About the PA Chapter

Who We Are

The American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter (APAPA) 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, APAPA works to promote planning at all levels of the Commonwealth through trainings, an annual conference, legislative monitoring, and public awareness efforts. APAPA 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.

Our Purpose

First and foremost, APA PA raises awareness of the value of planning in Pennsylvania. APA PA is a professional organization, but planning touches many lives and you don’t need to be a professional to join. We encourage you to join us whether you’re an interested citizen, a student, a volunteer commissioner, an elected official, or someone who works in the profession. We have something for everyone!