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, including:
- PAS Reports (quarterly)
- PAS Memo (bimonthly)
- PAS QuickNotes (bimonthly)
PAS Reports
Practical Guides for Practicing Planners
Quarterly 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 download nearly 100 reports published since 1994. PAS subscribers also receive a print copy of each new PAS report.
A Planner’s Guide to Meeting Facilitation, the latest PAS Report, offers planners step-by-step guidance in effectively planning, preparing for, and leading public meetings to productive outcomes.
PAS Memo
The Best Shoptalk Around
What's working in communities like yours? These bimonthly alerts bring you practical 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 "How to Design Your Scenario Planning Process," the latest PAS Memo, to learn how to use this valuable planning tool and create a roadmap for a scenario planning process.
PAS QuickNotes
Handy Handouts on Hot Topics
Bite-size backgrounders make important planning issues easy for officials and the public to understand. They're ideal for public meetings, private briefings, and staff orientations. APA members and PAS subscribers can download and share each issue with citizens and commissioners in their — or their clients' — communities.
"Conservation Subdivision Design," the latest PAS QuickNotes, highlights the potential benefits of conservation subdivisions and summarizes how local officials and planners can encourage conservation subdivision design by identifying conservation priorities, updating development regulations, and providing education and assistance.
Historic PAS Reports
PAS published its first Information Report in 1949. Each month we present a new report from the archives.
Air Pollution — A Growing Urban Problem
Information Report No. 79, October 1955
This month's historic PAS Report examines the growing problem of air pollution in U.S. cities and introduces the idea of the "greenhouse effect."
Subscribe to PAS
Organizations that subscribe to PAS receive one print copy of each new PAS Report, and staff members of these organizations have online access to PAS Reports, PAS Memo, PAS QuickNotes, and APA's Research KnowledgeBase. APA members also have online access to PAS publications and the Research KnowledgeBase.