SCARP's mission is to advance the transition to sustainability through excellence in integrated policy and planning research, professional education and community service.  SCARP's Vision is Sustainability through the Democratization of Planning.  The School of Community and Regional Planning at U.B.C. was one of the first dedicated planning schools in Canada. With more than five decades of experience in graduate planning education and research, SCARP pioneered the integrated approach to planning for development.

SCARP has long been accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning and is recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners. 

As one of the largest graduate planning programs in Canada, SCARP has the equivalent of 16 full-time faculty, over 100 Masters and PhD students enrolled, and a teaching program characterized by diversity and integration. We are also small enough that students and faculty are able to enjoy regular one-on-one contact.

SCARP is home to the Centre for Human Settlements, which conducts multidisciplinary research and capacity-building programs related to regional, urban, and community development.