The Montgomery County Planning Department announced on April 22 that its Community Planning Academy has received the 2026 Maryland Department of Planning Sustainable Growth Award. The award, presented in the Leadership category, recognizes the academy’s efforts to make planning and development processes more accessible and inclusive for county residents.
The recognition highlights the importance of public engagement in local planning decisions. The free online course is designed to help residents understand master planning, zoning, and development review processes so they can participate actively in shaping their communities.
Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora joined Governor Wes Moore to present the award during a ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. “Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy is an outstanding example of how local governments can empower residents with the knowledge they need to shape the future of their communities,” said Secretary Flora. “The academy reflects the very best of what our Sustainable Growth Awards honor—innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive engagement. We are proud to recognize Montgomery Planning for creating a model that other jurisdictions across Maryland can learn from.”
Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori said, “We are honored to receive this recognition from the Maryland Department of Planning. The Community Planning Academy was created to make planning more transparent, accessible, and inclusive for county residents, and this award affirms the importance of that mission. We are grateful to our partners and to the hundreds of community members who have already taken part in the academy.”
Launched in December 2025 following a pilot program earlier that year with forty-eight graduates from diverse backgrounds, over five hundred users have begun participating as of mid-April 2026. The course offers ten modules covering topics such as master plans, zoning, permitting, environment and climate change, transportation planning, schools planning, and community participation opportunities.
The creation of this academy followed recommendations by a Development Review Process Workgroup led by Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-39) and involved collaboration with several county agencies including Montgomery County Council; Departments of Permitting Services; Transportation; Public Schools; Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice; as well as all five regional services centers.
Previously honored with a similar award for its Thrive Montgomery 2050 General Plan in 2023, Montgomery County continues its focus on engaging citizens through innovative educational initiatives like this one.
