Policy and Advocacy
An Opportunity for Reinvention
Legislative Priorities for Planning and Communities
APA Legislative Priorities
2021 will be a critical year for planners, and APA's legislative priorities reflect this significant moment. Recovery, climate change, transportation and broadband infrastructure, and housing are areas where planners will make an impact this year advocating for their communities.
Policy Guides
Tools to Influence Local, State, and Federal Policy
Policy Guides represent APA's official position on critical planning issues and arm planners with the tools to advocate for policies that create great communities for all. Policy guides, developed through a member-driven pricess, cover topics like Hazard Mitigation, Planning for Equity, Housing, Surface Transportation, and more.
COVID-19
COVID-19 Policy Resources
Planners need support from federal and state governments to help their communities respond to and recover from the pandemic and its impacts. Learn about existing and upcoming legislation and how you can leverage support to assist your community.
Planners' Advocacy Network
The national network of planning advocates working to shape federal and state policy outcomes.
Sign up for this APA member benefit
Network members gain access to:
- Exclusive resources, tips, tools, and training
- Updates on the latest federal and state issues that impact planners
State Government Affairs
APA's State Government Affairs program provides insights on state policy trends that have an impact on planning across the country, engages state-level partners, and supports chapter level policy and advocacy programs.
Policy Blog Posts
April 13, 2021
Connecticut Planners Take Zoning Reform Fight to the State
April 2, 2021
Federal Housing Bill Creates New Support and Incentives For Planning
April 2, 2021
Administration’s Bold Infrastructure Plan Holds Promise For Planners, But Questions Remain
March 25, 2021
Return of Congressional Earmarks Marks New Funding Opportunity For Planners
February 25, 2021
What Planners Should Know About the Current COVID Relief Bill
January 27, 2021
Planners Secure Zoning Reform Win in Massachusetts
January 26, 2021
Action Already Underway for 2021 Legislative Priorities
December 29, 2020
Planners' Activism Spurred Congress to Act for Communities
Amicus Curiae
APA works to advance planning through the judicial process by filing amicus curiae — friend of the court — briefs in select cases of national importance.
Communications Guide
This online, interactive guide is designed to help planners develop and deliver positive values-based messages about planning and APA to targeted audiences.