American Planning Association

American Planning Association
Name	American Planning Association
Founded	0 1978
Predecessor	American Institute of Planners, American Society of Planning Officials
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., United States
Membership	~40,000
Key people	Joel Mills (CEO), Angela D. Brooks, AICP (President)
Website	https://www.planning.org

American Planning Association. The American Planning Association is a major professional organization representing the field of urban planning in the United States. Formed in 1978 through the consolidation of two predecessor organizations, it provides leadership, advocacy, and resources for planners, officials, and citizens. With approximately 40,000 members, it is dedicated to creating prosperous, equitable, and sustainable communities through excellence in planning.

History

The organization was established in 1978 by the merger of the American Institute of Planners, founded in 1917, and the American Society of Planning Officials, founded in 1934. This unification sought to combine the professional standards of the former with the broader membership and technical focus of the latter. Key figures in its early development included Alfred Bettman, a pioneer in zoning law and the first president of the American Institute of Planners, and Harland Bartholomew, an influential early city planner. Throughout the late 20th century, it grew to address evolving challenges like urban renewal, suburban sprawl, and environmental planning. Its history is intertwined with landmark federal legislation such as the Housing Act of 1954 and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Organization and governance

The association is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership, which includes the positions of President, President-Elect, and immediate Past President. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Executive Officer, currently Joel Mills. It is structured into 47 regional chapters across the United States, including the APA New York Metro Chapter and the APA California Chapter, which conduct local activities and advocacy. Additional components include 21 professional Divisions, such as the Transportation Planning Division and the Urban Design and Preservation Division, which focus on specialized interests. National headquarters are located in Washington, D.C., with an office in Chicago housing the professional institute.

Publications and resources

The association is a leading publisher of planning literature, most notably the monthly magazine Planning and the quarterly Journal of the American Planning Association, a peer-reviewed academic publication. It produces essential practice-oriented resources like the Planning Advisory Service reports and the comprehensive Zoning Practice series. Other significant publications include the Green Book of standard land use definitions and the PAS Memo. Its digital resources include the extensive APA KnowledgeBase, APA Learn, and the popular The Commissioner podcast, providing ongoing education and current research for practitioners.

Policy and advocacy

The organization actively engages in federal and state policy advocacy to advance sound planning principles. Its advocacy arm, the APA Policy and Advocacy Committee, works on issues including affordable housing, climate change resilience, transportation infrastructure, and economic development. It regularly provides testimony before committees of the United States Congress, such as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and submits comments to federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency. Key advocacy campaigns have supported legislation like the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act and promoted the integration of planning into disaster recovery through programs with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Professional development and certification

The association provides extensive continuing education and credentialing through the American Institute of Certified Planners, its professional institute. The AICP certification is the recognized professional credential for planners, requiring passage of a comprehensive exam, demonstrated experience, and adherence to a Code of Ethics. It hosts major annual events like the National Planning Conference and numerous specialized workshops and webinars. The APA Professional Development Officer coordinates programs such as the Certified Planner Maintenance program for continuing education. It also offers the FAICP designation to fellows for exceptional career contributions.

Awards and recognition

The association administers a prestigious system of awards to honor outstanding contributions to the planning field. The highest honor is the National Planning Excellence Award, with categories for projects, plans, and leadership. Other major awards include the Diana Donald Award for a planning commission, the National Planning Achievement Award, and the Paul Davidoff Award for advocacy and social justice. The AICP Student Project Awards recognize outstanding work from planning programs at universities like the University of California, Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The annual awards are presented at the National Planning Conference and highlighted in its publications.

Category:Urban planning organizations Category:Professional associations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1978 Category:Washington, D.C.