Neighborhood Planning Academy Fall 2025 Cohort Graduates
December 4, 2025
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Prince George’s County Planning Department
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, December 4, 2025
M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the
Neighborhood Planning Academy Fall 2025 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 Fall 2025 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters. Designed specifically to engage Prince George’s County residents and community stakeholders, the Neighborhood Planning Academy explains the County’s planning framework, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions.
This fall, 61 representatives, reflecting all regions of Prince George’s County, were selected to participate in a seven-week program to learn the ins and outs of the County’s planning framework, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions. During this cohort, a dedicated student and Prince George’s County resident viewed sessions and participated while located in Guam. A father and son were randomly selected and participated in the program, as well – a first for the Neighborhood Planning Academy. Since the launch of the program in the fall of 2023, more than 250 individuals have participated in the Neighborhood Planning Academy.
“I am excited to see the Neighborhood Planning Academy continue to educate and engage our community,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board. “This award-winning program will help remove barriers to meaningful engagement and empower residents to become important stakeholders in the future of their community.”
“The Neighborhood Planning Academy provides Prince Georgians an opportunity to engage in the planning and development review process,” said Lakisha Hull, Director of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department. “The award-winning program also delves into specialized planning topics that affect the sustainability and livelihood of our communities.”
The Fall 2025 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy included Bridgett Allen-Williams, Nathan Arbach, Michele Atcherson, Kim Bagley, Tolson Banner, Ta Misha Bascombe, DaCia Bell, Daphne Benbow, Ashwin Bhouraskar, Jomo Blackman, Lori Bledsoe, Alexandra Bolden, Linora Carr, Latisha Crawford, Curtis Crutchfield, Marlon Cruz, Brandi Cypress, Alicia Denning, Lee Eismann, Aaliyah El-amin, Gerri Elliott, Camille Exum, Iman Freeman, Charlotte Fritts, Stalina Goodwin, Donald Hamilton, Marie Hinds Kamara, Benjamin Hobbs, Amanda Jackson, Jesse Johnson, Cheyenne Johnson, Denise Jones, Ashley Kearney, Aisha Khan, JaRonn Latney, Jamel Lattimore, Nicaury Lora Vasquez, Sharon McInnis, Hal Metzler, Gina Miller, Quentin Miner, Yvette Moore, Pernell Murray Jr., Carlos Nunes, Kiara Palmer, Janna Parker, Terri Powell-Brown, Briana Rorie, Amy Sawyer, Melissa Schweisguth, Shivali Shah, Gugu Sikhakhane, Jesse Springfield, Clyde Springfield, Phyllis Thomas, Chris Van De Moortel, Orlando Velez, Nathaniel Wallace, Heather Urwiller, Darius Stanton, and Amelia Chisholm.
During the graduation ceremony, participants delivered capstone project presentations that incorporated independent research findings as well as lessons and topics from the curriculum. Through weekly classes, participants explored the History, Present, and Future of Prince George’s County, Planning 101, the Development Review Process, Building Healthy, Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Multimodal Transportation and Street Safety, and PGAtlas.com – a free public web application and online mapping tool.
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 Spring 2026 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
Patricia Villone
Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist III
patricia.villone@mncppc.org | 301-952-4112
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