In the Community
  1. Welcome to Oregon APA
  2. In the Community
  3. Community Assistance Planning Program

Apply for CAPP Assistance

Oregon Community Assistance Planning Program

How to Apply & Frequently Asked Questions

Communities across Oregon face many challenges, like growing their economy, making housing more affordable, improving main streets, and bringing people together to solve problems. But not all communities have the resources to tackle these issues. That’s where OAPA’s Community Assistance Planning Program (CAPP) comes in. This program connects volunteer planners with communities in need, helping them find real solutions to their planning challenges.

What is CAPP?

CAPP is a free program, meaning volunteer planning experts donate their time. If an event or workshop is held in person, the hosting group may need to provide meeting space, snacks, or other resources. In some cases, OAPA may help cover travel costs and meeting expenses, like renting space or providing food and drinks.

Who does CAPP serve?

CAPP can serve local governments, community organizations, and other groups working to improve their neighborhoods. CAPP helps bring planning support to communities that wouldn’t normally have access to these services. The program focuses on educating communities and encouraging everyone to get involved in decisions that affect their daily lives.

CAPP is open to community organizations, local governments, and service groups in Oregon that need planning help. The best candidates are communities that:

  • Lack resources but need expert guidance.
  • Are committed to safe, resilient and equitable communities for all.
  • Have a clear issue that can be addressed through a focused planning effort.

What kinds of services does CAPP offer?

CAPP services are designed to meet different community needs and make the best use of volunteer time. The CAPP coordinator and team will work with each community to decide which service is the best fit. Below are the types of planning services CAPP can provide:

CAPP Workshop

A CAPP Workshop is a short but intense planning event where a team of experienced planners and students from across the state help a community solve a planning challenge. The workshop includes activities where local residents and other community members can share their ideas and help create solutions. The CAPP team carefully plans the workshop to make sure everyone has a chance to participate, especially those who have been left out of planning decisions in the past. Each workshop takes several months to plan and leads up to a one-day community event.

Consultation Teams

Communities can request a phone or video call with experienced planners to get advice on a specific planning project. These experts can help communities figure out the best way to organize a planning effort, make sure the process is fair and inclusive, and determine the right scope of work for a CAPP workshop. These calls provide informal, professional guidance at the early stages of a project.

Mini-Work Session

For communities needing a smaller-scale planning effort, CAPP can arrange a team of professionals to lead a work session or discussion group with community members. This process may include two or three short sessions, totaling about four to six hours of discussion time.

Other Services

After learning more about a community’s needs, the CAPP team may suggest other types of planning assistance that fit the situation, the community’s resources, and the availability of CAPP volunteers.

What is included in the CAPP cost & budget?

CAPP services are free, as professional planners volunteer their time and expertise. However, some projects may have costs for travel, lodging, food, materials, or event expenses.

  • Budgets are agreed upon by the proposing organization and CAPP team. Some projects may have no costs, while others may need funding for meeting materials, room rentals, or refreshments.
  • Travel costs (mileage, transit, meals, and lodging) may apply for volunteers traveling over two hours for full-day workshops.
  • OAPA may help cover some costs to make participation easier, but funds cannot be used for consulting fees or stipends.

CAPP and its volunteers aim to keep expenses low while providing free planning support to communities.

What is the CAPP application process?

Interested organizations can fill out this application by May 30, 2025. The Education and Outreach Committee (EOC) manages CAPP applications and updates the volunteer team. Communities and organizations can share their planning challenges and ideas for support. Volunteers will review proposals to see if they fit CAPP’s mission and can be completed with available resources.

Proposal Guidelines:

  • Project Fit: Projects must be clear, manageable, and suitable for short-term volunteer work.
  • Community Commitment: Proposers shall show a willingness to involve the public and promote equity and justice for all.
  • Planning Focus: Projects should relate to urban or regional planning and align with OAPA’s goals.
  • Organizational Support: Applicants must have enough staff or volunteers to help run the project and event.

Key Dates:

  • April 14 – Applications open
  • April 30 – Info session webinar, 12-1 pm
  • May 30 – Applications close
  • June 30 – Selections announced

Submit your application

Workshop projects are awarded on a competitive basis by a member-based selection committee. Applications can be submitted anytime. Additional details and criteria can be found in the application form.

Download the application for CAPP assistance

For More Information

Contact Deb Meihoff to discuss your project idea and for more information on OAPA's Community Assistance Planning Program.