Below you will find answers to common questions about our programs, cohort trainings, funding opportunities, and online resources.

General Information

CaPSA is an initiative led by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) and funded by an up to $5 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The goal is to help California cities and counties become more development-friendly by improving the transparency, efficiency, customer service, and predictability of local permitting processes.

While CALED is leading the initiative, the resources and trainings are designed for all local governments and interested parties. For the training cohorts in particular, the program hopes to engage entire local government teams as a unified approach to permit streamlining education. This includes economic development, building and safety, planning, and local administrative leadership (e.g., City Managers, County Chief Administrative Officers).

No. Grant funds cannot and will not be used for advocacy. While we understand the impact of CEQA and other regulatory agencies on local development, CaPSA is strictly focused on helping cities and counties streamline their local, internal permitting processes and systems. We will occasionally share summaries of legislation and other policies that impact local government permitting.

Consultants & Private Sector Involvement

We view the private sector as a vital partner in this work. Starting late summer, CALED will release several Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to build a vetted pool of:

  • Subject matter instructors
  • Technical assistance providers
  • Online permitting and AI software organizations

Once vetted, these providers will be available to assist cohort communities in implementing their improvements. Please keep an eye on our website and sign up for our newsletter to receive these RFP announcements.

Cohort Training & Stipends

We plan to host intensive 3-to-4-day training courses for selected jurisdictions. After the initial training, the real work happens locally — your team will return to your community to implement these streamlining strategies with the help of technical assistance providers and a stipend.

Cohorts are team-based. Selection is highly competitive. We will accept teams of a maximum of 4 to 5 people from a jurisdiction. We require diverse representation on these teams, including the person responsible for permitting policy, an experienced economic developer, a public-facing permit technician, and a top local leader to ensure support and implementation. There will be a cost associated with these trainings.

Those will be developed as we get closer to the training. In fact, that’s one of the reasons we have an advisory board, so we can make sure what we’re asking for is reasonable.

We currently anticipate hosting 6 cohorts, with 5 community teams in each cohort. We will remain flexible to the needs of locals and the direction from GO-Biz as the program develops.

We anticipate opening competitive applications and beginning training in late Fall (likely October or November). We are currently tracking pending statewide ballot measures that could significantly alter local permitting rules. We want to ensure our curriculum reflects the most up-to-date information and requirements before launching.

Yes! Jurisdictions that are selected for and complete the cohort training will receive a stipend. These funds are designed for implementation and can be used to purchase new permitting software or hire consultants to help execute your new streamlining strategies.

Online Resources & Non-Cohort Benefits

Absolutely. We recognize that cohort space is limited, so we are building a robust library of resources available to all communities at capermitacademy.org.

Future resources will include:

  • Model Practices & Templates: Real-world examples of successful streamlining programs (e.g., permit navigators, one-stop shops) from California cities.
  • Legislative Updates: Quick reference guides and summaries of new state bills impacting local permitting.
  • Educational Videos: Breakdowns of the real estate development process and permitting basics.
  • AI & Digital Tools: Guidance on implementing online permitting software and artificial intelligence in local government.

Join our mailing list to stay informed on cohort applications, RFPs, and new resources.

Still have questions? Please contact us at CAPSA@caled.org. 

CaPSA is managed by the California Association for Local Economic Development.