WASHINGTON, D.C. ?EUR??,,????'??+ November 8, 2003, marks the 54th worldwide celebration of World Town Planning Day (WTPD), a special day to recognize how urban, rural, and regional planning help to create healthy and vibrant communities.

Founded in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires, WTPD is celebrated in about 30 countries on four continents as a way to promote awareness and support for community planning. Within the United States, the American Planning Association (APA) and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), sponsor celebrations to highlight how planning contributes to positive changes in communities.

"World Town Planning Day is one day each year when the planning movement calls to the role of planning in making great communities throughout the world," said Paul Farmer, AICP, executive director of the APA. "To help publicize the importance of planning across the country, APA members work in their communities, regions, and states to organize special activities and events."

For more information about WTPD and how to advocate good community planning visit the American Planning Association at www.planning.org/worldtown.