Seeking Community-Based Organizations
ARC is seeking organizations that have identified community needs that can be addressed through culture-focused planning and design initiatives. Interested organizations should present challenges or opportunities, as well as desired outcomes, as a part of their application.
ARC is specifically seeking to include organizations that represent communities traditionally marginalized or excluded in local and regional planning processes, including but not limited to, Asian American, Arab American, Black, Latino, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, Native American, Pacific Islander, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, residents with low-income, older adults, and young people.
We strongly prefer that organizations applying for the ARC Culture and Community Design program be represented by one staff person for the duration of the program. This staff person should be identified in the organization’s application and will receive complimentary admission to the program.
ARC will select two community organizations with strong proposals for a specific planning challenge or opportunity related to ARC’s core functions and key priorities. Those selected will be designated Community Partners for the duration of the program.
Selection criteria include the following:
- We are looking for organizations that demonstrate deep commitment and experience within the communities they serve, possess the capacity to be able to participate fully in the program, and are ready to implement the ideas and recommendations that emerge from this program.
- ARC is seeking projects that will be eligible for further ARC funding opportunities, including projects that advance transportation and mobility equity, sustainable land use, housing affordability, or environmental and climate justice.
- We are seeking applications that clearly articulate the community challenge or opportunity, as well as desired project outcomes.
- We are looking for organizations that have the potential for shared learning, adoption, and implementation across the region.
- As the planning agency for the 11-county region, we seek representation from organizations from all over the region.
Selected Community Partners will be asked to make the following commitments:
- Two 1-hour virtual or in-person planning meetings with the ARC team (December and January)
- A 20-minute in-person presentation to the Culture and Community Design cohort at the beginning of the program
- Three 90-minute virtual or in-person meetings with the assigned project group (between February and September)
- A 2 1/2-hour in-person guided site visit and community design session (February/March)
- Planning support and coordination for the in-person community engagement session/activity (June)
- Attendance and participation/feedback in-person for final presentations at the closing session (September)
- A 1-hour virtual or in-person debrief meeting with the ARC team (October/November)
- Possible further conversations regarding project funding and implementation through other ARC programs (October-December)
If your organization is interested in submitting a proposal for the 2023 ARC Culture and Community Design program, you are encouraged to attend an online information session on October 13 or October 20.