Policy and Advocacy

An Opportunity for Reinvention

2022 Federal Priorities for Planning and Communities
2022 is an inflection point for planners and the communities we serve. With historically high levels of federal support, tools, and key reforms in hand, the reinvention of communities will be the focus driving much of what planners do. At the same time, planners must be ready to build on the legislative gains made last year.
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.
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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
July 18, 2022
Housing Scarcity Is Worse Than Ever
May 17, 2022
Addressing the Nation's Housing Crisis
March 14, 2022
Planners’ Input on Broadband Sought by Biden Administration
November 4, 2021
White House Embraces Federal Zoning Reform Provision
October 6, 2021
Climate, Equity, Housing, & Infrastructure at #APAPolicy21
August 4, 2021
Pro-Planning Infrastructure Bill Poised to Clear Senate Hurdle
July 13, 2021
States Take Aim at Carbon Emissions and Climate Consequences
May 20, 2021
Advocating For Zoning Reform
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.