Check Out Our Passport Courses
Passport is your ticket to the training, experiences, and connections that will take you where you want to go in your planning career. Subscribe for unlimited access for one year to APA's extensive learning library of solution-oriented content facilitated by planners, for planners.
-
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. -
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? -
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 -
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. -
Eliminating Racial Segregation Is Good Economic Policy
Income disparities and racial segregation are deeply intertwined, burdening both people of color and the U.S. economy. Here's how we can reverse that trend.by: Tatiana Walk-MorrisMore than half a century after the Fair Housing Act outlawed policies like redlining, racial segregation continues to plague the U.S. -
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. -
Creating Staff Reports With Pizzaz
Zoning Practice — June 2023by: Bonnie Johnson, FAICP, PhD, Stephanie Kisler, AICP June 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice brings creativity to the staff report by drawing on research about how to foster creative work within organizations. It describes and uses two different exercises based on proven creativity-training programs. These two creative thinking skills processes can assist planners in finding their way to what is most valuable for their technical and empathetic expertise.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00 -
Esri
ArcGIS Urban: Modifying the Settings of an Urban Model
In this course, you will learn about managing the Urban model settings and using 3D base layers to create a digital twin. The 3D base layers create a digital twin of your city in the model and become the foundation for your urban plans and projects.#9276737
San Antonio's Infill District Zoning
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Discover how San Antonio’s Infill Development Zone uses flexible, parcel-specific zoning to promote walkable, mixed-use infill while preserving neighborhood character and aligning with city planning goals.
In Defense of Local Zoning
Zoning Practice — May 2023by: Harvey Jacobs May 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice joins the current debate about zoning’s future by arguing in defense of local zoning. It puts the current proposals into a broader historical context of proposed zoning reform over the decades, wondering whether current reformers (like past ones) may be expecting too much from proposed changes.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
ChatGPT: Implications for Planning
PAS QuickNotes 101by: Claire Daniel April 12, 2023This edition of PAS QuickNotes provides a primer on ChatGPT and explores the potential implications of this and similar emerging artificial intelligence products on planning practice.Nonmember price$0.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Unleashing the Potential of ChatGPT in Planning Practice
ChatGPT is taking the world by storm. How can you use this tool effectively and responsibly? Experience generative AI’s potential for planning practice and hear how one U.S. city is already exploring its use.Chicago, Illinois- Thomas Sanchez, AICP
- Lian Plass, AICP
- Santiago Garces
- Ann Dillemuth, AICP
#9274131CM | 1.50
Planning for On-Street EV Charging Infrastructure
PAS Memo 115by: Adam Lubinsky, AICP March 01, 2023This PAS Memo article offers guidance in creating equitable and inclusive access to electric vehicle ownership and usage through the provision of on-street, publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.Nonmembers$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Practice Gentle Density
Zoning Practice — February 2023by: Jacqueline Berg, AICP, John Houseal, FAICP February 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice explores zoning strategies that balance the concerns of residents and the demands of the housing market by accommodating gentle density increases in a context-sensitive manner. From historic downtown neighborhoods to modern residential subdivisions, the tools presented can be used by planners throughout the country to implement housing policy through regulation.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
8 Steps to an Effective Code Transition
Zoning Practice — January 2023by: Derrick Rhys Wilson January 01, 2023This issue of Zoning Practice summarizes when and why it may be necessary for a city, town, or county to replace an existing development code. It provides an overview of the code-transition process, offering a brief instructional guide on how to organize and complete each step.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
It’s Not Personal: Self-Care Tips to Avoid Burnout, Conflict, and Contentious Community Meetings
Planners are often required to handle highly emotional situations and face public criticism, which can cause a great deal of stress and lead to burnout. Self-care is therefore vital to a successful and fulfilling career in planning, yet it is not typically part of our professional education and training.Chicago, Illinois- Heather Seyfarth, AICP
- Bobbie Albrecht
#9274409CM | 1
Coliving: An Old Idea Is New Again
Zoning Practice — November 2022by: Kelly Cousino, AICPThis issue of Zoning Practice defines and describes coliving and its benefits, distinguishes coliving from other similar land uses, and identifies barriers to the production of purpose-built coliving communities. It then provides recommendations for changes to local zoning codes to accommodate and encourage coliving.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
Columbus 'Zones In' on More Housing Amid Population Boom
by: Jon DePaolisThe effects of the nationwide housing supply crisis were pushing Columbus, Ohio, to the brink.
