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OAPA Spring Membership COVID Survey Results

August 31, 2020


The impacts of COVID-19 continue to affect our communities, professional activities, and personal lives in many ways. As the pandemic continues, OAPA is interested in hearing from our membership about how the organization can best continue to serve you.  Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey, which is active through Wednesday, September 16, 2020 [survey is no longer active]. Survey participants can enter to win free registration for the Annual Legal Issues Workshop. 


This fall survey is intended as a follow up to a similar survey conducted in April-May 2020. The spring survey, which had nearly 240 responses, provided information that helped to shape OAPA offerings over the past several months. Read on for the spring survey results:

How has the daily work of planners in Oregon changed as a result of COVID-19?

  • Over 80% of respondents were working from home.
  • Only 14% of respondents were assigned different responsibilities.
  • Less than 2% of respondents had been furloughed or laid off.
  • 18% of respondents report that their non-work obligations had increased, making work obligations more difficult.
  • 16% of respondents reported their employers were considering staff reductions.

What does this mean for OAPA membership and events?

  • Nearly 22% of respondents said that their employer announced that professional development budgets may be reduced.
  • Asked about their willingness to attend in-person events when restrictions are lifted, 28% would consider attending in-person conferences; 20% would consider attending smaller events, but not large conferences; and 40% would attend an in-person conference once a vaccine is in place.
  • There was strong interest among respondents in participating in online professional development and networking opportunities.

What content are respondents interested in receiving from OAPA?

  • 76% are looking for techniques, tools and best practices for conducting planning work and engagement activities without in-person meetings.
  • 58% would like tips for working remotely and effectively managing projects from home.
  • 55% are interested in COVID-19-specific planning information.
  • 53% would like to see OAPA continue with normal chapter activities to the extent possible.