add challenges to residential home building.by: Gregory ScruggsMelting permafrost and a lack of labor add challenges to residential home building. -
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. -
Heavyweight Impact: The Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study for Inclusive Neighborhood Growth
Detroit, Michiganby: Annmarie LavorataThe 2025 National Planning Excellence Award: The Heavyweight Impact: The Joe Louis Greenway Neighborhood Planning Study for Inclusive Neighborhood Growth, uses the 30-mile greenway as a catalyst for equitable growth, neighborhood redevelopment, and stronger community connections. -
Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California Training Program
Community Wildfire Planning Center & California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)by: Annmarie Lavorata2025 Sustainability & Resilience Award: Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California Training Program brings planners and fire officials together to collaborate, apply science-based strategies, and reduce wildfire risk while building stronger, more resilient communities. -
The Clarkston Greenway Feasibility Study
Clarkston, Georgiaby: Annmarie LavorataThe 2025 Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award in Honor of Paul Davidoff: The Clarkston Greenway Feasibility Study centers community voices and uses multilingual engagement efforts to expand equitable access to nature, transit, and essential services. -
Gwinnett County 2045 Unified Plan
Gwinnett County, Georgiaby: Annmarie Lavorata2025 Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan: Gwinnett County 2045 Unified Plan guides suburban growth while improving access to housing, transportation, and community spaces amid rapid growth and demographic change. -
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 HardyLawmakers 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. -
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. -
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 TedinoSoon, AI may do more than just drive your car — it might control traffic lights and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
Strategic Investments in Parks Can Spark Economic Vitality Downtown
Homing in on people-centered places may be our best bet for reviving struggling city centers.by: Carol Coletta, Mitchell Silver, FAICPHoming in on people-centered places may be our best bet for reviving struggling city centers. -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.