Preparing for the Electric Vehicle Surge
Zoning Practice — October 2022by: Brian Ross, AICP, Jessica Hyink, Rebecca Heisel October 01, 2022Electric vehicles (EVs) are a rapidly growing sector of our nation’s (and the world’s) light-duty vehicle market. This issue of Zoning Practice identifies the land-use implications of the ongoing EV market transformation, particularly the considerations that communities need to address in regard to public EV charging infrastructure.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
The Use of Foresight and Scenario Planning in Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Planning
PAS Memo 113by: Petra Hurtado, PhD, Joseph DeAngelis, AICPThis PAS Memo offers guidance to planners on how to expand their use of foresight through exploratory scenario planning in both the hazard mitigation and climate adaptation fields.Nonmembers$0.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Planning for Infrastructure Resilience
PAS Report 596by: Joseph DeAngelis, AICP, Haley Briel, Michael Lauer, AICPInfrastructure systems and facilities across the country are increasingly threatened by the rising seas and storm events of climate change. This PAS Report helps planners ensure that the public investments of today yield infrastructure that can withstand the floods of the future.List price$0.00APA member & PAS subscriber$0.00
AI in Planning: Opportunities and Challenges and How to Prepare
Conclusions and Recommendations from APA's "AI in Planning" Foresight Communityby: Clinton Andrews, AICP, Keith Cooke, Alexsandra Gomez, Petra Hurtado, PhD, Thomas Sanchez, AICP, Sagar Shah, PhD, AICP, Norman Wright, AICP September 09, 2022This white paper summarizes findings from APA's "AI in Planning" Foresight Community and suggests initial ideas on how planners can prepare for AI and its potential impacts, how planners can ensure AI-based planning tools are used in equitable and inclusive ways, and what the role of the planner should be in developing and using AI-based planning tools.
New Ordinance Aims to Boost Sacramento’s Housing Supply
by: Jon DePaolisWhen Nguyen Nguyen, an associate planner in Sacramento, California, began meeting with residents about housing concerns in 2021, he started hearing similar stories.
2023 Trend Report for Planners
by: Petra Hurtado, PhD, Sagar Shah, AICP;PhD, Joseph DeAngelis, AICP, Alexsandra Gomez January 24, 2023The 2023 Trend Report for Planners features more than 100 existing, emerging, and potential future trends that APA identified as relevant to planning. The trends are structured within three timeframes (Act Now, Prepare, Learn and Watch), which indicate the urgency of planners’ action.
Eliminating Owner-Occupied Restrictions for Missing Middle Housing
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Discover how allowing private developers to build middle housing is key to making single-family zoning reform effective and expanding affordable housing options.
Activating Ground Floors in Mixed-Use Buildings After COVID
Zoning Practice — August 2022by: Thomas SmithThis issue of Zoning Practice looks at the actions of several communities trying to promote successful mixed-use development, including communities that have adopted stricter criteria for where ground-floor retail is appropriate and communities that have reduced the number of locations where ground-floor retail is mandated.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
How State Judiciaries Battled Exclusionary Zoning
These century-old arguments can support policy change and zoning reform today.by: Francine Romero July 25, 2022These century-old arguments can support policy change and zoning reform today.
7 Actions for Planners Facing Insecure Federal Funding
by: Jason Jordan, Brenna DoneganA variety of federal grant programs are at risk of losing funding due to recent actions by the Trump Administration, including discretionary programs such as Safe Streets for All, RAISE/BUILD grants, and Reconnecting Communities. Here are 7 actions for planners to take when federal grant funds in their communities are in jeopardy.
Digital Public Hearings in a Post-COVID World
Zoning Practice — July 2022by: Travis Parker, AICPThis issue of Zoning Practice examines problems associated with the traditional process of local government public hearings, introduces the relatively new idea of asynchronous public hearings, and explores the advantages and challenges of modernizing the public hearing process.ZP subscriber$0.00
When's the Right Time to Rezone Abandoned Strip Malls?
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Learn more about how the rise of e-commerce and how remote work has led to an oversupply of retail space, revealing a zoning mismatch that urges planners to rethink and repurpose vacant retail areas for more sustainable uses.
