First cohort will provide feedback on experience and curriculum to guide the academy; deadline to fill out interest form is May 9
Wheaton, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department , part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission , is inviting residents to be a part of the first cohort of the Community Planning Academy . This first group will take the course and offer feedback to guide the academy for future users. Participants will explore the planning and development review process, including key topics such as master plans, zoning, permitting, and more. Participants will also learn how to effectively engage in the process and help envision the future of their neighborhoods.
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In addition to the online course, this group will have in-person opportunities to participate in activities such as a field trip to a development site, “Meet the Planner” office hours, and a graduation ceremony. Members of the first cohort will be compensated for their time with a $150 gift card.
The first cohort will launch in June 2025 and will conclude in August 2025. The group will consist of 50 residents from communities across the county, with an emphasis on including those who have limited experience with the county’s planning and development process. Following the first cohort, the Community Planning Academy will be available to all members of the public in fall 2025. The academy is being offered free of charge.
Fill out the interest form to join the first cohort by May 9 .
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About the Community Planning Academy
The Community Planning Academy is a new initiative by Montgomery Planning to help county residents build a better understanding of the planning and development process and how local planning decisions shape their communities. The academy will be hosted in a user-friendly online learning platform designed by Montgomery Planning. The course will consist of eight online modules, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and focus on one of these topic areas.
- Introduction to Planning
- Master Plans
- Zoning
- Development Review Part 1
- Development Review Part 2
- Environment and Climate Change
- Participating in the Process
- Putting It All Together – A Recap of the Planning and Development Review Process
Each interactive learning module will feature a blend of video, graphics, voiceovers, and engaging material. In addition to the core modules, the academy will provide a comprehensive resource library, along with downloadable summaries of each module’s key content to help participants continue learning and engaging with topics of interest. The course will be offered in multiple languages and provide in-person opportunities to have questions answered. Read more about the launch of the Community Planning Academy .
The creation of the Community Planning Academy was a recommendation of the Development Review Process Workgroup and involves coordination with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
For updates and link to press release, see here: https://montgomeryplanning.org/?p=62373