join the APA

Why APA?

For several generations, the American Planning Association and its predecessor organizations have been in the forefront of city and regional planning:

• Encouraging and honoring the best in planning and demonstrating the benefits of planning to the wider community.

• Fighting crucial public policy battles nationally and locally, in the legislatures and before the courts.

• Generating creative, effective ways for planners to address the plight of distressed neighborhoods, the aging of American society, and the needs of youth.

• Employing advanced technologies to help planners apply new concepts and techniques to achieve planning's fundamental goal of improving human communities.

• Offering continuing education, practical training, career development, and professional certification.

• Forging the diverse talents and experiences of thousands of individuals into a powerful instrument that benefits everyone who is committed to good planning.

The American Planning Association is a community of planners where your dedication, accomplishments, and contributions are recognized and applauded. APA will honor your achievements, challenge you with new perspectives on old problems, and open doors to professional and personal growth. You'll encounter people who speak planning's language, grapple with familiar issues, and shoulder similar responsibilities.

When you join national APA, you also join your local chapter (Upstate NY APA) and section (WNY APA). Chapter and section membership involves you in APA close to home, sharing experiences with colleagues, expanding your network, and broadening your perspective beyond your office, commission, or campus. Newsletters keep you current on local issues and "people news." You'll want to attend your chapter's regular meetings, as well as special workshops and conferences.

For more information, you can contact APA by email or call them at (312) 431-9100 and request a Membership Packet. You can join APA online at www.planning.org/joinapa

Chapter Only Membership

The New York Upstate Chapter of APA is now offering Chapter Only Membership! Chapter only memberships are perfect for students just graduating, individuals recently entering the field of planning, planning board members, non-AICP planners (you must be a member of APA in order to join AICP) and allied professions working closely with planners such as architects, landscape architects, engineers, non-profit managers, and others.

Chapter-only members receive the benefits of Chapter and Section programming including the Chapter newsletter and member e-mail communications about upcoming planning programs and training. Chapter Only members are eligible for member rates at the annual Chapter conference and all Chapter and Section sponsored events, educational seminars, and meetings. Additionally, Chapter Only members can vote in Section and Chapter elections and participate in all activities, although they cannot serve as officers.

Chapter Only Membership costs just $75! More information on Chapter Only Membership can be found here.