The Community and Regional Planning (CRP) and Landscape Architecture (LA) programs 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 and LA 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. Both CRP and LA have seen record enrollment growth over the past decade and contribute 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 landscapes and 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.
Budget Reduction 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.