Regional Plan Association is an independent, non-profit civic organization that develops and promotes ideas to improve the economic health, environmental resiliency, and quality of life of the New York metropolitan area. We conduct research on transportation, land use, housing, good governance, and the environment, and advise cities, communities, and public agencies.

Some of the region’s most significant public works, economic development and open space projects have their roots in RPA ideas and initiatives, from the location of the George Washington Bridge to the revitalization of downtown Brooklyn, Stamford, and Newark to the preservation of open space and development of parks in the Palisades, Governors Island and Gateway National Recreation Area. RPA has pursued these goals by conducting independent research, planning, advocacy and vigorous public-engagement efforts. 

Every year, leaders and professionals from government, business, and civic groups debate the region’s most pressing challenges at RPA’s spring conference, the Assembly. A cornerstone of our work is the development of long-range plans and policies to guide the region’s growth. Since the 1920s, RPA has produced four landmark plans for the region. The most recent was released in November 2017.

Research

Regional Plan Association

Regional Plan Association's headquarters in Princeton, NJ, United States

Tom Wright

Ian Acriche

Robert Yaro

The Director Team at the Regional Plan Association comprises key leaders responsible for diverse strategic areas including regional representation (Connecticut and New York Directors), design, diversity and inclusion, external relations, and land use. This team spearheads the organization’s initiatives to improve urban planning, advocate for sustainable development, enhance public spaces, and promote inclusive policies. Their collective efforts drive RPA’s research projects, community engagements, and long-range planning to address the New York metropolitan area’s economic, environmental, and social challenges.

Director Team

The Leadership Team at the Regional Plan Association is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring effective governance, and overseeing the implementation of research and policy initiatives. This team collaborates to promote economic health, environmental resiliency, and quality of life improvements in the New York metropolitan area through long-range planning, public engagement, and advocacy efforts. They also play a crucial role in organizing the annual Assembly conference, where key regional issues are debated.

Leadership Team

The Research and Analysis team at Regional Plan Association is responsible for conducting thorough and independent research on transportation, land use, housing, good governance, and environmental issues. Team members collect and analyze data, produce reports, and develop long-range plans and policies to guide the region's growth. Their insights help advise cities, communities, and public agencies, playing a crucial role in shaping significant public works, economic development, and open space projects in the New York metropolitan area.

Research and Analysis

The Vice Presidents at Regional Plan Association lead specialized programs and initiatives critical to the organization's mission. The Vice President for Transportation focuses on improving regional transportation systems through research and advocacy. The Vice President for Housing and Neighborhood Planning addresses housing affordability and community development strategies. The Vice President of the Energy & Environment Program promotes sustainable energy practices and environmental resilience. Together, they guide RPA's efforts to enhance the economic health, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life in the New York metropolitan area.

Regional Plan Association

Org chart

Teams

Director Team

Leadership Team

Research and Analysis

Vice Presidents

Offices

Regional Plan Association

Org chart

Teams

Director Team

Leadership Team

Research and Analysis

Vice Presidents

Offices

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