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COVID-19 and planning for OAPA’s next fiscal year

April 7, 2020

OAPA continues to monitor the ongoing pandemic situation. In-person programming is suspended through early May 2020, and likely beyond. We will communicate an updated schedule for May programming by April 17.

We’re also beginning to plan for our new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020. Although there’s no question that OAPA’s programs and budget in the 2020-21 fiscal year will be significantly impacted, we don’t yet know the severity or duration of that impact. Our approach will be to develop a conservative program with more frequent budget reviews to allow us to adjust our approach as conditions warrant.

Here are some ways that we’re attempting to develop a resilient and flexible program for 2020-21:

  • We’re assuming reduced frequency and participation in both in-person and online events, with a significant reduction in overall revenue;
  • We’re exploring more efficient ways to implement our legislative, community outreach, emerging planners, and AICP preparation programs;
  • We’re reducing non-essential chapter overhead expenses;
  • We’re minimizing our financial expectations from our chapter conference. (Read more here about our approach to planning this year’s Joint Conference with APA Washington);
  • We’re investigating additional technologies that could enhance our ability to deliver programming remotely; and
  • We’re planning quarterly (or more frequent) budget reviews and adjustments as we learn more about the impact of the pandemic on OAPA, our members, and communities around Oregon.

One thing that is not changing is our commitment to implementing our Chapter’s Strategic Plan, particularly our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although our overall Chapter programming may be constrained, the Board is committed to applying an equity lens to planning our entire Chapter program — a challenge that is now more important than ever.

If you have questions, comments, or ideas about how we’re responding to the coronavirus pandemic, please e-mail president@oregonapa.org.