One of the best ways for urban planning professionals to stay informed of industry news is to subscribe to urban planning publications. There are many publications, trade journals and newsletters available that cover current trends in urban planning; but rather than inundate yourself by subscribing to them all, you may want to pick and choose the ones that best meet your business's needs.

There is a huge selection of industry publications to choose from. Where some are very limited and cover specific topics, others give an overview of the whole industry and offer a variety of resources. The trick is to get the most information out of the fewest resources, thus saving you money and keeping you well informed without consuming all your valuable time. When choosing a urban planning magazines, journals or books, remember the following:

1. Some publications offer free trial subscriptions that you can take advantage of.

2. When subscribing to publications, find out what period your payment covers. Make sure you receive any back issues within the time period you're paying for. Some publications may just begin subscription with the current issue.

3. Order your urban planning magazine directly from its website, if possible, or you may miss out on subscription perks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to an urban planning journal or magazine and take advantage of the perks

Many publishers offer discounted pricing with subscriptions, in addition to other perks. Check to see if they offer free trial subscriptions or copies. You may even be able to cancel your subscription without payment or penalty if you are not absolutely satisfied.

I recommend: Metropolis Magazine offers discounts on subscriptions, plus a free bi-weekly newsletter. New Urban News offers a free sample of its publication for industry professionals to review prior to purchasing.

Take advantage of online magazines, journals and articles for urban planners

E-mags and web publications have evolved for the better, and there are many benefits to taking advantage of them. Not only are they readily available, the medium also allows publishers to compliment articles with multimedia resources. You may have to sign up as a member, but that can be an added bonus. It could get you access to free sample copies, or access to journal archives.

I recommend: City Journal is an online publication offering podcasts and print magazine archives. Next American City provides daily industry news and an archive of past issues.

Join a professional association for access to city planning publications

If you're an urban planner or own an urban planning firm, you may consider becoming a member of an association for urban planning professionals. As a member, you'll receive access to free publications, as well as other informational resources. If you sign up as a business, you can extend these services to your employees as well.

I recommend: American Planning Association and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations are both industry associations that offer online publications, such as the Journal of Urban Planning and Development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your local library for publications, as many subscribe to online databases that may include urban planning journals, magazines and books.