Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods - nearly 300 - that have their own rich histories, cultures and relationships to the planning process.
Baltimore Department of Planning recognizes our need to build trust, improve community engagement and increase resident understanding of our role and resources.
Through the Planning Academy, we want to connect residents to Baltimore's Planning Department, to other resources in City government, and to each other.
Planning Academy always covers a core curriculum that includes planning history in Baltimore, zoning, the city budget, and neighborhood planning. Each cohort also includes at least one field trip or site visit to a development project under construction or recently completed, or a neighborhood where participants meet with a local Community Development Corporation.
Depending on speaker availability and participant interests, we may also offer sessions on specialized topics such as equitable development, gentrification, and housing finance.
You! Planning Academy is for Baltimore City residents who want to increase their understanding of urban planning in order to improve their communities. No educational or professional planning experience necessary or expected – this is a class for community.
You should apply to the Baltimore Planning Academy if:
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You are a curious and engaged resident, passionate about Baltimore and your neighborhood,
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A trusted neighborhood advocate, organizer, or volunteer working to mobilize and support community action, or;
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A professional working in planning, housing, economic development, nonprofit management, public service, or a related field.
We especially welcome and encourage applications from communities who have faced historic disinvestment in Baltimore.