Kittleman Creates New Academy in Howard County

From Howard County: Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) announced the creation of the first annual PlanHoward Academy to be held this fall, providing county residents with an opportunity to learn about the planning and zoning process.

The two-hour sessions will include hands-on learning exercises accompanied by concise, take-home materials. Participants will learn how to access information through DPZ’s interactive map and web-based tools. Participation in the Academy is free.

“People have asked me for an opportunity like this, so we put together a curriculum that would educate those interested in planning, zoning and land development,” said Kittleman. “This is another way we can open up government to our residents, helping them understand how decisions are made, how they can participate in the process and allowing them to become ambassadors to their communities.”

The first Academy will offer classes at Howard Community College on four consecutive Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (September 27 and October 4, 11 and 18). Participants who attend all four classes will receive a certification of completion.

The goals of the PlanHoward Academy are to:

• build relationships with planning staff;
• facilitate residents’ ability to seek information;
• provide effective tools to engage in future planning efforts;
• educate about land development in Howard County, including how growth policy is shaped, role of the general plan, development review process, zoning codes and more;
• help residents become liaisons to educate and inform neighbors about the process;
• teach participants how to access information through DPZ’s interactive map and web-based tools.

“The PlanHoward Academy is geared for the layperson interested in land use and development decisions in Howard County. This multi-step training course will provide a unique opportunity for participants to better understand the fundamentals of planning and zoning, as well the County’s land development process,” said Valdis Lazdins, Director, Department of Planning and Zoning. “We have heard from many residents that they want to better understand how projects get approved, and when and how they can get involved in planning decisions. Our goal is for the Academy to facilitate creating an informed public and make much clearer what can be quite an intimidating set of land development rules and procedures.”

This first Academy can accommodate up to 25 residents. Applicants should have a strong interest in the planning process and improving life in Howard County. DPZ seeks participants who:

• live in neighborhoods throughout the county;
• represent the diversity of the county;
• have lived in the county for varying amounts of time.

To apply, go here and click on the online application. Residents who prefer a paper application can obtain one at DPZ’s service counter at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City.

Participants will be selected based on the diversity of residential location, organizational affiliation and length of residency. Applicants not selected for the fall 2017 class will have priority status to participate in future PlanHoward Academy classes.

For more information, contact Kristin O’Connor, DPZ’s Division Chief of Comprehensive and Community Planning at koconnor@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-2350.

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