Planning together: Highlights from the Summer 2025 Community Planning Academy
The Summer 2025 cohort of Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy’s inaugural class delivered on their promise. From June through September, 50 residents devoted their time to review eight modules and provide feedback on how to improve the curriculum.
The inaugural class of “Summer Learners” was selected from over 600 Montgomery County residents. The cohort included participants from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on welcoming those who had limited prior experience with the planning process. Each participant received a $150 gift card in recognition of their work to help refine the content in the curriculum.
What Summer Learners experienced
Eight self-paced modules on planning fundamentals, each 30–45 minutes long
Downloadable summaries and interactive learning checks
Multilingual access in English, Spanish, and Chinese
Mobile-friendly platform for flexible learning
In-person opportunities including:
- Kickoff meeting at Wheaton HQ
- Field trip to Atwell on Spring (former Montgomery Planning HQ site)
- “Meet a Planner” office hours
Field trip highlight
In July, Summer Learners visited Atwell on Spring, a mixed-use development with retail and 375 residential rental units in Silver Spring. Led by Montgomery Planning alum Matt Folden and Bozzuto staff, the tour showcased the full lifecycle of a planning project—from concept to construction.
Graduation + next steps
The cohort wrapped up in late September. Participants who completed all modules and the post-course survey received their gift cards and certificates of completion. Feedback from the Summer 2025 cohort is now being used to refine the course for the Fall 2025 public launch, which will be open to all residents with no cap on participation.
Feedback from Summer Learners
I used to think planning was something done behind closed doors. Now I know I have a seat at the table—and I know how to use it.
—2025 Summer Learner
I was struck by how much thought goes into developing master plans and how long-term the vision is. Thrive Montgomery 2050 really opened my eyes to how planning shapes the future for decades, not just for the short term.
—2025 Summer Learner
I was surprised by how much community input actually shapes the master planning process. I didn’t realize we had that many ways to be involved, from surveys to public hearings. It made me feel like our voices really do have power if we use them.
—2025 Summer Learner
What stood out to me was how long-term master plans really are. Knowing that they can guide development for 20 to 30 years made me realize how important it is to get them right and to include voices that represent the future of the community, not just the present.
—2025 Summer Learner
Stay connected
Want to be part of the next cohort or learn more about planning in Montgomery County?
About the Community Planning Academy
Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy (CPA) is a free, interactive online course designed to empower residents with a deeper understanding of how land use decisions in Montgomery County are made. Through eight engaging modules—covering topics like zoning, master plans, development review, and permitting—participants learn how to navigate the planning process and effectively advocate for their communities.
The Academy was developed in partnership with county agencies including the Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice. It is part of Montgomery Planning’s commitment to making planning more accessible, inclusive, and transparent.