Montgomery Planning has received a 2026 Maryland Department of Planning Sustainable Growth Award for its Community Planning Academy, a free online course designed to help Montgomery County residents better understand how planning and development decisions are made.
The program, launched in December 2025, was created to make the often-complicated world of master plans, zoning, and development review easier for the public to follow. It also aims to give residents a clearer sense of how they can take part in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
The award was presented April 21 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, where Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora joined Gov. Wes Moore in recognizing this year’s honorees. Montgomery Planning received the award in the Leadership category, which highlights advocacy, education, and outreach efforts that build public support for sustainable growth.
State officials said the academy stood out for turning a technical government process into something more accessible and useful for everyday residents. In a statement, Flora called it a model other jurisdictions across Maryland can learn from.
Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori said the recognition reflects the department’s goal of making planning more transparent, accessible, and inclusive, while also acknowledging the residents and agency partners who helped bring the program to life.
The Sustainable Growth Awards are given each year to recognize people, organizations, businesses, and local governments whose work advances smart growth and quality of life in Maryland communities.
This is not the first time Montgomery Planning has been recognized by the state. In 2023, the department received a Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Thrive Montgomery 2050, the county’s long-range general plan.
