Mobile-friendly, multilingual online course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in local planning and development process
Wheaton, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has launched the Community Planning Academy, a new free online educational course, for the more than 1 million county residents to make the planning process more accessible, inclusive, and transparent and enable residents to be an active voice on the future of their communities.
Residents can sign up to join the Community Planning Academy and participate in the 10 mobile-friendly modules, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The modules focus on key priority topic areas such as the development of master plans, zoning for residential or commercial development, and planning for schools and transportation. Throughout the course, participants learn when and where to get involved in the planning process and effectively advocate for their neighborhood.
“Planning affects every corner of our lives, from where we live and work to how we move and connect,” said Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “The Community Planning Academy invites residents to be part of the conversation and be part of the solutions. We’re excited to continue building a more engaged community through this program which makes it easier for residents to participate in the planning process.”
The Community Planning Academy piloted the inaugural class in June 2025. With over 640 applicants, 48 residents were chosen to participate. The class graduated in October and provided pivotal feedback that helped shape the Academy’s curriculum. Learn more about their experience in the Academy in The Third Place Blog.
“This is a novel approach to conducting a resident education program,” said Montgomery Planning Director Jason Sartori. “By providing the content online, available on mobile devices, in multiple languages, we can open this program to as many people as possible with the hope that we have more residents with more diverse perspectives participating in community meetings and providing feedback.”
While other D.C.-area planning agencies have similar educational programs, the Community Planning Academy is the first in the region to be hosted online. This approach was designed to give participants more flexibility to learn when and where it’s most convenient and expanding the reach. The Academy is just one part of a growing movement of citizen planners who understand the importance – but also the complexities – of planning for a resilient future.
“The Community Planning Academy is a valuable opportunity for residents to learn how planning shapes our neighborhoods and how they can play a meaningful role in that process,” said Montgomery Planning Deputy Director Bridget Broullire. “If you’re curious about how decisions are made and want to help guide the future of Montgomery County, this is a great place to start.”
Each interactive learning module will feature a blend of video, graphics, voiceover, and engaging material. In-person opportunities to connect with subject matter experts will be available to participants. The Academy is open to everyone 18 and older and available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. The Academy also provides 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. Those who complete the entire course will receive a certificate and be 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 creation of the Community Planning Academy stemmed from a recommendation by Maryland State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-39) and was a collaborative, countywide effort made possible through strong partnerships with the 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.