APA American Planning Association Logo Vector File Download

The American Planning Association (APA) is a professional organization for planners and planning officials in the United States. It was founded in 1978 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. The APA represents more than 40,000 members, including planners, planning officials, students, and professors of planning, as well as citizens interested in the development and preservation of communities.

The APA's mission is to "advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and communities." To achieve this mission, the organization engages in a wide range of activities, including:

• Providing education and professional development opportunities for planners
• Representing the interests of the planning profession before government officials, the media, and the general public
• Developing and promoting policies and standards for planning and urban design
• Providing resources and support to planners and planning officials
• Advocating for the importance of planning in shaping communities and addressing important societal issues.

The APA has several divisions, committees, and offices that focus on specific areas of planning, such as transportation planning, land use, housing, and environmental planning, among others. It also publishes several journals and newsletters, and sponsors a variety of conferences, meetings, and other events throughout the year.

The APA also provides accreditation of planning programs, and supports the profession through the creation of planning-related research, standards, and guidelines. The organization also actively works to promote the importance of planning in addressing key societal issues such as housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is also an entity of American Planning Association (APA), it provides the professional certification for planners, which is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of planning.