Fall 2025 course

Table of Contents

Next Class: Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m.

The graduation ceremony and final project presentations will be at Largo HQ at 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 2077.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Session Resources

Check back after the session for a copy of the slides and a recording of the session. Contact us at PGNPA@ppd.mncppc.org.

Session 1

A copy of the Session 1 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Session 2

A copy of the Session 2 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Session 3

A copy of the Session 3 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Session 4

A copy of the Session 4 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Session 5

A copy of the Session 5 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Session 6

A copy of the Session 6 presentation slides can be found by clicking here. 

Quick Links

Homepage

Planning Department homepage

Planning Board

Find agendas, watch Planning Board live, and register to speak at meetings

PGAtlas

Access to Prince George's County property information such as zoning and development activity.

DARTS

The Development Application Review Tracking System is a customer self service platform for applications.

Data and Trends

Find data, research, and trend reports as well as maps and GIS options

Plan 2035

Plan 2035 is the General Plan and provides long-range guidance for the future growth of the County

U.S. Census

Find population and demographic statistics for local areas and the nation

State Data Center

State projections for population, labor force, jobs, and income

Person of Record

Become a person of record to get notified of meetings, and actions on a case

Join Email Lists

Stay in the know by signing up for news from the Planning Department

Job Openings

Search and apply for job openings with the Planning Department

Events

View a list and details of upcoming Planning Department events

Final Project: Due 8 a.m. on Nov. 14

Describe a planning-related issue, challenge, or concern (topic) in your community. Research existing planning policies, strategies, and recommendations related to your selected topic. Consider how, when, and who you might engage to implement a solution to your topic.  Consider possible solutions, tradeoffs, and other perspectives. Present an action plan or project. 

All presentations are limited to 5 slides and two minutes.

Share the results of your work in one of the following formats.

All presentations are limited to two minutes:

  • A written essay/speech: Submit an essay of no longer than 350 words (about 1.5 pages double spaced). We will place your essay on the screen during graduation. Be prepared to recite it at graduation. You will be allotted 2 minutes.
  • PowerPoint Presentation: Submit a PowerPoint presentation of no more than five slides. You will be allotted 2 minutes to present.
  • Video: Submit a video with your own commentary of no more than 2 minutes to be played at graduation.
  • 3D Model: Send us a photo of your model in advance so we can prepare a space for it. Bring the model to graduation and explain it within a 2-minute presentation.

You will be asked to present your project at the podium during the in-person final session. Staff members of the Planning Department and distinguished members of the Planning Board, County Council, and other elected officials will be invited to attend.

Sample topics and one of many possible solutions:

  • Issue: An area floods all the time, a possible solution: a green infrastructure installation
  • Issue: An elderly neighbor needs home repairs to continue to live in their home but has a limited income; a possible solution: funds to assist
  • Issue: Not safe for kids to bike to school; a possible solution: protected bicycle lanes
  • Issue: Problems accessing the river trail; a possible solution: more trailheads/work with parks
  • Issue: No grocery store within walking or biking distance; a possible solution: healthy corner stores

Click here to view the presentation slides from the Spring 2025 Academy.

Please submit your final presentation to PGCNPA@ppd.mncppc.org.

If you handwrite an essay, use paper and glue to build a model, or otherwise create a non-electronic presentation, please take a photo of your project and email it.

FINAL PROJECT MILESTONES

After Session 1

Pick an issue, challenge, or concern (topic) in your community.

After Session 2

Research Plan 2035 and active plans in your community to evaluate existing policies, strategies, and recommendations related to your selected topic. 

After Session 3

 Consider how, when, and who you might engage to implement a solution to your topic. 

After Session 4

Consider possible solutions, tradeoffs, and other perspectives and develop an action plan or project.

After Session 5

Complete the draft of the project

After Session 6

Revise and finalize the project, practice the presentation and email project to PGCNPA@ppd.mncppc.org.

