The Community and Regional Planning (CRP) program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln—key pillars of our College of Architecture—are currently under review for closure as part of a $27.5 million budget reduction proposal.
For decades, these programs have been more than academic paths; they have been vital lifelines for communities across Nebraska. Graduates of CRP don’t just earn degrees—they design safer towns, foster healthier environments, and build stronger futures for families throughout the state.
At the same time, these programs are thriving academically and financially. CRP has seen record enrollment growth over the past decade and contributes a positive net return to UNL’s budget—demonstrating that they are not only in demand, but also strong assets to the university.
To lose these programs would mean far more than fewer classes on campus. It would mean:
- Fewer professionals equipped to serve Nebraska
- Fewer voices shaping our communities
- Fewer opportunities for students who dream of making a difference here
Because so much is at stake, your support matters. Comments and letters of support help decision-makers understand the value and impact of these programs. Your voice carries weight and can make a meaningful difference in shaping the outcome.
This page is your resource to learn more about CRP and explore the impact of their work and find ways to take action to protect this vital program.
Deadline
Please take action before September 30th, 2025. Every signature and letter strengthens our case.
Looking for more talking points? The next section provides tailored information for alumni, students, professionals, and community partners—so you can highlight what matters most to you.
STUDENTS, PARENTS & ALUMNI SECTION
Talking Points
Shape your support letters with these key talking points about the importance of Planners in Nebraska and beyond. From planning sustainable communities to creating healthier, safer, more resilient environments, these insights will help students and alumni clearly communicate the value and impact of the program to decision-makers.
Feedback Forms
Galvanize Support from Our Community
This form is for alumni, allied professionals, firms, community partners, and friends of the College. We invite you to join us in amplifying these efforts—share them with your network and help us strengthen our impact. Together, we can elevate our programs and shape a brighter future for Nebraska communities. Please copy, paste and/or upload your file to the College form below as well.
Please copy, paste and/or upload your file to the College form below as well.
FIRM AND PROFESSIONAL BOARDS SECTION
Talking Points
Shape your support letters with these key talking points about the importance of Planners in Nebraska and beyond. From planning sustainable communities to creating healthier, safer, more resilient environments, these insights will help firms and professional boards clearly communicate the value and impact of the program to decision-makers.
Feedback Forms
Galvanize Support from Our Community
This form is for alumni, allied professionals, firms, community partners, and friends of the College. We invite you to join us in amplifying these efforts—share them with your network and help us strengthen our impact. Together, we can elevate our programs and shape a brighter future for Nebraska communities. Please copy, paste and/or upload your file to the College form below as well.
Please copy, paste and/or upload your file to the College form below as well.
Comment & Review Process
A critical part of the budget reduction process is the opportunity for affected units and the broader university community to respond to the proposal. This is provided for in Procedures to be Invoked for Significant Budget Reallocations and Reductions, available on the Academic Planning Committee website. Public responses will be gathered in two ways:
- Via an online comment system through the APC website and through letters collected by the College. This will be open to anyone in the community who wishes to comment on the proposal. The online comment portal will be open from September 15th to October 13th.
- Via a hearing with the Academic Planning Committee starting October 1st through October 10th. To minimize the potential for disruption and to ensure that the hearing is a place for respectful and thoughtful dialogue, the hearing will not be open to the public but will be livestreamed so that anyone in the community can watch. Affected units will determine who will speak on their behalf at this hearing. Hearing dates for each of the affected units and links to the livestream will be listed below when they become available.
- Via an online comment system through the APC website and through letters collected by the College. This will be open to anyone in the community who wishes to comment on the proposal. The online comment portal will be open from September 15th to October 13th.
- Via a hearing with the Academic Planning Committee starting October 1st through October 10th. To minimize the potential for disruption and to ensure that the hearing is a place for respectful and thoughtful dialogue, the hearing will not be open to the public but will be livestreamed so that anyone in the community can watch. Affected units will determine who will speak on their behalf at this hearing. Hearing dates for each of the affected units and links to the livestream will be listed below when they become available.
Anyone wishing to submit comments is encouraged to carefully review the criteria outlined in Section V of the Procedures to be Invoked for Significant Budget Reallocations and Reductions document, which guide the evaluation of programs during this process. The purpose of this period of public feedback is to provide substantive arguments and evidence regarding the impacts of this proposal on the mission of the University in research, teaching, extension, and service.