The American Institute of Architects promotes architects and local citizens working together to create safe and healthy communities all across the nation.
The American Planning Association website offers information on membership, APA conferences and meetings, studies, reports, articles and information on the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Under the "Knowledge Exchange" heading, the site provides links to other resources.
The Brookings Institution houses The Metropolitan Policy Program (www.brookings.edu/metro), which provides reports and information on the challenges faced by metropolitan regions as well as innovative solutions to these challenges. This site offers access to numerous Brookings articles, books and other publications.
This site provides information on the Congress for the New Urbanism, which works to implement the principles of New Urbanism through teaching architects, developers, planners and others involved in the creation of cities and towns. The "Resources" heading provides access to a list of links to web resources related to New Urbanism, Smart Growth and other land use issues.
The Center for Watershed Protection provides alternatives to conventional development: Low-Impact Development; Environmentally-sensitive design; Green Infrastructure; Better Site Design (BSD) techniques, which seek to minimize the negative impacts of new development on water resources.
Cyburbia Forums is the oldest planning message board on the Internet, with hundreds of active members and discussions on a wide range of topics related to planning and community development. Other features include announcements, a wiki and a job board.
The Funders' Network works to "inspire, strengthen and expand philanthropic leadership and funders’ abilities to support organizations working to improve communities through better development decisions and growth policies." The Funders’ Network website offers links to various resources and to its member organizations.
The Land Trust Alliance "promotes voluntary private land conservation to benefit communities and natural systems" and is an important resource for those interested in land conservation. Under the "Resources for Land Trusts" heading, this site offers many resources, publications and links to relevant websites.
This non-profit Institute focuses on integrating "theory and practice to better shape land policy and to provide a nonpartisan forum for discussion of the multidisciplinary forces that influence public policy." The Institute has three main departments:
Each department lists case studies and other resources.
The Center conducts independent research on land use and the environment, transportation and public health, housing and community development, and international development issues. It also offers training and outreach activities as well as a semi-annual Smart Growth Leadership Program to decision-makers. Links to other web resources related to Smart Growth and land use can be found under the "Resources" heading on the Center’s website.
The National Trust Main Street Center is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Trust developed its pioneering Main Street approach to commercial district revitalization in the 1970s, an innovative methodology that combines historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts.
The Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute serves "the public interest as an interdisciplinary, non-partisan forum for land use and environmental issues in the Rocky Mountain West." Additional internet resources can be found under their "Links to Relevant Land Use and Environment Sites" heading.
"The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) conducts policy-relevant research and facilitates public dialogue to assist policymakers in understanding the rural impacts of public policies and programs." Links to information and other websites addressing rural issues can be found under the "Resources" heading.
Smart Growth Online has an extensive listing of web-based resources searchable by issue, principle, type or state as well as listings of land development regulations.
The Sonoran Institute works to create community stewardship in order to create "healthy landscapes, vibrant economies, and livable communities that embrace conservation as an integral element of their economies and quality of life." Case studies, links, presentations, guidebooks and more can be found under the "Resources" heading.
Known in particular for its Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) standards, the USGBC is at the forefront of energy efficiency in building and neighborhood design. Under the "Resources" heading, there are links to additional web resources on green building and energy efficient design.