What to Expect

  1. Conferences and Learning
  2. Planners' Day on Capitol Hill
  3. What to Expect

June 10, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT | Online

2026 Planners' Day on Capitol Hill

Advance Planners' Housing Reform Agenda

Planners' Day is a uniquely empowering experience where APA brings you directly into the national housing conversation with members of Congress online.

APA will set up your meetings and prepare you for the conversations. Enhance your advocacy abilities, add new advocacy skills to your toolbox, and bring the voices of the communities you support to life for their representatives on Capitol Hill.

We hear every year how helpful members of Congress find it to learn how policies impact their constituents in real life. Movement doesn't happen without planners like you!

PREPARATION

Navigating conversations with members of Congress.

From on-demand training to pre-meeting calls, APA has your back as you prepare to advocate for federal action on zoning reform.

Here is what to expect:

  • Training on your schedule — Pre-recorded training with APA public affairs staff and discussions with experienced advocates to watch on demand.
  • Resources for your back pocket — Prepared talking points, story worksheets, and digital leave-behinds that will ensure you bring your A-game to the online meetings.
  • A Senate guide — If you will be meeting with a Senator, your assigned team lead will engage you in pre-Senate planning meetings to identify the right stories to elevate, at the right moments, in an impactful way. House meeting preparation is covered in the training modules.

I'm READY! HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Tip: Help us accommodate your schedule by sharing any conflicts you have on June 10 when you register for the advocacy experience. In the meantime, hold this day on your calendar to accommodate a congressional meeting.

  1. Register for Planners' Day
  2. APA will schedule meetings for you with your congressional offices. We're working with our partners, Advocacy Associates, to schedule your congressional meetings on June 10 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. Note that some meetings may fall outside this window, depending on office availability.
  3. Complete pre-event trainings — APA will send out communications ahead of Planners' Day with access to on-demand training starting in early May. The training will help you understand which planning priorities are in play, your role in these meetings, and tips for leaving a lasting impression on congressional staff.
  4. Prepare your local stories — Federal action on zoning reform is the focus of your meetings. Now is a good time to start thinking about housing impact stories you'll share with congressional staff.

Tip: Finding stories can take a little work. Try this APA-approved approach:

  1. Find your voice — Give some thought to the story angle that will best resonate with your members of Congress. We'll cover how to nail this step in the on-demand training we've prepped for you. Remember, planners are the heroes!
  2. Talk to your professional network — Housing not your wheelhouse? Start putting feelers out in your network. From other planners to community advocates, stories are everywhere. Just ask.
  3. Focus on planning outcomes — Gather any relevant data, statistics, and outcomes directly tied to housing planning in your communities. APA staff can help you lift the most important pieces to focus on when telling your story. Think about outcomes; how is this story a win for planners? What more do we need as a community to get this done

Register