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Revitalizing Communities: Housing as a Powerful New Tool
Case studies drawn from “struggling” communities—from a Florida suburb to rustbelt and gateway cities—demonstrate how proactive policies to expand mixed-income housing can serve as a powerful tool to achieve challenging equity, economic development, environmental, and placemaking community-wide goals.- Alison LeFlore, AICP
- David Dixon
- Eric Johnson
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The OTHER MN Code Everyone Is Talking About
This session will feature Rochester’s Unified Development Code and will provide strategies around how to reform local zoning to successfully encourage housing affordability/availability along with a real example of how to gain public support to advance planning best practices.- Ryan Yetzer
- Jenny Baker
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Immerse Yourself! Youth and XR Master Planning
Explore Mesa, Arizona's use of VR/MR to create new engagement strategies, starting with youth and civic planning. These immersive technologies bring abstract concepts like TOD and climate-adaptation to life, allowing for experiential understanding and participatory decision-making across diverse groups.- Sarah Bassett
- Nicholas Pilarski
- Bruce Meighen, AICP
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Mapping the Fiscal Dimensions of Land Use Policy
Imagine having the ability to evaluate the fiscal impacts of development on your agency’s operating budget at your fingertips. Our Esri-based model generates visual and numerical fiscal impacts of new development, from single-lot redevelopment projects to multiple-use plan areas.- Luke Foelsch
- Christine Ma
- Edith Smith
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Imagine 2050: Scenario Planning for the MSP Region
The future is full of uncertainty that can paralyze today’s public actions. In this session, you will learn how the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council is exploring future scenarios to manage uncertainty and coordinate long-range policies and investments.- Dan Marckel
- Heather Sauceda Hannon, AICP
- Baris Gumus-Dawes
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Metrics and Measuring Success in Comprehensive Planning
During comprehensive planning processes, planners often hear concerns about plans being written only to "collect dust on a shelf". This session will describe the Kansas City, Missouri's efforts to modernize comprehensive planning and provide more awareness and transparency through implementation.- Morgan Pemberton, AICP
- Gerald Williams, AICP
- Joshua Boehm, AICP
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State Trends and Momentum for Housing Reform
In 2024, the pace and impact of state housing reform continued to accelerate. At least 20 states acted on housing supply. As state action grows, experts will examine the policy reforms, politics, and impacts on planning from around the country.- Kiley Chapley
- Cameron Rifkin
- Charles Gardner
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Bettman Session: Reforming Zoning: State Responses to the Housing Crisis
As housing affordability reaches all-time lows, state legislatures are increasingly looking to reform zoning laws to encourage the construction of more market-rate and below-market-rate housing. These reforms are forcing planners to reconsider plans and zoning codes or risk legal action.- Aline Fader
- Donald Elliott, FAICP
- Diana Jenkins
- Brian Connolly
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State Leaders Tackling Housing Supply and Zoning Reform
Housing supply and zoning reform are leading the agenda in state legislatures. Learn how state legislators are driving change, building new coalitions, and navigating state politics to enact critical housing reforms. Gain insights on engaging with legislators and supporting state reforms from a planning perspective with a bipartisan expert panel.- Karla Georges
- Jessica Bateman
- Forrest Mandeville
- Steve Elkins
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In Two Portlands, Climate Plans Lead to Climate Action
In Oregon and Maine, these same-name cities have cut emissions by 19 percent and 34 percent, respectively. And they're not stopping.by: Madeline BodinImplementation of climate action plans in Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine, is steadily moving the needle closer to their ambitious emissions reduction goals.
How to Overcome Local Pushback on Climate Action
From cost-benefit analyses to "climate ambassadors," communities are coming together to transcend this politically polarizing issue.by: Brian BarthFrom cost-benefit analyses to "climate ambassadors," communities are coming together to transcend this politically polarizing issue.
What's Blocking an ADU Boom?
Accessory dwelling units are gaining national momentum, but these regulatory and financial hurdles still need to be cleared.by: Adina SolomonAccessory dwelling units are gaining national momentum, but these regulatory and financial hurdles still need to be cleared.
