Montgomery Planning Celebrated for Its Innovative Efforts to Enhance Public Engagement in Development Processes
WHEATON, Md. — The Montgomery County Planning Department, which operates under The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), is proud to announce its receipt of the 2026 Maryland Department of Planning Sustainable Growth Award for the Community Planning Academy. This complimentary online educational program was designed to empower Montgomery County residents by making the processes of master planning, zoning, and development review more accessible, inclusive, and transparent. Since its inception in December 2025, the academy has served as a vital resource for residents eager to voice their opinions on the future of their neighborhoods.
The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards honor outstanding achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments across Maryland that promote sustainable growth through innovative policies, practices, and projects. The awards celebrate exemplary contributions that foster collaboration, inspire innovation, encourage conservation, and improve community well-being. The Community Planning Academy was recognized in the Leadership category, which acknowledges organizations that advocate for, educate about, or otherwise promote sustainable growth practices.
During a ceremony on April 21 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora, AICP, presented the award alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jacob R. Day.
“Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy serves as a remarkable illustration of how local governments can equip residents with the necessary knowledge to influence their community’s future,” remarked Secretary Flora. “The academy represents the core values our Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate—innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive engagement. We are delighted to acknowledge Montgomery Planning for developing a model that other jurisdictions throughout Maryland can emulate.”
“We are deeply honored to receive this award from the Maryland Department of Planning,” stated Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “The Community Planning Academy was established to enhance transparency, accessibility, and inclusiveness in planning for our county’s residents, and this award reinforces the significance of our mission. We extend our gratitude to our partners and the numerous community members who have participated in the academy so far.”
To gain further insights into the academy and its collaborative efforts with various county agencies in developing the curriculum, you can watch a video featuring Montgomery Planning staff members discussing their experiences:
Montgomery Planning was previously recognized with a 2023 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Montgomery County’s General Plan, Thrive Montgomery 2050.
More Information on the Community Planning Academy
The academy launched its first class in June 2025, selecting participants from a pool of over 640 Montgomery County residents who expressed interest. In October 2025, forty-eight residents successfully graduated and offered essential feedback that shaped the curriculum. The inaugural cohort featured individuals from varied backgrounds, specifically aiming to include those with limited experience in the planning process. Interested readers can learn more about their experiences in The Third Place Blog. As of mid-April 2026, a total of 506 participants have engaged with the academy since its launch on December 1, 2025.
Montgomery County residents can register for 10 mobile-friendly modules, each lasting around 30 to 45 minutes, focusing on essential aspects of development review and master planning. Throughout the course, participants learn the critical moments and locations where they can engage with the planning process and effectively advocate for their neighborhoods.
Each interactive learning module combines video, graphics, voiceovers, and engaging content to facilitate a well-rounded learning experience. Participants also have opportunities for in-person interactions with subject matter experts. Open to individuals aged 18 and older, the academy is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. A comprehensive resource library and downloadable summaries of key content from each module are accessible to facilitate ongoing learning and engagement. Those who complete the course receive a certificate and are invited to a graduation ceremony.
The Community Planning Academy includes the following modules:
- 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 development of the academy was prompted by a recommendation from the Development Review Process Workgroup, led by Maryland State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-39). This initiative represents a collaborative effort across the county, made possible through strong partnerships with the Montgomery County Council, the Department of Permitting Services, the Department of Transportation, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and all five regional services centers.
