Planning Advisory Service
Planners have turned to the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) for information and innovation since 1949. PAS is APA's flagship research brand, with a suite of publications and curated content.
Pop Open the Toolbox
To build a stronger community, you need the right tools. APA members and PAS subscribers get a well-stocked toolbox of digital access to:
Subscribe to PAS
Organizations that subscribe to PAS get full access for staff members to the digital suite of PAS Reports, PAS Memo, PAS QuickNotes, and APA's Research KnowledgeBase. APA members also have online access to PAS publications and the Research KnowledgeBase.
Download a subscription form for PAS
PAS Reports
Practical Guides for Practicing Planners
PAS Reports deliver authoritative guidance on trending issues and practices. APA members and PAS subscribers can download each new report as it is posted and can access the digital archive of more than 100 reports.
Environmental Justice and Zoning Reform, the latest PAS Report, helps planners ensure that zoning protects the health, safety, and welfare of all community members.
PAS Memo
Best Shoptalk Around
What's working in communities like yours? These practice-focused articles bring you actionable information from planners around the country facing the same challenges you are. APA members and PAS subscribers are connected to an archive of previous issues.
Read "Centering Wellbeing in Community Co-Creation: WIATT and C4C," the latest PAS Memo, to learn about two innovative new tools planners can use to harness wellbeing in their community engagement processes.
PAS QuickNotes
Handy Handouts on Hot Topics
Bite-size backgrounders covering important planning issues and emerging trends for a fast basic understanding. Ideal for practicing planners to familiarize themselves with important topics and future-focused tools.
"Empathy in Planning," the latest PAS QuickNotes, explains how planners can cultivate this essential skill to support personal well-being, teamwork, and community engagement.
Research KnowledgeBase
The Library of Everything Planning
Curated, searchable collections of topically related resources, both APA and non-APA. Find reports, articles, sample plans and regulations, and a wide range of other resources on 70 planning topics and counting.
"Conflict Management in Planning," the latest Research KnowledgeBase Collection, offers dozens of resources exploring conflict management principles, the roles planners play in managing conflict, and specific tools and techniques planners can apply in their work.