Preserving Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
Zoning Practice — December 2023by: Donald Elliott, FAICP December 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice addresses how local governments can use zoning to preserve the existing supply of older, modest home. It briefly summarizes housing market conditions that illustrate the importance of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) and presents a range of potential zoning strategies communities could use to slow the loss of NOAH.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
Designing Everyday Spaces for Playful Learning
PAS Memo 119by: Jennifer Vey, Juanita Morales December 01, 2023This edition of PAS Memo explains the concept of Playful Learning Landscapes and its impact on learning, public space revitalization, and social and civic engagement, highlighting cities that lead on playful learning and offering guidance to help planners implement playful learning throughout their own communities.Nonmembers$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Digital Twins 101
Developing an effective Digital Twin requires starting with the fundamentals: what, why, and how. In this course, you’ll learn about the benefits, standards, and capabilities of Digital Twins, illustrated by examples of use cases and case studies.- Adam Beck
- Sagar Shah, PhD, AICP
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Better Metrics for Communicating Planning Agency Value
by: David Morley, AICP, Cassandra JacksonProcess-oriented metrics often fail to communicate the value of planning work to decision-makers and the public. Results-oriented metrics are more compelling but harder to connect to planning agency activities. Planning agencies can elevate the value of their work by developing performance metrics that bridge process and results, aligning daily activities with broader community goals.
4 Zoning Changes That Boost Local Food Security
Zoning reform isn't only about housing. Municipalities can help increase food access with a few tweaks to local land-use law.by: Gina Hervey August 05, 2021Zoning reform isn't only about housing. Municipalities can help increase food access with a few tweaks to local land-use law.
8 Ways to Launch Your Parking Strategy
Curb management relies on a successful parking plan. Here's how your community can start building one.by: Chrissy Mancini Nichols, John Dorsett, AICPCurb management relies on a successful parking plan. Here's everything you need to know to squeeze the most efficiency ― and revenue ― out of every space.
Achieving Vision Zero in Practice
PAS Memo 118by: Elias Guseman, AICP, Michael Manzella, AICP, Lyndsey Scofield, AICP November 01, 2023This PAS Memo examines how Jersey City achieved its Vision Zero goal of zero traffic deaths in 2022 using mostly tactical, quick-build tools and a safe-system approach that engages multiple disciplines in instituting change.Nonmembers$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Data Centers Evolved: A Primer for Planners
From zoning to permitting and everything in between, here's what you need to know to set your community up for success for the next generation of digital infrastructure.by: Jacques FluetAs our lives and cities become more connected, a combination of traditional and new "edge" data centers will be required. How can planners prepare for this next generation of digital infrastructure?
How Planning for Birds Makes Our Communities and Economies Healthier
A new book from biophilic design advocate and sustainability expert Tim Beatley takes a global tour of cities reinventing the status quo to support birdlife.by: Lindsay NiemanA new book from biophilic design advocate and sustainability expert Tim Beatley takes a global tour of cities reinventing the status quo to support birdlife.
Three Ways AI Can Be a Planner's Friend
by: Ievgeniia DulkoDiscover how AI can help planners streamline routine tasks freeing time for much more important human work endeavors.
7 Trends Knocking at the Planning Office Door
In today’s complex world, balancing everyday activities, near-term plans, and visioning for the future is more challenging than ever. APA Foresight has got you covered.by: Petra Hurtado, PhD, Alexsandra Gomez July 08, 2021In today's rapidly changing world, it can be tough to stay abreast of all the challenges facing planners. This article explores seven of the most pressing trends for the profession and what they could mean for your community.
Integrating Land Use and Water Planning for a Sustainable Future
Planners and allied professionals should know that when you plan for one, you have to plan for both.by: Heather Hansman July 01, 2021In communities across the U.S., water managers and planners are emerging from the silos they've traditionally operated in to find new ways to work together. The urgency of collaborating to develop resilience in the face of climate change threats is becoming increasingly clear.
Electric Vehicles Are on the Rise. Is Your Community Ready?
What local governments and planners can to do start building much-needed charging networks.by: Daniel VockAs federal and state governments push transition to EVs, planners have a key role to play in building charging networks.
