Policy and Advocacy
Advance Planning Policy
Act Now
influence federal transportation legislation
Tell Congress to prioritize planning in the nation's next surface transportation bill.
Policy Guides
arming planners with tools to advocate at the local, state, and federal levels
APA recently adopted specific, actionable policy guidance on planning for equity, housing, and surface transportation.
Legislative Priorities
APA's Policy Agenda Calls on Congress to Advance Key Priorities
In 2019, APA and planning advocates are urging Congress to advance four planning priorities essential for just, healthy, and prosperous communities.
Planning Home
Delivering the Housing Families and Communities Need
America is in a housing affordability and availability crisis. Planning is part of the solution.
Planners' Advocacy Network
Join the national network of engaged 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
Legislative Action Center
Use this resource to connect directly with elected officials and take action on pending legislation that impacts planning.
Make your voice heard:
- Tell your House and Senate members what planners want to see prioritized in the nation's next surface transportation bill.
- Urge your U.S. senators to support the highest possible T-HUD funding levels for critical transportation programs like BUILD (formerly TIGER) and transit capital grants in FY2020.
Policy Blog Posts
October 2, 2019
What Happened at the 2019 Policy and Advocacy Conference
August 6, 2019
Address the Nation’s Housing Crisis: Action for the States
August 2, 2019
Federal Surface Transportation Debate Shifts Into High Gear
July 16, 2019
"If I'd Heard From Just One Constituent..."
July 11, 2019
Mayors Are Addressing the Housing Crisis — And Planning Is Part of the Solution
July 1, 2019
What Did and Didn't Change With the Supreme Court’s Knick Decision
June 28, 2019
A Planners' Call to Action: The 2020 Census
June 27, 2019
Supreme Court Blocks Citizenship Question from 2020 Census … For Now
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.
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.
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.