Community Assistance Program

Addressing issues of social equity in planning and development is a priority of the American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners.

One principle of the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct states that certified planners shall aspire to "seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of the disadvantaged and to promote racial and economic integration."

Yet another principle is that certified planners should aspire to "contribute time and effort to groups lacking in adequate planning resources and to voluntary professional activities."

Upcoming Planning Assistance Team Project

Washington, D.C.: November 2009

Sharing and Collaboration

Professional planners participating in CAP share their planning expertise with communities in a number of ways. Communities may ask planners to evaluate existing plans, particularly in light of changing realities or demographics. Other communities may need planners with specific technical skills to help solve an unanticipated circumstance. In still other cases, planners are asked to formulate a vision and make specific recommendations for a redevelopment site in collaboration with the local community. APA has organized several Planning Assistance Teams to assist in Gulf Coast recovery efforts.

Community Planning Workshops

One mechanism of CAP that addresses social equity in planning is the Community Planning Workshop, a one-day event that engages community leaders, citizens, and guest planners in discussing and proposing specific solutions to urban planning challenges.

Workshops typically begin with an introduction of individuals involved and a tour of the community, neighborhood, or site. Participants form breakout groups that begin by discussing existing issues and formulate new ideas based on community needs and sound planning techniques. Each breakout group reports on its results to the entire group, and facilitators lead a discussion to form consensus around future goals and ways to achieve these goals.

Upon the conclusion of the workshop, it is the responsibility of the local community to compose a final report that incorporates workshop results and specific actions that local officials should take to turn the project vision into reality.

More Information

Currently, annual Community Planning Workshops are held only in conjunction with the APA National Conference. No matter where you live, however, there are advantages to holding a workshop in your community.

If you are interested in organizing your own pro bono Community Planning Workshop, or for more information on APA's Community Assistance Program, please contact CAP@planning.org.