Class Directory

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Classmates

202-255-8958

b.allen815@gmail.com

Bridgett Allen-Williams is a resident of Prince George’s County, bringing valuable multi-faceted expertise in Commercial Property Development. Since 2012, Mrs. Allen-Williams has served as Business Coordinator, Safety Coordinator, and Community Liaison for Costco Wholesale-Washington, DC.
 

240-479-8901

nnarbach@co.pg.md.us

I am the constituent services specialist for the Beltsville area for the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga. I am also an undergrad student studying Political Science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

michele.atcherson@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/kim-bagley-phr-shrm-cp-399102a1/

202-413-6431

tolsonbanner@princegeorges-countycdc.org

Chairman, National Artificial Intelligence Academy promulgating AI in schools, amongst educators, and the workforce

Executive Director, Prince George’s Co. Comm. Dev. Corp – a non-profit entity utilizing the social entrepreneurship model for social change in our communities

www.linkedin.com/in/ta-misha-bascombe-mph-ches-56034386

DaCia is a real estate investor and entrepreneur with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also a loving mother of two sons with a passion for early literacy and urban gardening.

929-245-0083

jomoblackman888@gmail.com

In my previous position as Interagency Coordinator at NYC Parks, I manage a diverse portfolio of capital projects. My responsibilities included conducting specialized research and analysis.

 
35+ year resident of PG County, MD, Retired Federal Manager, Author , Health Coach, Doula & Maternal Health Advocate, Faith Based Community Outreach Coordinator, PGCPS Volunteer, Outdoor Enthusiast, Wife and Mother
 
Alexandra is a proud first time homeowner in District 7!
 

ljcarr1978@gmail.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/linora-carr

latishajcrawford@gmail.com

Latisha Crawford is a resident of Prince George’s County and a transportation professional with over a decade of experience in planning and infrastructure. She is passionate about promoting equity, sustainability, and accessibility in transportation, both in her professional work and her community.
 

202-394-4634

marlon.cruz@arup.com

A practicing Fire Engineer design consultant at Arup US and a community liaison to the Prince George’s County Council. Proud Guatemalan migrant and product of Prince George’s County.
 

227-249-4114

theaudaciousblackfemme@gmail.com

My interest is in neighborhood planning and my focus is primarily utilities, historical preservation, stormwater management and transportation.
 
 

240-695-6410

ddbenbow@co.pg.md.us

Daphne Doyle Benbow is a resident of Accokeek, MD and resident of Prince George’s County for more than 30 years. She is a graduate of Bowie State University and is an Adjunct Professor at Prince George’s Community College and works for Prince George’s County.

949-636-6381

lee.eismann@gmail.com

I’ve lived in MD and the BeechTree community since 2014. After our developer turned over control to residents, I became a member of the initial Board of Directors in 2019 for 3 years. As a result, I became interested in how development was done in the county and began attending planning meetings.
 

859-536-0081

aaliyah_e@hotmail.com

Aaliyah El-Amin is a writer, runner, and founder of the You Are Write Here writing collective, Proud and Gifted, and DMV Fit Chics. She combines creativity with strategic planning to build stronger communities and looks forward to bringing both energy and vision to the Neighborhood Planning Academy.
 

gbelliott1014@gmail.com

mscaedst7@gmail.com

678-333-6155

manifree@gmail.com

Iman Freeman, JD MPA is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience working for the federal government. She is passionate about her community and enjoys spending time with her family.
Stalina Goodwin is an author and publishing consultant who equips creatives with the tools to transform their ideas into written works. Through her independent publishing house and literacy-focused organization, she uplifts communities by fostering creativity, storytelling, and a love of reading.
 

301-885-6644

donald.hamilton@pgcps.org

I am a 31 year old male whose primary interest is real estate.

301-915-6707

hobbsb55@gmail.com

I’m Senior Manager at the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County, where I oversee a range of real estate development projects. I’m eager to deepen my understanding of the planning process to help foster healthy, sustainable communities and support smart growth across the County.
 

