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APA National Resources: Applied Research Resources

A variety of informational resources are accessible to APA National members via APA National’s Knowledge Center. These resources cover contemporary planning issues and can enhance the overall knowledge base of APA members as well as the individuals and organizations that we collaborate with.

APA National’s applied research program sponsors projects related to contemporary challenges associated with community growth and change. The program draws on the expertise of the APA’s in house research staff, APA members, and partner organizations to identify, evaluate, and disseminate solutions to these challenges. The program’s National Centers for Planning include several entities oriented around specific planning issues. These entities include the Hazards Planning Center that focuses on research supporting hazard mitigation, post-disaster recovery, and climate change adaptation. Program staff also support the research needs of APA National’s programs such as the Sustaining Places Initiative and Water & Planning Network. Resource materials resulting from these projects are available to members via APA National’s Applied Research Portal. These materials include best practice guidance manuals, project reports, and webinars. APA supported projects resulting in resource materials relevant to Hawaii planners include:

  • Benefits of Street Scale Features for Walking and Biking. This project aimed to understand the benefits of streetscape features. The report resulting from this analysis provides background information relevant to individuals aiming to support community design that encourages physical activity. 
  • Growing Food Connections. The APA was a partner organization in the Growing Food Connections initiative that aimed to build local government capacity to enhance food security. Policies briefs resulting from this initiative highlight strategies used by local governments throughout North America to strengthen local food systems by promoting agricultural viability and healthy food access.
  • Naturally Resilient Communities. The APA was a key partner in this program that promoted the role nature-based solutions can play in reducing community flood risk as well as the provision of other benefits such as improved water quality. 
  • Complete Streets. The APA was a partner in this initiative which resulted in best policy and implementation practices to encourage complete streets.

The applied research program is interested in collaborating with organizations with similar or complementary research interests. Collaboration with the applied research program presents opportunities for research findings to reach the APA’s diverse membership body. Interested individuals and organizations can reach the applied research program at research@planning.org.