MAAG’s Executive Director, Ralph Moore, will be providing professional services to the American Planning Association’s Community Planning Assistance Team program. The APA organizes volunteer planning teams tailored specifically to a community’s needs. Their members offer their time and expertise to people and places where additional resources are needed to reach a shared vision for their future.
APA pairs a multidisciplinary team of expert planning professionals from around the country with community members, key stakeholders, and relevant decision makers, the place-based initiative seeks to foster community education, engagement, and empowerment.
Each team is selected for the specific expertise needed on the project to offer pro bono assistance in developing a framework or vision plan that promotes a sustainable, livable, economically vibrant, and healthy community.
Communities facing a range of challenges including, but not limited to, social equity and affordability, economic development, sustainability, consensus building, and urban design are well-suited for assistance through the program. Projects focus on localities with a demonstrated need for assistance, where planning resources and expertise may not otherwise be available. CPAT projects are collaborative efforts with shared responsibilities. APA contributes the time of its staff and volunteer experts while the recipient communities cover travel costs. CPATs and communities work together throughout the process.
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