Community Planning Assistance Program
The Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP) offers Virginia communities a unique opportunity to receive pro bono Chapter assistance. APA Virginia extends several options for serving communities lacking the resources to undertake a planning process or access professional guidance.
When submitting a proposal to CPAP, applicants will work closely with volunteers to determine the best approach for helping their community or organization. The application process generally includes the following steps:
- Inquiries: Applicants contact the CPAP chair and ask general questions about the program. Chapter volunteers review the concept and provide general guidance on the most appropriate approach.
- Guidance: Chapter volunteers direct the applicant on next steps. If the application is unsuitable for CPAP, they will be directed to other programs or organizations that could help.
- Assistance Team: The Chapter secures a project leader and team to work directly with the CPAP applicant.
To begin a discussion, please contact Alan Simpson via admin@apavirginia.com.
Program Options
CPAP offers a variety of service options, including:
- Conducting affordable housing workshops in partnership with Virginia Housing
- Preparing projects for program funding from Virginia Housing
- Developing RFPs and Scopes of Work for larger planning efforts
- Assisting with advice and guidance on upcoming comprehensive plan updates
- Providing professional advice and guidance on defined planning issues
- Developing strategic plans
- Assisting with guidance on concept plans as a seed effort
- Connecting localities with planning schools for class projects
- Educating and training planners, practitioners, local officials, and citizens
Housing-Related Applications
For housing-related proposals, applicants will be put in contact with a Virginia Housing representative on the Board. There should be initial discussions on the feasibility of the affordable housing opportunity, the planning issues involved, the definition of the project area, the scope of services needed, and local government support to determine its eligibility for CPAP.
Virginia Housing offers program support through its online Grants Management System. Applications will be accepted on an open-submission basis. For those completing applications, the grant category is Community Impact Grant, and the subcategory is Community Planning Assistance Team Collaboration.