CPAT - Community Planning Assistance Teams

What is the South Carolina Community Planning Assistance Program?

In 2015, APA South Carolina developed the South Carolina Community Planning Assistance Program modeled after the national APA program (more information on the national model found here). The program provides a multidisciplinary team of planning professionals to assist communities in South Carolina with limited access to planning resources. The Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPAT) work with community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, and volunteers to address local issues or concerns. Such challenges may include economic development, housing, transportation, energy, recreation, environmental, etc. Team members are selected for specific expertise needed on a project to offer pro-bono assistance in developing a planning approach that fosters sustainable, economically vibrant, healthy, resilient, and livable communities. Click here to view/download an overview presentation of recent CPAT projects.

Volunteers needed for 2026!

The SCAPA Board of Directors is seeking volunteers to support the South Carolina Community Planning Assistance Team (CPAT) in 2026. The CPAT program is designed to bring planning resources and opportunities to communities with a demonstrated need for assistance, and to strengthen the ability of local residents and other community stakeholders to influence or determine decisions that affect their quality of life. CPAT will offer opportunities to participate on the Project Selection Committee and/or as a Project Volunteer. See below for details and application requirements.

All applications are due December 31, 2025.

PROJECT SELECTION COMMITTEE - Click to view application details

The CPAT Team will select 2-7 SCAPA Members to support the selection committee. This commitment will review project applications to select projects to advance through the CPAT program. This committee will require a commitment of approximately 10 hours to review application packets & 1-2 meetings during business hours to select projects for the coming cycle. All other communication will be handled via email.

Application Requirements:

  • Current SCAPA member in good standing
  • 5 years of planning experience in South Carolina
  • Demonstrated Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Long Range Planning
    • Current Planning
    • Transportation
    • Housing
    • Urban Design
    • Environmental Planning
  • Submit via email to scapa@scapa.org with subject line “CPAT Project Selection Committee Volunteer Application”
    • Resume
    • Statement of interest responding to the following questions:
      • Why are you interested in supporting the selection committee?
      • What is your professional experience and/or interests?
      • Are you able to commit up to 10h to review CPAT applications and prioritize meeting with the selection committee to discuss and select CPAT Projects?
PROJECT VOLUNTEER - Click to view application details

As a project volunteer, you will support or lead a CPAT project over the course of 6-12 months. Team members will be assigned based on individual experience the specific needs and expectations for each project, with roles including project manager or technical support. Each team will include one SCAPA Executive Committee member.

Typical time commitment is 2-4 hours per month. Teams typically hold virtual meetings with project client staff and 1-2 site visits based on project needs (travel reimbursements can be provided on a case-by-case basis), and virtual project team meetings as determined by the project manager. Client meetings will occur during business hours, and project team meetings can be arranged by each team.

 

Application Requirements:

  • SCAPA Member preferred, but not required
  • Worked as planner or student in South Carolina for 2 years
  • Submit via email to scapa@scapa.org with subject line “CPAT Project Volunteer Application”
    • Resume
    • Statement of interest responding to the following questions:
      • Why are you interested in supporting this program?
      • What is your professional experience and/or interests?
      • Do you have any production or project management skills that could help deliver CPAT projects? (e.g.: ArcPro, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, coding, )
      • What time commitment can you provide over the next 6-12 months?

How are CPAT projects selected?

CPAT projects are selected through an application process (2026 deadlines TBD). The Project Selection Committee evaluates projects and applications using the following criteria:

  • Clarity of issue(s) to be addressed; the scope of the project is appropriately focused and well defined
  • Commitment and support for project by community and key stakeholders (including partnerships)
  • Funding and logistical support available for the project
  • Primary contact person’s demonstrated ability to coordinate project from the community perspective
  • Probability of commissioning a project team with the skills and experience matching the needs of the community

This committee is managed by Scott Correll and Meagan Staton, Co-Chairs for CPAT. For more information, please contact Scott at scorrell@kittelson.com.