Planning in America: Perceptions and Priorities

Results from APA's 2012 National Poll

With the U.S. economy struggling, Americans believe community planners should play a major role in helping the nation get back on its feet, according to a national poll released by APA on June 14, 2012.

Two-thirds of Americans believe their community needs more planning to promote economic recovery.

The poll found that Americans want planners to focus most on creating jobs — followed by safety, schools, protecting neighborhoods, and water quality.

"Not only do Americans strongly believe community planning is critical to jump starting our nation's economy," said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP, "but a majority want to be personally involved with community planning efforts, whether they live in a city, a suburb, a small town, or rural America."

See the key findings below.

Download the full report (pdf)