Course Overview
Our seven-week course meets on once a week (mostly on Wednesdays) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The content is not available on demand and participants must be available during these times.
Note: Class will be held on Tuesday, November 10 due to the offices being closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
The course consists of two-hour live online classes each week, homework after each session, and a final project. Upon completion of the course, each participant will graduate and become a certified alumni of the Neighborhood Planning Academy.
WEDNESDAY
October 7, 2026
Session 1: History, Present, and Future of Prince George’s County
This 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. Senior management will be guest speakers.
WEDNESDAY
October 14, 2026
Session 2: Planning 101
This session will provide a broad overview of the national history of planning and zoning and a focused investigation of local planning. Students will learn more about the roles of planners and residents in planning, how planning is implemented in the County, and the legal framework for planning in Maryland.
WEDNESDAY
October 21, 2026
Session 3: PGAtlas/DARTS
Participants will be provided with an overview of PGAtlas, a key tool used to understand the built environment and the community landscape of Prince George’s County.
WEDNESDAY
October 29, 2026
Session 4: Development Process in Prince George’s County
How does a real estate development project go from concept to construction? This workshop 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.
WEDNESDAY
November 4, 2026
Session 5: 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.
TUESDAY
November 10, 2026
Session 6: 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.
WEDNESDAY
November 18, 2026
Session 7: Final Project Presentations
During each session, participants will complete exercises that support a better understanding of their own neighborhoods. For the final class session, participants will give a two-minute presentation of their findings based on a topic of their choosing.
