About the PA Chapter
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Pennsylvania) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization for the promotion of planning, and for professional planners and planning officials in the Commonwealth.
The organization is a chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). It was created in 1985 by the consolidation of three separate chapters of the APA in Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Planning Association. Approximately 2,500 members strong, the Pennsylvania Chapter of APA works to promote planning at all levels of the Commonwealth through trainings, the annual conference, legislative monitoring, and public awareness efforts. Pennsylvania Chapter of APA members participate with various statewide and regional groups with shared values and goals.
The Chapter is organized into six sections that provide local service to members and others through program meetings, local workshops, newsletters, and announcements.
Since our founding in 1985, our Chapter has hosted a statewide conference, provided training to planning professionals and officials, produced a newsletter, and hosted a website since the mid 1990s. We also partner with the PA State Association of Boroughs to fund and administer the PMPEI (PA Municipal Planning Education Institute). PMPEI provides training to planning commission members, zoning officers, and zoning hearing board members throughout Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the Chapter in our orientation guide.
Mission
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning through education, empowerment, partnership, and public policy.
Vision
Planning Matters – Planning is an essential function in creating successful communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The PA Chapter of APA, with its diverse and engaged membership, positively influences the provision of planning resources and the practice of planning at all levels of the public and private sectors.
The PA Chapter of APA believes:
Planning is a critical function of government, citizens, and the private sector
Planning brings forth the best ideas by balancing varied interests and resources
Planning is objective and open-minded
Planning is comprehensive, inclusive, and empowering
Planning values the diversity of Pennsylvania’s communities, cultures, and places
More Information
Bylaws
The Bylaws of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association were revised in 2019, and approved by the members on December 18, 2019.
2023-2027 Chapter Development Plan
The Chapter Development Plan serves as the strategic plan for the Pennsylvania Chapter of APA for 2023-2027.
PA Chapter Committees
The Chapter has formed the following committees in order to promote planning to all levels. Each committee was formed to specifically help with trainings, legislative monitoring, membership recruitment, communication or public awareness efforts. Planning is an essential function in creating successful communities throughout Pennsylvania. If you would like to join a committee please send us an email.
AICP members can earn CM credits by serving on APA/AICP boards, committees and divisions at the national, chapter, and section level, including service to advance members’ professional development. More Information.