Does Your Community Need Help?
Partnering for Progress: How APA Florida Supports Communities Through Pro-Bono Planning Expertise
The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Florida) is proud to offer its Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) program, a valuable resource for local governments and community-based organizations seeking professional planning support without the financial burden.
The CPAT brings together volunteer teams of planning professionals with expertise in areas such as land use, economic development, housing, transportation, and historic preservation. These teams work directly with local leaders, stakeholders, and residents to identify challenges, build consensus, and develop practical, implementable strategies tailored to each community’s unique needs.
Whether your community is facing growth pressures, revitalization needs, or infrastructure planning, the CPAT offers:
- No-cost, high-quality planning assistance
- Customized teams matched to your project’s scope
- Collaborative engagement with local officials and residents
- Actionable recommendations grounded in best practices
This initiative is guided by the AICP Code of Ethics, which calls planners to serve the public interest and support communities in overcoming barriers to progress. CPAT is not about one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather, it is about empowering local voices and strengthening community capacity through trusted, professional guidance.
For local governments and organizations working with limited budgets, the CPAT represents a fiscally responsible way to access the tools and expertise needed to move projects forward. It’s a partnership model that respects local control while offering the benefit of outside perspective and experience.
If your community is ready to take the next step in planning for a stronger future, the CPAT program is here to help at no cost and with your goals at the center.
Click here to review the Community Project Intake form. If you have any questions, please email connect@floridaplanning.org.
Does your community need assitance? Fill out our help request form here.
If you have any questions, please contact the chapter office here.
How Are CPAT Projects Selected?
APPLICATION STEPS
Step 1: Application submitted by organization (city/nonprofit organization/ neighborhood associations/advocacy groups) identifying issue
Step 2: Committee chooses and vets organization based on needs/probability of being able to successfully accomplish request & realistic community resources to make project happen (apa section brought in to vet project)
Step 3: Project lead is identified based on location/project expertise needed.
Step 4: Project lead does initial vetting. Communication with applicant & listed stake holders to refine project scope.
Step 5: Project lead sets up initial site visit. Identify resources available. Large enough venues for outreach, wifi, data/information that can be provided by the community
Step 6: Project team is selected based on expertise needed/location
Step 7: Possibility of other organization partnerships explored & identified to the community.
HOW ARE CPATS PROJECTS ARE SELECTED
CPAT Project applications are reviewed by a team comprised of APA Florida Members that evaluate projects and applications based on the following criteria:
- Clarity of scope and realistic ability of CPAT to provide a product or outcome.
- Ability of a portion of desired product or outcome to be done within a short time frame. To build upon or create momentum for the community.
- Ability to substantiate the need and describe current and past efforts.
- Commitment and support of the project by the community and prominent members/organizations in the community.
- Commitment to provide community resources to address the request (venues, community history and connections, meals, interpretive services, financial etc.)