Carroll County is excited to announce the inaugural Citizens Planning Academy (Academy) to launch this spring! The Academy is a six-week program introducing citizens to Carroll County’s planning and development processes and providing examples of civic engagement opportunities. Participants will learn about master planning, zoning requirements, the development process, and how plans are reviewed. Participants will have the opportunity to make a field visit to learn how a plan becomes a reality.

The Academy will begin on Thursday, March 20, 2025, and run weekly from 6 to 8 PM at the Westminster Senior Center until Thursday, May 1, 2025. No session will be held on Thursday, April 17.

Applications for participation will be open from February 7, 2025, to February 21, 2025, and can be found online at https://carrollcountymd.jotform.com/250123642814045. Participants must be available to attend all six sessions. Space is limited to 25, and applicants will be notified of their selection by February 28.

The academy has four goals:

Goal 1: Alumni will increase their knowledge and future participation in local government planning by becoming an Informed Citizen.

Goal 2: Alumni will increase their knowledge and future participation in local government planning by becoming Community advocates who will effectively participate and inspire others to participate in the Planning process. Participation and inspiration can include providing information to local clubs, civic organizations, and political groups whereby these community advocates inspire others to become informed and involved.

Goal 3: Alumni will increase their knowledge and future participation in local government by becoming Volunteer board/commission/committee members who are empowered to make recommendations/decisions for the government,

Goal 4: Alumni will increase their knowledge and participation in local government by becoming aspiring elected officials who will continue to guide County Government

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