About
What is the PlanHoward Academy?
The Academy is an award-winning planning course designed by the Department of Planning and Zoning that educates residents on how the planning and land development process works. The free, five-week course includes in-class instruction, hands-on learning exercises and take-home materials. Taught by professional planners and legal experts, the Academy provides residents with a thought provoking, interactive curriculum focused on the underpinnings of land development in Howard County.
The application period for the spring 2026 session is now closed. If you would like to be notified when registration for our next class opens, please join our interest list.
Nationally Recognized
PlanHoward Academy received the 2019 Civic Education and Public Information Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Recognized as an innovative, effective county government program that strengthen services for residents, PlanHoward Academy seeks to educate residents on land use plans, policies, and procedures that shape and grow our county.
The Academy class size includes up to 35 Howard County residents aged 18 and older.
Planning staff anticipate there being a significant number of applicants; therefore, they will be reviewing applications based on demonstration of interest in Howard County planning and their community’s future. Each PlanHoward Academy class will attempt to be representative of the County as a whole with participants that:
- live in various geographic areas of the County
- represent the County's diverse population
- have lived in the County for various amounts of time
Participants will attend five sessions with the following learning objectives:
Session 1– Introduction to Planning and HoCo By Design
Explore the County’s planning history and the role of the County’s General Plan, HoCo By Design. Understand demographic shifts and factors influencing growth. Learn about planning processes and ways residents can contribute. Engage in small group discussions on policies guiding planning and redevelopment
Session 2– Planning Law and Zoning Overview
Discover the legal foundations of land use decisions, case law, and Supreme Court rulings. Understand County zoning regulations and how they shape development. Participate in an interactive activity exploring zoning’s impact on diverse housing types.
Session 3 – Land Development and Subdivision Plan Review Process
Understand how DPZ and County agencies use regulations to guide the orderly development of land. Learn about residential and commercial project planning and subdivision review procedures. Gain insights into influencing the plan review process and take on roles in a mock subdivision review committee.
Session 4 – Development Review Regulations and Code Enforcement
Explore how regulations ensure consistent enforcement while balancing individuals’ development rights, environmental protection, historical integrity, and character of the County. Discuss code flexibility through a tabletop exercise evaluating an alternative compliance petition. Learn how site design and neighborhood compatibility are influenced by County regulations.
Session 5 – Responsible Growth and Informed Citizenry
Examine tools for sustainable growth management, including infrastructure and budget planning. Participate in interactive presentations on housing, schools, and road policies. Conclude with a discussion on staying informed and engaged, followed by distribution of certificates of completion for participants.
The application period for the spring 2026 session is now closed. If you would like to be notified when registration for our next class opens, please join our interest list.
For questions, contact Kristin O'Connor at koconnor@howardcountymd.gov.
The Academy launched in the fall of 2017 with its inaugural class of 25 residents. DPZ built on the success of the first Academy and increased the number of sessions to five (5) for the second class, which was held in the spring of 2018 with 27 graduating. Attendees have come from many parts of Howard County, including Columbia, Clarksville, Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, Jessup, Fulton, Woodstock and Woodbine. We’ve held eleven classes and engaged 313 residents, including five elected officials, over 50 Homeowners Association members, and over 22 board or commission members, including 3 Planning Board members.
Students get a closer look at the County's planning processes through presentations, table exercises, role playing and small and large group discussions. Residents network with each other and build relationships with DPZ staff, an important goal emphasized early in the Academy's development. The result provides a great opportunity for residents to become better informed about the important role they play in shaping the County's future.
The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) appreciates the time and dedication of all Academy participants and looks forward to the contributions these graduates will make to Howard County’s civic life. We will continue to provide opportunities for residents to effectively participate in shaping their communities and our County's future.
Candidates are selected through an online application process and participation is free. Classes include hands-on exercises accompanied by concise, take-home materials, and demonstrations on how to access information through DPZ’s interactive map and web-based tools.
“I truly enjoyed the experience and walked away with a much deeper understanding of how Howard County approaches growth and planning. Being part of the Academy has motivated me to re-engage more formally, and I am interested in several of the County’s boards and commissions. I plan to review the openings and apply so I can continue contributing to community development and engagement.”
“The interactive exercises were well designed and added real value to the sessions. They helped reinforce the material and encouraged participants to think practically about how planning decisions are made. I especially appreciated that the exercises reflected real Howard County scenarios, which made them feel grounded and meaningful.”
"It was excellent and informative. Please attend to learn more about how zoning works and how you can participate in the decisions that are being made in your own county."
"If we want Howard County to continue to be a great place to live, the citizens need to be active, but we need to be informed in order to be active. This course gives a great background to help you act constructively."
"Incredible opportunity to learn the ins and outs of zoning...no matter your current level of knowledge. If you care about development in Howard County, you will learn how to take part in the process and make your voice heard."
"If you want to learn more about planning and zoning, about how Howard County's process works, and how you (as a resident) can give input on zoning and other plans - this is the place to come."
"It is a great learning experience and a wonderful way to meet others in the community who have similar interest and the outstanding staff who make the county a place where folks can feel heard and appreciated."