The Design and Planning Assistance Center, which focuses on community design was created in 1969 by the Architecture Program at the University of New Mexico, with support from the Albuquerque Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. DPAC was formed in response to the urgent need for architectural and planning services to assist low income communities and groups in New Mexico to address architectural and planning problems. The establishment of DPAC represents a commitment by educators and practitioners to apply their skills to a social purpose.