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What topics will be discussed during the Neighborhood Planning Academy?

The seven-week program will cover:

• History, Present, and Future of Prince George’s County – The first session will provide a history of the County and review the structure of today’s county government. This session is critical to establish a strong foundation for participants to navigate subsequent lessons. Participants will be provided with a brief overview of the planning academy and an opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know each other.
• Planning 101 – This session will provide a broad overview of the national history of planning and zoning and a focused investigation of local planning. Participants will learn more about the role of a planner, the role of residents in planning, how planning is implemented in Prince George’s County, and the legal framework for planning in the State of Maryland.
• PGAtlas and DARTS -Participants will be provided with an overview of PGAtlas, a key tool used to understand the built environment and community landscape of Prince George’s County.
• Development Review Process – How does a real estate development project go from concept to construction? This session will provide an overview of how projects are planned, reviewed, developed, funded and completed, with an emphasis on the role of residents and planners in the development process.    
• Building Healthy, Sustainable, and Resilient Communities – What role do planners and residents have in ensuring public health, access to green space, clean air and water, energy security, and other important requirements for a healthy community? What strategies are planners and residents using here and elsewhere to prepare for a sustainable future? This session will explore the connections between environment, economy, and equity, and provide examples of new ways planners are addressing holistic threats like climate change.
• Multimodal Transportation and Street Safety – This session will focus on the complex challenges of providing safe and efficient ways for Prince George’s County residents to get to their various destinations regardless of whether they choose to walk, bike, drive, or take public transportation. Guest speakers will introduce the role of transportation planners and highlight recent efforts to increase safety in Prince George’s County.  
• Capstone Project & Graduation – The final session will include participant presentations, which can be completed in numerous ways (written document, video, photo collage, slideshow, public speech) and may focus on a topic of the students’ choosing relating to planning in Prince George’s County. This session will culminate with a graduation ceremony and dinner.