Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2024 Cohort
May 17, 2024
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, May 16, 2024
M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2024 Cohort with Graduation Ceremony
LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate the Spring 2024 Cohort of the recently launched Neighborhood Planning Academy on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters. Designed specifically for Prince George’s County residents and community stakeholders, the Neighborhood Planning Academy demystifies the often-complex process of planning and development and empowers participants to become advocates for the current needs and future of their neighborhoods. This spring, 40 representatives, reflecting all regions of Prince George’s County, were selected from more than 230 applications to participate in a seven-week program to learn the ins and outs of the planning framework in Prince George’s County, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions.
During the graduation ceremony, participants delivered Capstone Project Presentations that incorporated independent research findings, lessons and topics from the curriculum. Through weekly classes, the participants explored the History, Present, and Future of Prince George’s County, Planning 101, the Development Review Process, Building Healthy, Sustainable and Resilient Communities, and Multimodal Transportation and Street Safety. Based on feedback from the Fall 2023 inaugural cohort, a new class was added to the program to delve deeper into PGAtlas.com – a free public web application and online mapping tool.
“M-NCPPC sees the importance of an empowered community, and the Neighborhood Planning Academy teaches us that there is leadership at every level,” said Peter A. Shapiro, Chair of M-NCPPC and the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “Learning is a two-way street, and the wonderful capstone project presentations provide fresh perspectives on community challenges.”
“The Neighborhood Planning Academy is a top-notch program that sets a standard for other regional and national programs to follow,” said Lakisha Hull, Director of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department. “As the new planning director in Prince George’s County, as well as a brand new resident, I can attest to the high-quality curriculum and basic understanding that the team delivers to our residents and stakeholders.”
The Spring 2024 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy included Joseph Adams, Aaron Adams, Nohely Alvarez, Marina Anwuri, Genesis Baez, Tiffany Belk, Tawana Bostic, Dr. Cecil Boyd, Stephanie Bradley, June Bullock-Dixon, Teilla Chase, Adewale Dada, Marian Dombroski, Harold Dugger, Hala Flores, Chyna Fries, Michelle Garcia, Lakisha Hull, Angela Jackson, Donnie Joyner, Amber Maikui, Jamileth Mendez, Camille Mosley-Pasley, Chris Nelson, Emmanuel Ogundipe, Stephanie Perry, Alvin Pounds, Michelle Rennie, Jim Schmitz, Ashley Sharp, John Sheridan, Valerie Silensky, Quineesa Smith, Erika Vivar, Evan Waksler, Malaysia White, John-Phillip Williams, Garrett Williams, and Daija Yisrael.
Since the launch of the program in the fall of 2023, the Neighborhood Planning Academy has received more than 500 applications from interested Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders. For more information on the Neighborhood Planning Academy, visit: https://academy.pgplanning.com. Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders may join the mailing list to receive announcements on applications for the Fall 2024 cohort and upcoming courses.
About the Prince George’s County Planning Department
The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the county’s resources through high-quality planning services and growth management guidance. Our mission is to promote economic vitality, environmental sustainability, design excellence, and quality development in Prince George’s County. Visit our website, www.pgplanning.org, to learn how you can become engaged in shaping the future of your community.
Assistance
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.
Contact:
Calista Black
Chief Communications Officer
calista.black@mncppc.org | 301-952-3038
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