Policy and Advocacy
Advance Planning Policy
Take Action Now
Tell Congress to FUND the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development spending bill
Use APA's Legislative Action Center to tweet, call, send a letter, or even meet with your representatives this August to tell them to fund vital planning programs.
Learn How to Advance Inclusive, Smart Planning Policy
APA's Policy and Advocacy Conference
Sharpen your advocacy skills and use them to influence planning policies set forth by Congress and the Administration. Register now for APA's Policy and Advocacy Conference to join APA and planning advocates from September 24-26, in Washington D.C. You'll be well prepared to deliver your message in person to representatives at Planners' Day on Capitol Hill on the event's last day.
Promoting our Legislative Priorities and Infrastructure Principles
APA's Board of Directors adopted a slate of legislative priorities, and with them a set of nine guiding infrastructure principles, to shape legislative action on key planning issues in 2017.
APA Statement on FY 2018 Federal Budget Proposal
On March 16, President Trump proposed eliminating and severely cutting funding for key community development, transportation, and economic development programs. APA calls on Congress to reject these cuts and support essential investments in the future of our communities.
Planners' Advocacy Network
The best way to shape federal planning policy outcomes through APA.
Free for all APA members, Network members enjoy:
- Exclusive tips, tools, and training
- Analysis on federal late breaking news
- Special rates for our annual Policy and Advocacy Conference
Visit the Planners' Advocacy Network page, click on the "Join Today" button, and check the My APA box "Yes, Include me in the Planners' Advocacy Network."
Advocate's Toolbox
All the tools you need to make your voice heard on key planning issues.
What's Inside:
- Advocacy resources
- Best practices
- Members-only webinars
- Success stories
- Amicus Curiae resources
Legislative Action Center
Use this resource to connect directly with elected officials and take action on pending legislation that impacts planning.
Actions to take now:
- Ask your legislators to support investment in urban parks
- Ask your Representatives to support coastal data
- Share policy ideas for an infrastructure package
- Tell elected officials why severe cuts to key planning programs must not happen
- Inform elected officials about top planning priorities
Tip: Get started by watching our quick "how to" video.
Policy Blog Posts
August 14, 2017
Tell Your Representatives: It's Time to Fund THUD
August 1, 2017
Congress Makes (Slow) Progress on Transportation, Housing Spending
July 21, 2017
Interior-EPA Spending Bill Presents Mixed Bag for Planning
July 14, 2017
Why We Need to Pass a Law That Funds Urban Green Spaces
July 11, 2017
Congress Behind on Budget and Appropriations Work, Again
June 26, 2017
Bipartisan Urban Parks Legislation Introduced in the House
May 26, 2017
Inadequate Funding Imperils a Fair and Accurate 2020 Census
May 24, 2017
Official Presidential Budget Released: It’s Officially Bad for Planners
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 designed to help planners develop and deliver positive values-based messages about planning and APA to targeted audiences.