American Planning Association (APA)

The American Planning Association (APA) is a distinguished professional organization that serves regional and urban planners. Its mission is to foster planning excellence, advocate for sustainable and inclusive urban development, and provide resources for professional growth. Formed by the merger of the American Institute of Planners (AIP) and the American Society of Planning Officials (ASPO), the APA stands as a pivotal institution in the planning community.

Address

Chicago Office: American Planning Association 205 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 312-431-9100 Fax: 312-786-6700

Washington, D.C. Office: American Planning Association 1030 15th Street NW, Suite 750 West Washington, DC 20005-1503 Phone: 202-872-0611 Fax: 202-872-0643

Website: www.planning.org

Examples

Practice Standard Establishment: APA regularly publishes best practice guides and professional standards that regional and urban planners nationwide follow.
Publication Contributions: APA publishes a monthly, “Planning” magazine, and a quarterly, “Journal of the APA (JAPA),” which provide extensive research articles, case studies, and insights into urban development issues.
Professional Development: APA offers numerous certification programs, including the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification, webinars, and workshops, providing ongoing education opportunities for planners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the American Planning Association (APA)?

The APA encourages excellence in planning by advocating for sound and sustainable urban and regional development, and by offering professional growth opportunities for its members.

2. What kind of resources does APA offer to its members?

APA provides a wide array of resources including journals, magazines, professional certifications, conferences, seminars, and an online library filled with planning information and tools.

3. How can one become a member of the APA?

Interested individuals can join APA by selecting a membership plan that suits their needs on the APA website. Both student memberships and professional memberships are available.

4. What is the significance of the AICP certification offered by APA?

The AICP certification represents a mark of commitment and professionalism in the field of planning, showcasing an individual’s in-depth knowledge and ethical standards.

5. Can non-planners benefit from APA resources?

Yes, APA’s resources are valuable to a wide range of stakeholders, including community leaders, public officials, developers, and students interested in urban and regional planning.

Urban Planning: The process of developing and designing urban areas to meet the needs of a growing population.
Regional Planning: Strategic planning at a larger scale than individual cities, focusing on spatial, environmental, and infrastructural cohesion.
Zoning: The method through which cities regulate the use of land and buildings to ensure orderly development.

Online Resources

APA Knowledge Center: APA Knowledge Center
Publications: APA Publications
AICP Certification: AICP Certification

References

American Planning Association. (n.d.). APA Website. Retrieved from https://www.planning.org
APA Knowledge Center. (n.d.). Apa Knowledge Center. Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/knowledgecenter/
APA Publications. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/pubs/

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Profession of City Planning: Changes, Images, and Challenges” by Lloyd Rodwin and Bishwapriya Sanyal
- This book discusses the evolution of city planning and the role of planning professionals.
“Urban Land Use Planning” by Philip R. Berke
- A cornerstone text that explores the principles and methods of urban planning.
“Planning in the USA: Policies, Issues, and Processes” by J.B. Cullingworth and Roger Caves
- A comprehensive look at the policy and practice of urban planning in the United States.
“The High Cost of Free Parking” by Donald Shoup
- An influential book that examines the impacts of parking policy on urban development.

Real Estate Basics: American Planning Association (APA) Fundamentals Quiz

### What was the result of merging the AIP and ASPO? - [ ] They created a consulting firm. - [ ] They developed a new urban plan. - [x] They formed the American Planning Association. - [ ] They launched a new academic journal. > **Explanation:** The American Planning Association (APA) was formed by merging the American Institute of Planners (AIP) and the American Society of Planning Officials (ASPO). ### What are the main publication types offered by APA? - [x] Monthly magazine and quarterly journal - [ ] Daily newspaper and monthly magazine - [ ] Bi-weekly newsletter and annual book - [ ] Weekly journal and quarterly magazine > **Explanation:** The APA publishes a monthly magazine called "Planning" and a quarterly journal known as "Journal of the APA (JAPA)." ### Which office allows members to engage with APA? - [ ] Only the Chicago office - [ ] Regional offices spread across the country - [x] Both Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices - [ ] Remote office only > **Explanation:** Members can engage with APA through both the Chicago and Washington, D.C. offices. ### What does the AICP certification demonstrate? - [ ] Financial proficiency in planning - [ ] Exclusive zoning knowledge - [x] Professionalism and ethical standards in planning - [ ] Active membership status in APA > **Explanation:** The AICP certification signifies an individual's professionalism and adherence to ethical standards in the planning field. ### Which resource is NOT provided by the APA to its members? - [ ] Online library - [ ] Annual conference - [x] Free property appraisals - [ ] Certification programs > **Explanation:** While the APA offers an online library, annual conferences, and certification programs, it does not provide free property appraisals. ### Who benefits from APA resources? - [ ] Only urban planners - [x] A wide range of stakeholders including community leaders and public officials - [ ] Only student members - [ ] Exclusively AICP-certified professionals > **Explanation:** APA resources benefit a broad spectrum of stakeholders including urban planners, community leaders, public officials, developers, and students. ### How frequently is the APA's "Planning" magazine published? - [ ] Weekly - [ ] Bi-monthly - [x] Monthly - [ ] Quarterly > **Explanation:** The "Planning" magazine is published on a monthly basis by the APA. ### Which term best associates with APA's mission? - [x] Promote professional standards - [ ] Produce urban music - [ ] Publish fiction - [ ] Plan outdoor adventure trips > **Explanation:** The APA's mission is to promote professional standards, research, and education in the field of urban and regional planning. ### How can one become a member of APA? - [ ] Only by completing a university degree - [x] By selecting and joining a membership plan on APA’s website - [ ] Through an employment sponsorship - [ ] By applying at local government offices > **Explanation:** Individuals can become members of the APA by choosing and joining a membership plan on the APA website. ### What type of planning activities draw upon APA resources? - [ ] Only historical preservation - [ ] Technological advancements in agriculture - [x] Sustainable and inclusive urban development - [ ] Military strategy developments > **Explanation:** APA resources are mainly geared towards sustainable and inclusive urban development activities.

American Planning Association (APA)