The Community Planning Academy (CPA) is an innovative educational initiative launched by Montgomery Planning to demystify the local planning and development process for residents. Recognizing that planning decisions directly shape community livelihoods, the Academy aims to create an informed citizenry that understands the need for sustainable growth, housing affordability, and climate resilience. 

The curriculum is delivered through a series of online, self-paced modules available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. By utilizing a mobile-friendly digital platform, the Academy removes traditional barriers to participation, ensuring that language and accessibility concerns do not hinder engagement. The course covers essential topics, including master plans, zoning, transportation planning, and the development review process, using a blend of video, graphics, and voiceover to make technical concepts both informative and enjoyable. 

Beyond the digital modules, the Academy fosters real-time engagement through "meet-a-planner" online meetings, allowing residents to interact directly with staff. The initiative also provides a comprehensive resource library and tracks participant engagement to continuously refine the curriculum. By prioritizing equity and proactively seeking applicants from historically underrepresented communities, Montgomery Planning has created a scalable, permanent model for inclusive governance and civic participation. ​

Increases Access for All: By providing mobile-friendly lessons in English, Spanish, and Chinese, the Academy removes language and technology barriers to ensure more people can participate.

Connects People to Government: The initiative creates a direct link between the community and county planners, giving residents the knowledge and resources needed to share their ideas effectively.

The Residences at Forest G​​len

Montgomery Ho​​using Partners​

The Residences at Forest Glen is a $100 million transit-oriented development that transformed a 2.6-acre site of 72 decaying, 1940s-era apartments into 189 modern, affordable homes. By leveraging "upzoning" to almost triple housing density, the project provides a high-quality living environment near public transit. 

Designed with a focus on resilience and community, the development features sculptural architecture, expansive windows for natural light, and two distinct internal courtyards for social interaction. The project complies with the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and includes energy-efficient lighting, high-performance HVAC systems, and strategic landscaping to mitigate climate change impacts. 

Beyond its physical design, the property serves as a vital community hub. An on-site education space enables MHP to provide educational and support programs for young residents and their children. The project also includes market-rate amenities like clubrooms and a fitness studio. By prioritizing 100% of units for residents at or below 60% of the area median income and ensuring 10% are fully ADA-compliant, Forest Glen proves that affordable housing can be both visually compelling and deeply equitable. ​

Project C​a​​t​​​​​​​egory​

The Project category showcases the application of best practices in sustainable design and construction of physical buildings, places, infrastructure or landscapes. ​

​Expanded Affordable Housing: The project transformed an aging 72-unit property into 189 modern homes, significantly increasing the amount of affordable housing available near public transit and local jobs.

 Modern and Functional Design: The development replaced decaying buildings with a new, welcoming design that features large windows for natural light, secure entry systems, and EV charging stations.

Dedicated Community Amenities: The site includes two private courtyards, a fitness center, and a multipurpose community room designed specifically to host educational and support programs for residents.
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Maryland Department of Tra​​nsportation

The Maryland Statewide Transportation Trails Strategic Plan establishes a bold, department-wide vision for a safe, accessible, and connected trail network that supports communities across the state. Developed by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, this policy roadmap links residents to jobs, schools, parks, and transit while reducing reliance on motor vehicles. 

The plan was crafted through extensive public engagement, including webinars and a statewide survey with over 680 respondents to ensure diverse voices were integrated into the final strategy. A defining feature is its commitment to local empowerment; the plan provides practical toolkits for building project support, leveraging funding, and managing trail operations and maintenance. 

Innovation is central to the plan’s execution. MDOT developed an interactive website featuring a comprehensive transportation trails database and an interactive map, moving beyond a static document to provide actionable resources for local partners. By establishing a new designation for “Maryland Destination Trails” and integrating safety-focused project criteria, the plan enhances regional mobility and supports the state’s tourism economy. Through annual progress evaluations, this strategic framework ensures a durable, high-quality network that improves the quality of life for all Marylanders. ​​

Policy Cate​​​gory​​​

The P​olicy category features the adoption and/or implementation of public policies, regulations and/or plans supporting sustainable land use planning and development practices​. 

​Creating a Connected Network: The plan provides a roadmap to link trails across the state, making it easier for people to reach jobs, schools, and parks without needing a car.

Prioritizing Traveler Safety: By focusing on "Complete Streets" and dedicated trail projects, the initiative aims to reduce injuries and fatalities for people walking and biking.

Supporting Local Communities: The plan gives local towns the tools and funding strategies they need to build and maintain their own trails, helping to boost tourism and improve public health.