MPCA 38th Annual Conference

Let's Get Back To It!
Over the course of three days (Oct 25 – 27), the Maryland Planning Commissioners (MPCA) and its partners conducted nine educational sessions, an annual meeting, and a recognition ceremony celebrating the vital work of Maryland’s citizen planners.
In September the MPCA decided to convert the originally scheduled in-person conference to a virtual format, which presented numerous challenges. Combining teamwork, communication, and more than a touch of patience, we were able to move forward with an excellent event; one which would not have been successful without the dedication of the MPCA membership.
The MPCA would like to thank the Maryland Department of Planning keynote speaker, Lucille Walker, session panelists, those who nominated citizen planners for recognition, and our sponsors (APA Maryland Chapter, Brick Industry Association) for sticking with us through the twists and turns the conference presented. A special thanks goes out to Calvert County, which originally intended to host the conference. The MPCA can’t wait to host our next conference in beautiful Solomon’s!
Planning Commissioners Training Course
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning the MPCA offers a free Planning Commissioner Training Course online at the Online Training Page.
Serving the citizen planner since 1983
The Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) is a statewide, nonprofit educational organization of municipal, county and regional planning commissioners and boards of zoning appeals members. MPCA members work to improve the quality of life for all Marylanders through planning, environmental protection, historic preservation, and growth management
MPCA promotes better planning and plan implementation by:
- Fostering communication and sharing information to improve planning practices and procedures;
- Promoting public interest in municipal, county, regional, and state planning issues;
- Encouraging increased planning coordination and cooperation within Maryland; and
- Providing regional and statewide workshops on planning and zoning issues of mutual interest and concern.
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Baltimore, the MPCA is dedicated to the continuing education and professionalism of those who serve as members of planning commissions, planning boards and boards of appeals. Many of those are citizen planners who serve as volunteers. All members of a planning commission or board and/or board of appeals in Maryland counties and municipalities (incorporated cities, towns and villages) that exercise planning authority are members of the MPCA.
MPCA Regional Workshops
Last Workshop Held July 16, 2021: Mastering the Master Plan
MPCA initiated a regional workshop program to engage with citizen planners and staff around the state. The organization will conduct workshops every winter, spring, and summer; reserving the fall for the annual conference. Visit the Regional Workshop page for upcoming meetings and summaries of past workshops.