News Detail
M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2026 Cohort with Graduation Ceremony
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Prince George’s County Planning Department
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 16, 2026
M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes the Neighborhood Planning Academy Spring 2026 Cohort with Graduation Ceremony
LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate the Spring 2026 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover. Designed specifically to engage Prince George’s County residents and community stakeholders, the Neighborhood Planning Academy explains the County’s planning framework, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions.
This spring, 58 representatives, reflecting all regions of Prince George’s County, were selected to participate in a seven-week program to learn the ins and outs of the County’s planning framework, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions. Since the launch of the program in the fall of 2023, more than 300 individuals have participated in the Neighborhood Planning Academy.
“The Neighborhood Planning Academy is more than a program – it’s a testament to the power of informed, engaged communities,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman of M-NCPPC and the Prince George’s County Planning Board. When our stakeholders understand how planning works, they gain the tools to shape their own future. I’m proud to see residents stepping forward, learning together, and helping us build a Prince George’s County that reflects the voices of the people who call it home.”
“The Neighborhood Planning Academy helps demystify the planning process and gives residents a clearer understanding of how their ideas can influence real outcomes,” said James Hunt, Acting Planning Director of the M‑NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department. “When community members feel informed and equipped, they become powerful partners in shaping thoughtful, equitable, and forward‑looking plans for Prince George’s County.”
The Spring 2026 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy included Moira Abernathy, Cherrelle Ali Morrison, May Amoyaw, Luis Aparicio Garrigos, Sophia Awartey, Erica Brown, Marva Jo Camp, Korey Anthony Chisholm, Patricia Clark Jackson, Ralph Cyrus, Octavia Doughty, Montre Dupree, Maurice Fitzgerald, Faith Ford, Gregory Ford, Jr., Marie Frazier, Gwendolyn Gatewood, MaShawn Hall, Lauryn Hansard, G. Sapphire Harris, Breyanna Harrison, Michael Hillstrom, Davian Johnson, Chris Jones, Christopher Kelly, Alec Lynde, Nigel Maynard, Bryan McCormick, Lorenzo McDonald, Ashley McDougald, Jeanine Michael, Tracie Mitchell, Patricia Morrison, Cynthia Mowery, Mishkka Murphy, Stephanie Orstad, Dawn Page, Melvin Perry, Aaron Person, Valarie Prue, Feyi Quadri, Pauline Reid, Yuri Rodriguez, Rondell Ross, Kerritt Saintal, Tameka Sammy, DeMeana Smith, Rachelle Spencer, Brenice Sterling, Kristine Swann, Lenessa Terry, Eric Valentine Jr., Dianne Wallace, Richard Wallace, Ella Williams, Darcelle Wilson, Jennifer Hawkins and Gwen McCall-Winston.
During the graduation ceremony, participants delivered capstone project presentations that incorporated independent research findings as well as lessons and topics from the curriculum. Through weekly classes, participants explored the History, Present, and Future of Prince George’s County, Planning 101, the Development Review Process, Building Healthy, Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Multimodal Transportation and Street Safety, and PGAtlas.com – a free public web application and online mapping tool.
For more information on the Neighborhood Planning Academy, visit: https://academy.pgplanning.com. Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders may join the mailing list to receive announcements on applications for the Fall 2026 cohort and upcoming courses.
About the Prince George’s County Planning Department
The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the county’s resources through high-quality planning services and growth management guidance. Our mission is to promote economic vitality, environmental sustainability, design excellence, and quality development in Prince George’s County. Visit our website, www.pgplanning.org, to learn how you can become engaged in shaping the future of your community.
Assistance
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.
Contact:
Calista Black
Chief Communications Officer
calista.black@mncppc.org | 301-952-3038
Patricia Villone
Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist III
patricia.villone@mncppc.org | 301-952-4112
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