Community Planning Academy

ARC’s Community Planning Academy (CPA) offers high-quality, cost-effective training to help planners and decision-makers engage with stakeholders and lead their communities to achieve future goals.

Registration Now for Fall Courses

Registration is now open for Community Planning Academy Fall Courses.

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Upcoming Courses

2024 Training for Planning Officials – Fall

This training provides knowledge, resources, and tools that give local planning commission members and others involved in the planning process confidence in making educated, effective decisions to help shape their communities. Attendees will learn about the history and legal foundations of planning and zoning; the creation and implementation of a comprehensive plan; and how to incorporate best practices in their own communities in meeting management, preparation, and leadership. Sessions will also expose participants to the broader role of planning in the Atlanta region in functional areas such as land use; urban design; transportation; natural resources; equity; resiliency; housing; and arts and culture.

The Training for Planning Officials is a multi-part series of four sessions, spread over the course of four months. Attendance at all four sessions is required as the content builds sequentially throughout the course. All sessions are in-person and take up the bulk of the workday. Total cost is $200.00 per person. The Fall 2024 session dates are:

  • Thursday, August 15
  • Thursday, September 19
  • Thursday, October 24
  • Thursday, November 14

Past Courses

2023 Housing 202 – A Deep Dive for Planners: November 2023

ARC’s Community Planning Academy hosted “Housing 202: A Deep Dive for Planners” on November 14, 2023 at the Georgia Municipal Association in downtown Atlanta. Designed for local government planning staff and “citizen planners” (members of Planning Commissions and similar bodies), this training sought to demystify concepts and terms; define common housing challenges in our region and state; and illuminate strategies and solutions that planners can pursue to improve their communities. Presenters covered a range of tools, programs and concepts that local government officials can implement or advocate for in leadership, policy, regulation, finance, and partnerships. Participants included alumni of previous Community Planning Academy programs.

Course Materials (zip)

2023 Training for Planning Officials

This training provides knowledge, resources, and tools that give local planning commission members and others involved in the planning process confidence in making educated, effective decisions to help shape their communities. Attendees will learn about the history and legal foundations of planning and zoning; the creation and implementation of a comprehensive plan; and how to incorporate best practices in their own communities in meeting management, preparation, and leadership. Sessions will also expose participants to the broader role of planning in the Atlanta region in functional areas such as land use; urban design; transportation; natural resources; equity; resiliency; housing; and arts and culture.

2021 Economic Development 101: June 2021

ARC’s Community Planning Academy was pleased to offer Economic Development 101, a foundational training designed to assist planners and community stakeholders alike with their understanding of economic development. The success of planning and economic development go hand-in-hand. By exploring goals, tools, and activities related to economic development, we found common ground and opportunities to better connect planning and economic development efforts.

Economic Development 101

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33°n
CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA