Baltimore County Community Planning Institute Earns National Association of Counties Achievement Award

TOWSON, MD – The Baltimore County Department of Planning’s Community Planning Institute has been recognized with a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. 

Created in fall 2022, the Community Planning Institute (CPI) was established to increase engagement with community members and stakeholders countywide around planning, land use, and development topics.

“No one knows Baltimore County better than the people who live and work here, and the Community Planning Institute shares the tools and resources our residents need to be actively engaged in plans and processes that affect their communities,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Community engagement and advocacy is transformational and empowering, and I thank NACo for recognizing the incredible work our team at the Department of Planning has done in organizing these now award-winning sessions.”

The inaugural cohort convened in May 2023, and has recently graduated the 3rd cohort. Throughout the five-week program, participants have the opportunity to interact with agency leaders, engage in planning-related activities, and network with fellow Baltimore County community members to broaden their understanding of the strengths, challenges, and constraints associated with growth management and development in Baltimore County. The knowledge gained throughout the program further empowers participants to be proactively engaged in various planning-related initiatives throughout the county.

“We are honored that NaCo has recognized our very successful Community Planning Institute. We are pleased to provide valuable information and skills so that residents can play a role in strengthening the communities where they live,” said Baltimore County Director of Planning Steve Lafferty said. “The participants have demonstrated commitment to improving their communities and will important to bringing important benefits and changes to those who live in the County.

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to celebrate innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications. 

“The Achievement Awards recognize excellence in county government and effective public service,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “This year’s winners have delivered results for our residents and demonstrated innovative efforts to strengthen our communities.”

Community Planning Institute courses are typically offered in the spring and fall. The next session for CPI is tentatively scheduled for October 2024. Those who are interested in participating will need to complete an online application.

For more information about the Community Planning Institute, click here (link).

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here