240-602-7406

amanda.jackson108@icloud.com

Amanda Jackson holds a BS in Management from Howard University and MS in Human Resources from Mercy College (NY). With over 16 years of property management experience, she now serves in public safety HR in the DMV, where she applies her passion for service & strategic leadership in the fire service.
 

240-351-3188

cheyenne.johnson13@gmail.com

571-216-1513

jesse.johnson7@gmail.com

Jesse Johnson is an Operations Associate Producer at NPR, where he supports field reporting and technical coordination. He is also a steward with Friends of Sligo Creek, with a passion for community engagement and sustainable planning.
 

denise@crusecontrolfitness.com

http://linkedin.com/in/denisemcruse

240-994-8928

princessm4@hotmail.com

My name is Marie Hinds Kamara. I am a life long learner and always looking forward to creating a positive impact in the community.
 

aishak750@gmail.com

I am a planning professional with experience in transportation, housing, and sustainability. I’m committed to advancing equitable, data-driven policies and cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
 
 

akearney@seatpleasantmd.gov

Ashley Kearney is as an Councilmember for the City of Seat Pleasant where she recently spearheaded the citywide e3 initiative. As Councilwoman At-Large, she is committed to achieving “Excellence in Every Ward, Every Day.
 
 

305-469-8012

jlattimore32@gmail.com

802-734-8865

hal.metzler@gmail.com

301-952-3369

gwen.mccallwinston@ppd.mncppc.org

Gwen McCall-Winston is a seasoned economic development executive with over 20 years of experience leading initiatives that foster job creation and strategic investment, notably as the former president and CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation.
 

301-529-6650

sharoncmci@verizon.net

I am a longtime resident of Prince George’s County. My three children have gone to public school here and still continue to live here. I am civic-minded and enjoy volunteering my time and efforts for the betterment of my community.

gina.miller@outlook.com

202-538-3589

quentinminer98@gmail.com

I am a Prince George’s County native with a passion for development. I am excited to learn more about the planning process for the county we call home.

301-542-7143

yvettem399@gmail.com

301-723-1713

chris.vandemoortel@gmail.com

Tree hugging nature lover interested in biophilic design and smart development.
 

240-261-3141

pernellmurray@icloud.com

An award-winning communication strategist and proud resident of Prince George’s County, I bring both expertise and passion to community planning. Though originally from North Carolina, I’ve found PG County to be the place I truly call home.

 

240-888-9114

terripowellbrown@gmail.com

A proud Prince George’s County resident since 1999, my spouse and I purchased our first home in 2000, raised four children in local schools, and remain active in the community—my spouse as a youth sports coach for 20+ years and myself as the owner of a speech-language pathology practice since 2000.

202-503-7301

amysawyergarden@gmail.com

Amy Sawyer is a community advocate and environmental steward from Cottage City, where she leads initiatives in outdoor education, climate resilience, and environmental justice. Her background is in project management, technical sales, and fundraising.
Advocate for smart, transit-oriented and community oriented growth, accessible housing, and safe streets and sidewalks for all.
 

202-469-1498

shivali@shivalishah.com

240-437-8564

sikhakhane90@gmail.com

I live in Laurel with my wife and two kids. I work for DC government as a senior support specialist.
 
 

410-301-7238

jhsallanalytics@gmail.com

Prince George’s County native who loves to support the arts through music Maryland sports enthusiast whose interest also include an interest in the county’s history of occupation and land use.

301-351-8983

pythomas48@hotmail.com

Retired from the Department of Agriculture after 40 years, while simultaneously working part time for National Opinion Research Center (which I have continued to do). I have lived in Prince George’s County for 34 years.

202-809-6161

nicaury_lora45@yahoo.com

I’m Nicaury Lora Vasquez, a dedicated professional with a background in forensic psychology and social services. I’m passionate about supporting individuals, building strong community connections, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth.

301-806-7944

nathaniel.wallace@outlook.com

Nathaniel L. Wallace is an educational advocate with 13+ years of experience in K–12 leadership, teaching, and program coordination. He champions equity, inclusion, and student success by fostering inclusive learning environments and strong community partnerships.