Montgomery Planning recognized for its innovative approach to expanding public understanding and participation in the planning and development review processes
WHEATON, Md. — The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), is honored to receive a 2026 Maryland Department of Planning Sustainable Growth Award for the Community Planning Academy. The free online educational course is available for Montgomery County residents to make the master planning, zoning, and development review processes more accessible, inclusive, and transparent. Launched in December 2025, the academy also guides residents on how to be an active voice on the future of their communities.
The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards recognize significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments throughout Maryland for their efforts to advance sustainable growth policies, practices, and projects that are models for duplication by others. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. The academy received the award in the Leadership category, which recognizes individuals and organizations that undertake advocacy, education, or other outreach to advance public support for sustainable growth methods.
Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora, AICP joined Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jacob R. Day to present the award to the department during a ceremony on April 21 in the Governor’s Reception Room at the Maryland State House in Annapolis.
“Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy is an outstanding example of how local governments can empower residents with the knowledge they need to shape the future of their communities,” said Secretary Flora. “The academy reflects the very best of what our Sustainable Growth Awards honor—innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive engagement. We are proud to recognize Montgomery Planning for creating a model that other jurisdictions across Maryland can learn from.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Maryland Department of Planning,” said Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “The Community Planning Academy was created to make planning more transparent, accessible, and inclusive for county residents, and this award affirms the importance of that mission. We are grateful to our partners and to the hundreds of community members who have already taken part in the academy.”
Watch a video featuring Montgomery Planning staff members discussing the academy and their collaboration with multiple county agencies and partners to develop the curriculum:
Montgomery Planning was previously honored with a 2023 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Montgomery County’s General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050.
More about the Community Planning Academy
In June 2025, the academy piloted the inaugural class of participants selected from over 640 Montgomery County residents who expressed interest. Forty-eight residents graduated in October 2025 and provided pivotal feedback that helped shape the curriculum. The class included participants from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on welcoming those who had limited prior experience with the planning process. Learn more about their experience in the academy in The Third Place Blog. As of mid-April 2026, 506 users have begun participating in the academy since its launch on December 1, 2025.
Montgomery County residents can register and participate in 10 mobile-friendly modules, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, that focus on key topic areas in development review and master planning. Throughout the course, participants learn when and where to get involved in the planning process and effectively advocate for their neighborhood.
Each interactive learning module features a blend of video, graphics, voiceovers, and engaging material. There are also in-person opportunities to connect with subject matter experts. The academy is open to individuals 18 and older and available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. The academy provides a comprehensive resource library and downloadable summaries of each module’s key content to help participants continue learning and engaging with topics of interest. Participants who complete the course receive a certificate and are invited to a graduation ceremony.
The Community Planning Academy modules include:
- Module 1: Introduction to Planning
- Module 2: Master Plans
- Module 3: Zoning
- Module 4: Development Review Process
- Module 5: Permitting and Construction
- Module 6: Environment and Climate Change
- Module 7: Participating in the Process
- Module 8: Transportation Planning
- Module 9: Planning For Schools
- Module 10: Putting It All Together – A Recap of the Planning and Development Process
The academy’s creation stemmed from a recommendation by the Development Review Process Workgroup led by Maryland State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-39) and was a collaborative, countywide effort made possible through strong partnerships with the Montgomery County Council, the Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and all five regional services centers.