Dementia-Friendly Public Participation
Accessible public engagement tools are key to ensuring the built environment meets the needs of community members with dementia and other disabilities.by: Samantha Biglieri, PhD, M.Pl. June 17, 2021People living with dementia have the right to be included in the communities in which they live. Fortunately, there are several easy, low-cost accommodations practicing planners can make to better engage them in the planning process.
Using Generative AI to Draft Zoning Codes
Zoning Practice — October 2023by: Norman Wright, AICP October 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice introduces key concepts related to the common use of today’s generative AI models and then provides an overview of experiments done to test the current strengths and weaknesses for developing zoning policies at the local level.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
A Decade After Disaster
When a tsunami left Japan’s coastal Tōhoku region devastated, the country prioritized concrete and local control. Ten years later, planners take stock of recovery.by: Michael Fitzpatrick June 01, 2021When a tsunami left Japan’s coastal Tōhoku region devastated, the country prioritized concrete and local control. Ten years later, planners take stock of recovery.
States Consider Source-of-Income Laws to Fight Housing Voucher Discrimination
As the Biden administration looks to expand Section 8 housing assistance, renters, landlords, and local governments grapple with the program's flaws.by: Kristian Hernández June 01, 2021As the Biden administration looks to expand Section 8 housing assistance, renters, landlords, and local governments grapple with the program's flaws.
Historic Preservation and the LGBTQ Community
Understanding the link between same-sex households and historic districts can help planners manage gentrification and protect queer spaces.by: Kelly Kinahan, AICP, Matthew Ruther May 27, 2021The connection between the LGBTQ community and historic districts, and its interplay with community change, has implications for planning practice.
Equitable Zoning for Home Occupations
Zoning Practice — September 2023by: Jerry Adams, Kurt Schindler, AICP, John Wallace, Mark Wyckoff, FAICP, David Morley, AICP September 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice explores how zoning regulations can remove unintentional and inequitable barriers to working from home. It briefly examines the reasons why zoning reform is necessary before providing recommendations to help planners draft updated standards that better reflect existing conditions and advance equity in zoning.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
Music Policy and Planning
PAS QuickNotes 102by: Shain Shapiro September 01, 2023This edition of PAS QuickNotes outlines the components of a music audit and shares examples of how cities around the United States are using music to improve quality of life and achieve economic and social community goals.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
How Adaptive Reuse Can Help Solve the Housing Crisis
Zoning reform and flexible buildings codes can transform vacant buildings into affordable housing.by: Tatiana Walk-Morris May 01, 2021Vacant warehouses and offices offer new opportunities for affordable housing. But to help make it happen, planners and policy makers need to remove these regulatory obstacles.
Using Public Space to Expand Storytelling on the National Mall
New exhibit aims to increase representation by telling important stories of the nation.by: Dina WaltersA new temporary exhibit on the National Mall aims to balance protecting historic spaces while increasing opportunities for more stories to be shared.
Smart City Digital Twins Are a New Tool for Scenario Planning
Digitalization and virtual simulation of entire cities can help planners experiment with solutions to meet complex problems.by: Petra Hurtado, PhD, Alexsandra Gomez April 01, 2021Many plans and policies would benefit from undergoing a test stage before implementation. Up until now, the options to do so have been fairly limited. Smart city digital twins promise to change that by allowing planners to explore solutions in a controlled environment that mimics the real city.
Our Post-Pandemic Future Could Be a Lot Less Car-Centric
Planners are turning open streets pilots and parklet pop-ups into long-term plans for more equitable, sustainable transportation networks.by: David KanerCOVID-19 has highlighted an existing need to rebalance our streets by prioritizing equitable mobility options, not private vehicles. These are the strategies planners are using to make that happen — and for the long term.
Mastering Conflict for Effective Planning: Navigation and Resolution
This webinar will explore key skills needed to manage conflicts in planning work. It will focus on managing relationships and finding the best ways to design meetings for better planning outcomes.- Jennifer Raitt
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Protecting Historically Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Neighborhoods and Business Districts
Zoning Practice — August 2023by: Darcie White, AICP August 01, 2023Establishing protective measures for historically disadvantaged and vulnerable neighborhoods and business districts requires a proactive, community-based approach. This issue of Zoning Practice outlines clear steps those who write, administer, and enforce zoning regulations can take to proactively protect these neighborhoods and business districts.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
Is It Time to Rethink the Property Tax?
