CRP Program Marks a Year of Growth and Impact

The Community and Regional Planning (CRP) Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln reflects on a dynamic year marked by growth, collaboration, and meaningful community impact. Our students and faculty advanced the program’s mission through engaged research, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on planning efforts across Nebraska and beyond.

In the past year, CRP teams led comprehensive planning initiatives in western Nebraska, including a community development planning effort in Ogallala, where students and faculty are collaborating with local leaders to support long-term visioning, infrastructure planning, and economic revitalization. Frontline research efforts addressed transportation safety and access, rural health disparities, and hazard mitigation in underserved communities—exemplifying our commitment to turning knowledge into action and fulfilling the university’s land-grant mission.

A major milestone this year was the successful completion of our accreditation review by the Planning Accreditation Board. We are proud to have received a full five-year accreditation, which reaffirms the strength of our curriculum, faculty research, alumni engagement, and community-focused approach to planning education.

We were also pleased to launch a structured CRP Mentorship Program, connecting students with alumni and planning professionals for guidance, career advice, and professional development. This initiative has already fostered meaningful connections and continues to strengthen ties between the academic and professional planning communities.

In March, we successfully co-hosted Planner’s Night with APA Nebraska in Denver during the National Planning Conference. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with alumni, strengthen statewide professional networks, and celebrate the contributions of Nebraska planners in a national forum.

Faculty continue to pursue innovative research in key areas of planning, while the program also benefited from a series of distinguished guest speakers and engaged alumni who generously shared their insights and mentorship with students throughout the semester.

As we look ahead, we are excited to deepen our partnerships, expand research opportunities, and continue preparing the next generation of planners to lead with creativity, integrity, and a commitment to equity and livability. We also look forward to building on our strong relationship with planners across Nebraska—collaborating to shape a more resilient and vibrant future for our communities.