Wait, Who Approves Large-Scale Solar Siting?
by: David Morley, AICPDetermining which agency ultimately has the authority to approve the siting of a new large-scale solar facility can be complicated. About half of all states have have established explicit limits on local siting authority, offer certain developers a way to bypass that authority, or maintain a parallel siting process.
Developers Help Foot Climate Resilience Bills in Boston
How the city uses land value capture to fund infrastructure projects that counter the impacts of climate change.by: Anthony FlintHow the city uses land value capture to fund infrastructure projects that counter the impacts of climate change.
Ethics of AI-Enhanced Planning
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Discover how AI-enhanced planning can drive urban development while requiring planners to tackle biases, ensure transparency, safeguard privacy, and engage communities to promote ethical and equitable outcomes.
The Baltimore Planning Academy: Community Empowerment Through Civic Education
PAS Memo 112by: Elina BravveThis PAS Memo explains the vision and goals of the Baltimore Planning Academy, its structure and design, and its impacts thus far, and offers guidance for planners seeking to create similar civic education and empowerment programs in their communities.Nonmembers$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Zoning for Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining
Zoning Practice — June 2022by: David Morley, AICP June 01, 2022Data centers are critical to internet, and there is an emerging segment of the data center market that consists of facilities dedicated to cryptocurrency mining. This issue of Zoning Practice explores why cities, towns, and counties may wish to define and regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining as distinct uses in their zoning codes and provides a summary of contemporary approaches.List Price$10.00ZP Subscriber$0.00
A Community-Created Rubric for Heat Planning
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Explore how the 'HeatReady Neighborhoods' rubric helps planners address extreme heat with an equity-focused framework, optimizing local assets and involving residents in climate adaptation strategies.
Blockchain for Planners
PAS QuickNotes 99by: Justin Hollander, FAICPThis edition of PAS QuickNotes explains how blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs could offer planners improved tools for data access and storage, community engagement, public decision-making, and transparency and accountability.Nonmember price$10.00APA members & PAS subscribers$0.00
Beyond Use Zoning: The Role of Deregulation in Housing Equity
Zoning Practice — May 2022by: John Zeanah, AICP May 01, 2022This issue of Zoning Practice explores how accessory use standards, dimensional standards, and building codes affect opportunities to build missing middle housing. And it highlights how Memphis and other cities are looking beyond use zoning to advance goals of housing equity in reforming codes and policies.List price$10.00ZP subscriber$0.00
The Connection Between Unpermitted ADUs in San José and the Need for Zoning Reform
by: Grant Holub-MoormanUncovering JAPA: Discover how policymakers are using computer vision to identify unpermitted ADUs in San José — shedding light on informal housing and the barriers to legal construction.
A Planner’s Guide to Meeting Facilitation
PAS Report 595by: Milton Herd, FAICP June 01, 2019Leading a public meeting can be challenging, and this responsibility often falls to planners — but meeting facilitation skills are not usually taught in schools. This PAS Report offers step-by-step guidance in planning, preparing for, and leading a group meeting to a productive outcome.List price$25.00APA member & PAS subscriber$0.00
2025 Trend Report for Planners
by: Petra Hurtado, PhD, Ievgeniia Dulko, Joseph DeAngelis, AICP, Senna Catenacci, Sagar Shah, AICP January 29, 2025The 2025 Trend Report features a list of over 100 existing, emerging, and potential future trends that the APA Foresight team and our Trend Scouting Foresight Community identified as relevant to planning.Illinois Solar Model Ordinance
August 2020This model ordinance provides a template to help planners in Illinois draft land-use and development regulations that permit solar development at different scales and in different land-use contexts.Iowa Solar Model Ordinance
August 2020This model ordinance provides a template to help planners in Iowa draft land-use and development regulations that permit solar development at different scales and in different land-use contexts.Wisconsin Solar Model Ordinance
August 2020This model ordinance provides a template to help planners in Wisconsin draft land-use and development regulations that permit solar development at different scales and in different land-use contexts.Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance
August 2020This model ordinance provides a template to help planners in Minnesota draft land-use and development regulations that permit solar development at different scales and in different land-use contexts.Kentucky Model Solar Zoning Ordinance
September 2020This model ordinance provides a template to help planners in Kentucky draft land-use and development regulations that permit solar development at different scales and in different land-use contexts.