Planning Officials
Planning Officials Training Program
Planning Officials are regularly appointed to boards and commissions, often with no background or training in community planning. The APA Planning Officials Training Program provides planners with the tools and resources to effectively and easily "on-board and train" planning officials.
Resources for Planning Board Members and Public Officials
APA Publications and Courses
APA is the best source for training, tools, and support related to local planning. APA offers planning officials tested tools — publications, training, and other targeted resources — that help their communities anticipate and plan for tomorrow.
The Commissioner (Archives)
The Commissioner was a newsletter with a commissioners' perspective on the issues that affect their work.
PAS QuickNotes are plain-English briefing papers that explain planning basics for public officials and engaged citizens.
The PAS Memo series provides planners with actionable information drawn from practical experience on today's important planning topics and tools.
The Planning Advisory Service publishes PAS Reports with guidance on current issues and innovative practices. Learn about the latest report and explore the archive.
Each month Planning, APA's member magazine shows how innovative planning programs and techniques are reshaping America's communities.
APA's Research KnowledgeBase connects APA members to curated collections of topically related resources — including plans, regulations, model codes, guides, articles, reports, and multimedia files.
Zoning Practice is a monthly publication dedicated to guiding the writing and administration of smarter development codes. Additional fee required.
Passport has 100's of online courses. Topics range from abatements to zoning. New courses are added throughout the year. Additional fee required.
Not an APA Member?
Planning Officials, including Plan Commission members, Zoning Board members and others, help create great communities for all! When you connect with APA you join a nationwide community dedicated to good planning. APA provides tested tools that help communities anticipate and plan for tomorrow.
Equity Diversity Inclusion
Advocate For An Equity-In-All-Policies Approach
APA has made a focused commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all forms. APA supports planners who work towards achieving thriving communities in which everyone has equal opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and prosperous life.
Chapter and External Resources
Alaska: Alaska Planning Commission Handbook
Colorado: Boulder Boards and Commissions Training
Florida: Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission
Illinois: Planning Officials Training
Indiana: Citizen Planners' Guide
North Carolina: Citizen Planner Trainer's Resource
Tennessee: The Powers and Functions of the Local Planning Commission in Tennessee
Texas: Planning Commissioners Corner
Additional Resources
Planner's Web Resources
The Planner's web serves the needs of citizen planners by providing useful, jargon-free, articles and resource information. Curated by Wayne Senville