MPCA Corner

by Joe Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

The Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) Conference offers planning commissioners, board of appeals members, and anyone interested in citizen planning an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and exchange ideas.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MPCA conducted last year’s conference virtually. For 2021, we are aiming to, once again, meet up and learn together in person in Solomons in Calvert County. The MPCA will be monitoring the pandemic and adjust as needed. This year’s conference theme is Let’s Get Back to It! because, I think we can all agree, that is exactly what we want to do.

The 38th annual conference will offer topics of interest to the more than 1,400 citizen planners serving Maryland’s counties and municipalities. We will also share a registration page over the next few weeks.

Building on the Planning Commissioner Training Course and Open Meetings Act training sessions the MPCA holds on the first day of the conference, the MPCA, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning), is also requesting session proposals for the conference, due by July 2. Sessions should focus on the work of citizen planners, but can incorporate the work of professional planners, other officials and stakeholders, and residents.

The conference audience is primarily composed of planning commissioners, boards of zoning appeals members, and historic district commissioners, but also includes staff members from Maryland counties and municipalities. The MPCA encourages submissions that creatively address the conference theme. 

So, save the dates and don’t miss this opportunity to spend a couple of autumn days in beautiful Calvert County, getting back to work with your fellow citizen planners!

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