APA National Planning Divisions: Communities of Like Minded Planners
APA National’s 24 divisions are centered around topics such as economic development; sustainable communities; and tribal and indigenous planning. These divisions are comprised of planners living domestically and abroad that share similar professional interest. Membership in a division provides opportunities to connect with other planners engaged in the same area of interest who can support each other with continued education and professional development in this area. We encourage Hawaii Chapter members to join these planning divisions.
Specific planning divisions that may be of interest to Chapter members include:
County Planning Division: This division aims to strengthen relationships among county planners, county elected officials, and other county personnel by facilitating the sharing of technical information, encouraging continuing professional development of its members, researching county planning issues, and building strong ties with other organizations and disciplines with related interests.
Federal Planning Division: This division supports comprehensive planning and land management policies, techniques, and procedures for federal properties located within the United States and overseas. By focusing on planning and land management, the division aims to improve the quality of life for persons who live on, work on, and/or use federal lands and facilities; and to protect and enhance the value of federal properties for their designated purposes.
Food Systems Division: This division is a coalition of planners and allied professionals who have come together to advance food systems planning at the local, regional, state, or national level. The fundamental goal of the division is to help planners build stronger, more just, equitable, and self-reliant local, community, and regional food systems. By serving as a platform for collaboration, information, and leadership, members strive to further integrate principles of food systems planning with other areas of community and regional planning for the benefit of present and future generations.
Housing and Community Development Division: This division functions as a nationwide network of professionals dedicated to building healthy and vibrant communities. We support educational and networking opportunities for planners, educators, housing professionals, community developers, and allied professionals.
Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery Planning Division: This division is comprised of planners who work to reduce disaster risk and support communities as they recovery from disaster events, no matter the size. The division fosters professional development, skill-building, communications about how to plan before, during, and after disasters. Division members represent the public, private, and academic sectors. Members come from 12 countries, including all 50 states and two US territories.