National Planning Month

Published on October 01, 2026

It Takes a Planner to Create Stronger, More Resilient Communities

Each October, we celebrate National Community Planning Month. The American Planning Association (APA) leads this effort.

The APA connects planning professionals across the country. It gives them chances to learn from each other, share ideas, and keep up with new planning practices. National Community Planning Month recognizes the work planners do all year to build strong, healthy communities.

Planners work with residents and local leaders to guide change. Their work can include housing, business growth, transportation, parks, and public health. They use many skills to help communities plan for today and the future.

The APA encourages everyone to show support for planners by joining the conversation online. Use #PlanningMonth and #ItTakesaPlanner.

Planning at Outagamie County

At Outagamie County, planning is part of the Development & Land Services (DLS) Department.

DLS provides planning services for the county. The department also manages the County’s land development ordinance and land information program. Its work includes:

Economic and community development
Geographic information systems (GIS)
Data analysis
Grant writing and grant management
Real estate services
Surveying

Land use rules and zoning help shape how Outagamie County grows. These rules guide where different types of development can happen and how that development should look. They cover things like minimum parcel size, lot frontage, building setbacks, and access to roads and highways.

DLS is currently working on two major projects:

Comprehensive Code Rewrite: This project updates the County’s zoning code, which was first written in 1989. The new code will be easier for residents and developers to understand and use.
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP): This plan guides decisions about County parks and trails. It was created with public input through surveys, meetings, and several drafts. The plan will continue to reflect the needs and interests of the public.

Learn more about the APA HERE
Learn more about the Code Rewrite HERE
Learn more about the CORP HERE