Advocate for Your Community with Legislation & Policy

Summit on Infrastructure Investment
On October 20, APA will bring together design professionals from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects for a one-day summit on national infrastructure issues. The summit also marks the launch of APA's Infrastructure Task Force. More...

Fannie and Freddie and Affordable Housing
Many have been left wondering about how the government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will affect the already unsteady housing market — and the creation of new affordable housing. More...

What Does Congress Have in Store for You?
Public policies forged in Washington frame your planning decisions. What will Congress and a new administration signify? Come to APA's Federal Policy & Program Briefing October 19-20 to find out. After the briefing, stay in D.C. for Planners Day on Capitol Hill October 21. More...

APA Advocate
An e-newsletter on federal legislative and public policy issues of interest to planners and communities.

Legislative Priorities
Each year APA formally adopts a set of legislative priorities to guide APA's policy advocacy efforts. These priorities are based on objectives detailed in adopted policy guides.

Policy Guides
While APA represents a diverse membership, it comes together around certain fundamental principles and policies necessary to promote and ensure the vitality of our communities. Policy guides reflect the official position of APA on a wide range of issues and topics.

Grassroots Network
APA's policy advocacy is led by an active grassroots network of dedicated planners and concerned citizens. The grassroots network is organized around APA's state chapters. Find out who is your state legislative liaison and get involved.

Action Center
The online action center allows you to get complete information on every member of Congress and congressional committee, search for your representative and senators, send e-mail to Congress, and access APA's latest alerts and resources.

Legislative Resources
Use these links to learn more about the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the federal government. Explore the websites of government agencies as well as other organizations involved in shaping planning policies.

Domestic Policy Watch
APA's monthly website feature, Domestic Policy Watch, examines the federal domestic agenda and aims to add to the discourse about issues of importance. Member responses are encouraged and will be posted on the APA website.
Click here to read the articles and respond

Online Planners' Communications Guide
Planners' Communications Guide: Strategies, Examples, and Tools for Everyday Practice, written specifically for APA members, covers messages, public participation, media relations, and e-communications. Materials include worksheets, sample plans, and templates for media kits.
Click here to download the guide

Congressional Fellowships
Each year APA selects two graduate students in planning or a related field to spend six months in Washington, D.C., as Congressional Fellows working on Capitol Hill and with APA's Policy Office.

Tips for Effective Advocacy
APA is committed to providing members with an array of convenient and useful resources to help them carry the planning message to Congress and state legislatures. Get tips on conducting lobbying meetings, writing to elected officials, and connecting with the media.

Amicus Curiae Briefs
APA works to advance the planning agenda through the judicial process by filing amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs in selected cases of national importance. Read the text of the briefs, court decisions in the cases, and updates.

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