Wheaton, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, a division of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has been honored with an Award of Merit by the American Planning Association (APA) and the National Association of County Planners (NACP) for the Community Planning Academy. This no-cost online course is designed to help Montgomery County residents gain insights into the master planning and development review processes, enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and transparency. Launched in December 2025, the academy encourages residents to become actively involved in shaping the future of their communities.
The academy was recognized in the Grassroots Initiative category during the annual Project Awards Program. This accolade celebrates innovative planning initiatives that enhance public understanding of the planning process.
“Receiving this honor from such distinguished organizations is a significant achievement for Montgomery Planning and the Community Planning Academy,” stated Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “The essence of this program lies in its commitment to access. With a flexible, multilingual, and engaging curriculum, the academy fosters a community that is well-informed and actively engaged. Residents are learning how planning decisions impact their neighborhoods and are empowered to participate in the process. We are thrilled with this recognition and even more so by the residents who are seizing this opportunity to learn, connect, and voice their opinions.”
In June 2025, the academy launched its first class, selecting participants from a pool of over 640 interested Montgomery County residents. A total of 48 individuals graduated in October and provided vital feedback that influenced the curriculum design. This inaugural class brought together participants from a variety of backgrounds, especially focusing on those with limited experience in the planning field. You can read more about their experiences in the academy through The Third Place Blog. By the start of January 2026, 353 users had engaged with the academy since its official launch on December 1, 2025.
Discover the Community Planning Academy
Residents of Montgomery County can sign up for the Community Planning Academy, which consists of 10 mobile-friendly modules, each taking about 30 to 45 minutes. These modules cover essential topics within development review and master planning. Participants will learn the best ways to engage in the planning process and effectively advocate for their neighborhoods.
Each interactive learning module incorporates a mix of videos, graphics, voiceovers, and engaging content. Additionally, there are opportunities for in-person connections with subject matter experts. The academy is open to participants aged 18 and older and is offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. It also includes a comprehensive resource library and downloadable summaries of key content from each module to further support continued learning. Those who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate and are invited to attend 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 academy was established following a recommendation from the Development Review Process Workgroup, led by Maryland State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-39). This initiative was the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including 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 service centers.
Understanding the Project Awards Program
Each year, the APA’s County Planning Division, in collaboration with the National Association of County Planners, presents Project Awards that acknowledge cutting-edge planning initiatives from counties across the nation. These awards are conferred at two levels—Awards of Excellence and Awards of Merit—spanning seven categories: Planning Project, Comprehensive Plan (Large Jurisdiction), Comprehensive Plan (Small Jurisdiction), Best Practices, Grassroots Initiative, Small Area/Special Area Planning, and Special Focus Planning Initiative (County Holistic Innovation Project). Annually, only one Award of Excellence and one Award of Merit are awarded within each category. For additional details, you can explore the awards program.
