Planning affects all of us. From new parks and open space to development in your neighborhood, planning positions our county for success as we grow in the future. The community’s involvement in the planning process is important to creating a shared vision for your community. The Montgomery County Planning Department is offering the Community Planning Academy to make the planning process more accessible to all residents. Participants will explore the planning and development review process, along with key topics such as zoning, historic preservation, permitting, and more. Participants will also learn how to effectively engage in the process and help guide the development of their neighborhoods. By the end of the Community Planning Academy, residents will have a better understanding of how local planning decisions shape their communities and be empowered to make their voices heard. Read this blog post about the launch of the Community Planning Academy.
The Community Planning Academy is being developed in partnership with the Department of Permitting Services, Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.
The Course Framework, Key Topic Areas, and Learning Environment
The Community Planning Academy will be hosted in a user-friendly learning platform designed by Montgomery Planning. The course will consist of eight modules, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and focus on one of these key priority topic areas.
Module 1: Introduction to Planning
Welcome to the Community Planning Academy! This session will provide an overview of the functions and responsibilities of Montgomery Planning and the Montgomery Planning Board, how it fits into Montgomery County government, and background on The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Module 2: Master Plans
This session will cover the role Montgomery Planning has in planning the future of our communities. Learn about how local and countywide master plans are created, the coordination among Montgomery County agencies in developing these plans, the community’s role in the planning process, and how the plans are implemented.
Module 3: Zoning
Zoning is the tool that determines what size and type of development can happen in a given location. In this module, you’ll learn what zoning is, what it does and does not do, as well as specific zoning and land use related definitions. Participants will also learn about the zoning process and how zoning relates to master plans.
Module 4: Development Review Part 1
Interested in how projects get built? In this first module on the county’s development review process, you will learn about the overview of the process and the Planning Board’s role in reviewing development projects. This module will also discuss how the review process for private development does not apply in the same way to publicly funded projects. This session will also explain how residents can provide input during the review process.
Module 5: Development Review Part 2
In this second part of the development review module, learn about the role of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) after projects are approved by the Planning Board. This session will also cover what happens as a project moves to the permitting and construction stage. This module will cover “by-right” and “administrative review” types of applications as well as discuss how enforcement and violations are addressed during various stages of construction.
Module 6: Environment and Climate Change
Learn about the impacts of development on the environment and how those impacts can be mitigated through planning and development. You’ll discover the role of different agencies in protecting the environment and how the Planning Department and the county are addressing climate change and creating a more resilient infrastructure.
Module 7: Participating in the Process
A great plan starts with you, the community. In this module, you will learn about why it is important for the community to participate in the planning and development process, when and where the community can get involved and how public feedback helps to guide the work of the Planning Department.
Module 8: Putting It All Together – A Recap of the Planning and Development Process
This module will recap the major steps in the planning and development process and examine how the various parts of the process influence what gets built. This module will also give an overview of planning related resources and recap opportunities for the community to get involved.
Each interactive learning module will feature a blend of video, graphics, voiceover, 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.
Participants will access the course via a unique user profile. Once participants have been confirmed for the first class, Montgomery Planning will provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth registration, enrollment, and navigation experience throughout the online platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in the Community Planning Academy will give you a better understanding of how local planning decisions shape your community and empower you to make your voice heard in the process. For example, if a new master plan or development project is introduced in your neighborhood, you will better understand what those changes might mean for your community and both how and when to engage in the process
The Academy is being offered online to ensure that this learning experience is accessible to as many Montgomery County residents as possible. While the first cohort is limited to 50 participants, the county-wide launch in Fall 2025 will be available to anyone interested. Our goal is to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn more about the planning and development processes that impact their homes, families, and communities. This online format offers maximum flexibility, allowing participants to engage with the content at a time that works best for them.
In addition to the online course, the Planning Academy will feature in-person opportunities such as a course kickoff meeting, office hours with Planning staff, a possible site visit, and an in-person graduation ceremony at the end of the course.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older and a county resident to participate.
Yes, the course will also be offered in other languages.