VOLUNTEER PLANNNING PROGRAM

 

Planning support for every Alabama community

 

CPAT pairs cities, counties, and neighborhoods across Alabama with a multidisciplinary team of volunteer planners — at no cost to the community. Sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association.

 

WHY CPAT EXISTS

Pro-bono planning for communities that need it.

Many communities around Alabama have planning needs but lack the resources to hire a consultant — or simply don’t know where to begin. CPAT was formed to meet this need. Teams of volunteer planners, AICP-certified professionals, and planning students give their time to serve communities across the state.

 

 

“We shall 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.”

— AICP CODE OF ETHICS

THE PROGRAM

How a CPAT works

Each engagement is short, structured, and pro bono. The team’s findings are independent — they represent the team’s recommendations, not AL-APA’s.

1. Apply

Your community submits a short proposal describing the planning need, point of contact, and any prior studies. AL-APA reviews submissions on a rolling basis.

2. Team is assembled

AL-APA recruits a small team of volunteer planners, AICP-certified professionals, and planning students whose expertise matches your project.

3. Site visit & report

The team visits for four to five days — touring the study area, holding public meetings, interviewing stakeholders — then drafts a written report with recommendations and an implementation strategy.

CPAT Projects

Autaugaville Park Plan

case study coming soon…

Goodwater Downtown Plan

In progress…

What are Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPATs)?

Many communities around Alabama have planning needs.

But often, they either don’t have the resources to invest in planning, or don’t know where to begin the process.

The Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) program was formed to meet this need. CPAT teams, sponsored by AL-APA, are comprised of planning professionals and students who volunteer their time to serve local communities around the state with planning services.

 

How Can I Be Involved?

There are several opportunities to be involved. Are you interested in using your skills remotely to contribute to the team? Would you be willing to travel and participate in a community engagement event? Please email for more information and discover how you can contribute.

 

Why Should I Consider Participating?

This program is a great way to be involved in the planning community around the state. CPATs provide opportunities to:

  • network with other planners
  • travel around the state
  • mentor young professionals and students
  • sharpen your skills in new contexts
 

 

Is your community interested in participating? Fill out a Community Application to submit a project idea.

 

 

Are you a planner interested in volunteering for a CPAT project? Fill out a Volunteer Application.

 

 

Please be on the lookout for updates on the pilot project and future opportunities. These projects can be counted towards CM credits for professionals and credit hours for students (with program approval).

If you want to know more about CPAT, or have specific questions, email cpat@alabamaplanning.org.