MPCA Corner

by Joese Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

In the April 28, 2022, Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) announced a Planning Commissioner and Board of Appeals mentorship program. In the spring, the MPCA was recruiting mentors and now it seeks board members interested in learning from experienced members to help them navigate the sometimes-daunting challenges of citizen planning.

Often, new board members may not know what questions to ask and be hesitant to ask colleagues to avoid looking unprepared. While many jurisdictions provide board training and education and the state has developed the Planning Commissioner Training Course, some may be interested in personal level training that only a mentor can provide.

The MPCA recognizes that board members are devoting their own time as citizen planners, therefore, the mentoring program will not require long-term or time-consuming commitments. Rather, the MPCA will introduce mentors and mentees, make suggestions, and allow relationships to grow, in whatever manner works for both parties. The MPCA is committed to building bonds across Maryland’s citizen planner community and believes that the mentoring program is one way this may be achieved.

Save the Date! The MPCA will be hosting, along with the mentors it recruited in the spring, a free virtual meet and greet on September 27 at 5 p.m. If you would like to attend, please fill out the registration form below.

If you have any questions about the program, or would like to get involved, please contact Joe Griffiths, Local Assistance and Training Manager for the Maryland Department of Planning, at joseph.griffiths@maryland.gov.