Blogs

March 14, 2024

Residents’ Changing Perspectives on Disaster Resettlement

Uncovering JAPA: In Tacloban City, Philippines, holistic restoration, community empowerment, site development, transparent communication, and flexible participation are emphasized in post-disaster relocation efforts.

June 16, 2022

Supporting Nonprofits During Post Disaster Recovery

Uncovering JAPA: Researchers explore the differences of post disaster recovery on small and medium/large nonprofits and how planners can facilitate nonprofit post-disaster recovery efforts.

May 23, 2022

APA Joins State Resilience Partnership

APA joins the State Resilience Partnership as one of 20 organizations collaborating on increasing nationwide resilience efforts.

September 28, 2021

Helping Planners Advance Disaster Recovery

APA recently published the Post-Disaster Recovery Guide for Planners — a resource that aims to help local planners working for communities that are recovering from all kinds of disasters, including catastrophic flooding and damage and disruption from cascading hazards.

October 8, 2020

When It’s Right to Rightsize

Uncovering JAPA: The Flint water crisis shows when it's right to rightsize.

January 9, 2020

Crafting a Disaster Recovery Guide With Planners in Mind

APA partnered with Texas A&M University to design a mixed-methods research project examining where planners turn for information and assistance after a disaster.

January 29, 2019

Four Plans for Shaping the Future of Puerto Rico

A summary of four plans that will shape Puerto Rico’s response to the urgent humanitarian needs of the island’s residents after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

October 12, 2018

Hazard Mitigation Reforms Hitch a Ride on FAA Bill

Congressional legislation reauthorizing the FAA included important reforms that promote hazard mitigation and resiliency. The legislation marks one of the most sweeping changes to federal hazard programs in years.

February 7, 2018

Climate Adaptation: Climbing the Mountain Amid a Landslide

A new report assesses the current state of the climate adaptation field. Planner and author Jim Schawb says planners can bring their skills to the table and make a difference.

January 16, 2018

Living on the Edge: Get to Know Your Wildland-Urban Interface

One-third of the U.S. population lives in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). It's important for planners to consider the WUI during the community planning process due to its direct link to potential wildfire disasters.

August 29, 2017

Tackle the Data Tsunami with APA Water Planning Network Tools

American Planning Association's Interest Group — the Water and Planning Network — provides periodic updates on current research, leading practices, and tools related to planning for water.

June 5, 2017

Happy 10th Birthday to NOAA’s Digital Coast!

NOAA's Digitial Coast is turning 10. APA is a partner in this initiative, which brings tools and resources to coastal communities.

May 2, 2017

Planning Ahead for Disaster Recovery

FEMA recently released the Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments, which provides guidance and tools for local governments.

March 22, 2017

Digital Coast Act: Protecting Our Coastal Communities

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin makes the case for why planners must tell their representatives to support the Digital Coast Act.

September 29, 2016

How DO Planners Deal with Local Fracking?

A Summer 2016 JAPA article looks at how planners are dealing with the dangers and problems created by local fracking.

September 8, 2016

Can You Sue the Government for Climate Change Impacts?

Well, a lot depends on circumstances, and environmental law is seldom a simple thing. But the answer, according to Jon Kusler, a veteran in this field, may increasingly be yes.