The American Planning Association took to Washington, D.C. recently to seek support for legislative actions that will enable the planning efforts of the next few years.
"In 125 meetings with congressional offices representing 25 states, APA members and advocates for good planning fanned out across Capitol Hill on September 29 to talk about transportation, parks, public health, and funding for vital local projects," according to a post by Jason Jordan, director of policy and government affairs for the American Planning Association.
Jordan notes the timeliness of the effort, given pending legislation regarding "federal surface transportation programs, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and annual appropriations for key infrastructure and community development programs."
According to Jordan, the planners in attendace were seeking support on three primary "asks":
- Pass a multi-year, sustainably funded transportation bill
- Reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Maintain support for critical programs like CDBG, HOME and TIGER, that benefit community and economic development
The article includes more on the goals for the APA's advocacy and some anecdotes from the day.
FULL STORY: Planners Carry the Message in Annual Trip to Capitol Hill
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The APA noted that the 115th Congress was "marked by divisive rhetoric, partisan stalemates, and threats to programs on which local communities rely." At the end of the year, however, it could still celebrate substantial victories.
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