OAPA News: Community Assistance Planning Program Webinar | Outstanding Chapter Volunteer | Upcoming Events

Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association

April 4, 2025

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In this newsletter:

‣ OAPA/Western Planner Conference Call for Sessions

‣ April 30 Webinar - Community Assistance Planning Program Webinar

‣ Outstanding Chapter Volunteer

‣ Upcoming events and webinars

‣ Job opportunities

Look for the OAPA/Western Planner Conference Call for Sessions

Announcement Next Week!

OAPA Community

Assistance Planning Program:

Oregon communities face significant challenges—however, not all communities have access to professional planning resources. That’s where OAPA’s Community Assistance Planning Program (CAPP) comes in.

CAPP connects volunteer planners with communities and organizations in need, offering free workshops, consultation teams, and tailored planning support. If your organization lacks resources but is committed to safe, resilient and just communities for all, or you are interested in volunteering your time with CAPP, please join us on Wednesday, April 30th from 12:00 - 1:00 pm to learn more about this opportunity.

The webinar will showcase several volunteers from past CAPP projects, as well as representatives from sponsor organizations to discuss what kinds of projects are best suited to this pro bono planning program, and what interested volunteers can expect.

How to Apply:

🔹 April 14 – Applications open

🔹 April 30 – Info session webinar for interested orgs and volunteers

🔹 May 30 – Application deadline

🔹 June 30 – Selections Announced

Learn more about CAPP and apply below.

Learn More and Apply!

Jonathan Harker Recognized as

Outstanding Chapter Volunteer

OAPA volunteer Jonathan Harker is being recognized by APA National as an Outstanding Chapter Volunteer for 2024. Nominees for this award are volunteers who have demonstrated commitment and leadership and played a key role in supporting and enhancing their chapter's mission.

Jonathan has been a volunteer with OAPA's Legislative and Policy Affairs Committee (LPAC) since 2019. During that time, he represented OAPA on the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rule-making advisory committee which led to new statewide rules. Last year, he stepped up to the role of committee Chair. In that role, Jonathan has worked tirelessly to lead LPAC, facilitating monthly meetings, serving as a liaison to the OAPA Board of Directors, and working with a legislative advocate to ensure LPAC and OAPA have a voice in the current legislative session. To date, LPAC has provided testimony on 18 bills related to OAPA priorities around housing, transportation, climate, and public participation. Jonathan was also instrumental in the creation of House Bill 2950, which would implement much needed updates to Statewide Planning Goal 1: Citizen Involvement. He is currently working with State representatives, other organizations and OAPA’s legislative advocate as HB 2950 advances through the legislative process.

Please join us in congratulating Jonathan on this award and thanking him for his steadfast dedication to OAPA!

To learn more about LAPC's legislative priorities and to see testimony submitted by Jonathan and LPAC on behalf of OAPA, visit the LPAC website here: https://oregon.planning.org/about/committees/lpac/.