PAW is a grassroots educational organization serving the needs of planning commissioners, elected officials, tribes, special purpose districts, private sector firms, state agencies, students, and interested citizens.

Unbiased planning education is the reason PAW was formed almost forty years ago, and it is still the mission of PAW today. Working collaboratively with the state's Office of Community Development, we provide basic planning training to local communities through the three-hour Short Course on Local Planning. Additionally, PAW sponsors daylong Regional Short Courses on specific topics and organizes special training sessions at major planning conferences.

The Short Course training is done at no charge. Professionals in the law, planning, and related fields generously contribute their time and expertise as course instructors.