The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Prince George’s County Planning Department
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Friday, November 22, 2024
M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the
Neighborhood Planning Academy Fall 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 Fall 2024 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy on Wednesday, November 20, 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 fall, 60 representatives, reflecting all regions of Prince George’s County, were selected from more than 200 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. Since the launch of the program in the fall of 2023, the Neighborhood Planning Academy has received more than 700 applications from interested Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders.
“M-NCPPC sees the importance of an empowered community, and the Neighborhood Planning Academy provides a platform for residents, community stakeholders, and municipal leaders to learn how to engage in the different stages of the planning and development review process,” said Peter A. Shapiro, Chair of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board. “The capstone project presentations provide fresh perspectives on community challenges.”
“The Neighborhood Planning Academy is an award-winning 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. “The well-designed program, instructed by our team of professional planners, empowers residents to advocate for the needs of their communities and prepare to become active participants in public meetings.”
The Fall 2024 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy included Shahidat Abbas, Oluwadamilare Abidakun, Felix Adams, Chineme Aghazu, Sydney Allen, Corina Atcherson, Christian Bacon, Stephanie Beatty, C.A. Bell, Vivian Bell, Chris Brittan-Powell, David Brown, Senetra Burgess, Monica Casañas, Chelsea Champlin, Tyrah Cobb-Davis, Annette Copeland, Egenia Dixon, Rhonda Dorsey, Sherri Downing, Pat Fletcher, Renita Flood-Bennett, Sean A. Floyd, Daniela Fontecha, Patrick Aurelien Fotsing, Delores Furman, Linda Moore-Garoute, Sherman Hardy, Alan Hew, Quantane Higginbotham, Christopher Hoover, Nicole Jackson, David Janifer, David Lampen, Robyn Marbray, Aaliyah Matin, Paula Noble, Eileen O’Brien, Yvonne Odoi, Favour Oluyemi, Shanetta Ore, Richard Potts, Belinda Queen, Alexander Rauda, Kareem Redmond, Dannette Redmond, Senika Romulus, Sheila Salo, Kimberly Sescoe, Christine Stewart, Rochelle Mincey-Thompson, Lester Lamar Thornton III, Patricia Villone, Stacy Watson, Sonja Welborne, Joan Williams, and Shamelle Yemofio.
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 2025 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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