Become a Planning Ambassador

The land use planning process is often difficult to understand and historically leaves people out. Through our annual Planning Ambassadors program, we want to change that by helping participants build skills and knowledge about land use planning. We focus recruitment on people with a connection to Chapel Hill who don't typically get involved in Planning processes and already show an interest in civic life.

The application for the 2027 cohort will open in August 2026.

Planning Ambassador participants will:

  • learn about land use planning, share your perspectives, and connect with Town staff and community members.
  • build meaningful new relationships and share what you've learned with other community members who might participate in the future.
  • earn compensation for your time and contributions to help offset costs such as transportation and childcare.

These are the details:

  • The program is five paid sessions, plus optional semi-regular meetings with Planning Department staff and meetings with program alumni. We schedule locations, dates, and times based on the preference of the selected participants.
  • We'll open the application in August.
  • We'll select participants in the fall.
  • The program begins in early 2027.
  • We receive a lot of interest in this program and are limited by our program funds. If you don't make it into the program this time, we'll keep you on our interest list.

Expectations of the Planning Ambassadors Program

As a Planning Ambassador, you can expect to:

  • be paid to participate in orientation sessions on what it means to be a Planning Ambassador.
  • be paid to attend skill-building sessions where you connect with your cohort and learn about Planning topics.
  • share your knowledge and experiences with a cohort of peers.
  • learn about how Planning shapes our community.
  • meet Chapel Hill's planners so you know who to ask about changes in town.

We want to deliver a successful program for everyone. We ask that you:

  • attend and participate in at least five sessions.
  • share your experience with us through surveys.
  • let us know if you need accommodations for a disability.

As facilitators of this program, we commit to:

  • provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
  • prepare and deliver sessions on Planning topics.
  • pay you for your participation.
  • provide a space to meet.
  • provide refreshments for meetings.

Time Commitment of a Planning Ambassador

There will be five sessions total.

Orientation will take place in spring 2027.

  • At orientation, we'll get to know each other and "set the stage" for your time as a Planning Ambassador.
  • We'll help you understand the process of becoming a vendor for the Town (so that you can get paid).

We've planned to have three to four skill-building sessions in spring 2027 as well.

  • In those sessions, we will learn about land use and land use laws called "zoning."
  • We will learn from each other about how land use decisions impact our daily lives.
  • We will practice our skills for participating in public meetings.

We'll have a graduation ceremony at the end of the program. 

How to Earn Money as a Planning Ambassador

We'll pay you $25 per hour after a session is completed (not to exceed $599 in total per fiscal year between July 1 and June 30).

  • You have to attend the meeting to get paid.
  • You'll receive direct payment as a vendor for the Town.
  • We require a vendor contract and a W-9 IRS document.
  • We'll help you understand the process of becoming a vendor at orientation!
  • We'll ask you for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number to become a vendor.

Your pay as part of this program may be considered taxable income. We suggest visiting IRS.gov and/or consulting with a tax professional about specific situations.

Participation as a Planning Ambassador is not employment by the Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that isn't answered on this page or in this list, contact us at planning@chapelhillnc.gov

I speak language other than English. Can I participate in this program?

  • We currently only offer this program in English; however, we do have educational Planning materials translated in Arabic, Burmese, Karen, Mandarin, and Spanish. If you're interested in those materials, call or text 919-968-2892 to request them.

Can I bring my child or dependent with me to a session?

  • Yes, but dependent care won't be provided.

If I bring my child or dependent with me, will they be paid, too?

  • No, only selected Ambassadors are eligible for stipends.

Will there be food at these meetings?

  • Yes. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. We will do our best to accommodate.

Will I still get the information if I can't make it to a meeting?

  • Yes, we'll share any information that we share during the meetings.
  • We can send it to you by email, and a physical copy of some materials can be dropped off at your home.
  • You won't get paid if you don't attend the meeting.

Can I tell my friends about these meetings so they can come, too?

  • The sessions are reserved for Ambassadors, but we're happy for you to share what you learned with your friends! 
  • We've limited the number of participants in the sessions so that we can offer a great learning experience for those selected for this cohort.
  • Your friends can contact us at planning@chapelhillnc.gov or 919-968-2728 to join the interest list or apply for the next cohort. 

What does the Town do with the information I share in forms and sessions?

  • We may use it to inform decisions for the next Planning Ambassador cohort or other Planning projects.
  • We must also follow public records laws.
  • By participating in a program and providing information to us, information such as your name and the amount you're paid is public record and will be provided if requested.
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