It’s the largest local government revenue source, but four economic and technology trends are threating to make property tax obsolete. Here's what that could mean for you and your community.by: Shayne Kavanagh March 18, 2021Technology is driving change that could make property tax obsolete for local governments across the U.S. and Canada. Because land uses are closely linked to property tax, it could have future implications for planners and other land-use professionals.
Nontraditional Housing Types Can Help Solve U.S. Homelessness Crisis
We have tried traditional fixes. It’s time to think outside the regulatory box and move away from traditional stick housing for people who are unhoused.by: Wendie Kellington March 11, 2021Planners are uniquely suited to help start conversations and educate elected officials about nontraditional housing options, and to lay the regulatory groundwork to make modern-day Hoovervilles truly a thing of the past.
6 Ways to Help Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap
Planners can and should play a pivotal role in advancing equitable economic outcomes.by: Karen Kazmierczak March 01, 2021Planners might not always have the authority to redirect funding to historically neglected communities, but they can still play a pivotal role in advancing more equitable outcomes. Here are six ways to get started.
Greenlighting Cannabis — What Every Planning Department Needs to Know
Momentum for cannabis legalization is growing nationwide. For communities in states that might be next, the best time to start preparing is now.by: Daniel Vock February 11, 2021Communities everywhere should be thinking about and planning for the eventuality of legalized recreational cannabis. Fortunately, they can look to local jurisdictions in states that have gone before them for lessons on what works — and what doesn’t.
Planning Accessible Communities
PAS Memo 117by: Jeannine Godwin, AICP July 01, 2023This PAS Memo explains the importance of planning and designing truly inclusive communities that engage people with disabilities and meet their accessibility and mobility needs.Nonmembers$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Using Faith-Based Land for Affordable Housing
Zoning Practice — July 2023by: Donald Elliott, FAICP, Marguerite Squyer, AICP Candidate July 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice explores the growing trend of developing transitional and permanent affordable housing on underused faith-based land. It examines the relationship between land supply and the housing crisis, the reasons why religious institutions are increasingly interested in development partnerships, and the zoning standards that can limit development opportunities.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
Managing AI Build-Out in a Winner-Take-Most World
by: David Morley, AICPSpotlight on Zoning Practice: AI may seem like something that happens on a screen, but it’s "deeply physical" with clear stakes for local communities. The data centers that help train and serve AI models and the energy generation, storage, and transmission facilities necessary to power these data centers present a very tangible set of tradeoffs to host communities.
Commercial Corridor Redevelopment Strategies
PAS Report 598by: Luis Nunez February 01, 2021All commercial corridors have the potential to be vibrant, compelling, and sustainable assets to communities. But planners can face multiple challenges to making this idea a reality, especially for declining auto-oriented, retail-focused strips. This PAS Report provides planners with a comprehensive suite of market-based strategies to improve their communities’ commercial corridors.Nonmember price$25.00APA member & PAS subscriber$0.00
3 Zoning Changes That Make Residential Neighborhoods More Affordable
Zoning reform is one of our greatest weapons against rising housing costs. Here's how we can wield it.by: Robert LibertyAfter 100-plus years of prioritizing single-family zoning, cities and states are welcoming diverse housing types back to the neighborhood.
Planning for the Needs of an Aging Population
Questions and answers about what communities should know about shifting demographics.by: Meghan StrombergOur population is aging. How can planners prepare?
Climate Migrants Are on the Move
Which cities need to plan for population booms?by: Daniel Vock January 01, 2021Geography alone won’t turn communities into climate change migrant receiver cities. Communities must think about their own sustainability and prepare their existing residents for changes to come.
Increased Remote Work Could Mean Big Changes for Cities
The pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of work. How can cities faced with excess commercial office space adapt?by: Brian Barth January 01, 2021The COVID-19 crisis has merely accelerated a transformation of work life that has been decades in the making.