APA Texas takes a new approach to advocacy

APA Texas takes a new approach to advocacy

APA Texas takes a new approach to advocacy

  • On July 21, 2021

In the past, the American Planning Association’s Texas Chapter has often found itself playing catch-up when it comes to advocacy for planning and planners. For some in the Texas Legislature, planners have often been stereotyped as bureaucrats standing in the way of progress. In preparation for this year’s legislative session, the Chapter chose to take a different approach. One aspect of this was an effort to quickly communicate who APA Texas members are and how they contribute to the growth and success of Texas. The simple 2-page handout above tells this story.

So how did we do? Check out the report posted now on the APA Texas website. The short answer is in the numbers below:

  • APA Texas tracked 170 of the almost 7,000 bills filed this year
  • We submitted testimony on 16 key bills in person or online.
  • Of the bills we supported, 8 passed!
  • Of the bills we opposed, 0 passed!

As co-chair of the Advocacy Committee, Karen is really gratified by these results. She and her co-chair Craig Farmer FAICP relied on the full committee and its six topical subcommittees to get and share information about how these bills would affect the people, businesses and communities that make Texas successful. Advocacy Salient Solutions did a great job assisting and educating us too. We look forward to building on these results as we go forward!