The Community Planning Program is a comprehensive community development program, aiming to educate and facilitate understanding of comprehensive planning, land use, growth management, decision-making, strategic planning and implementation for local governments in Georgia. These courses are open to appointed board and commission members (existing and new), local government staff and elected officials.
All appointed board and commission members (existing and new), local government staff and elected officials should attend this training.
This is a solid introduction to the basics of what planning and zoning are.
You will learn:
terminology
what the roles in the local government planning and zoning processes are (citizens, applicants, planning commission/planning commissioners, planning and zoning staff, and elected officials)
what state laws are applicable to the work planners, zoning administrators and appointed officials do
what the job is and how to do the job
how to interpret and use the city/county comprehensive plan to make land use decisions
why the plan is the anchor of those decisions
how to use the local ordinance and the plan to make the decisions
how to plan for the future: demographic and land use trends as well as population projections and asset-based planning
View flyer for more information.
All appointed board and commission members, and planning staff should attend this training.
In this course, participants will learn about community engagement, including how to conduct and handle problems at meetings as well as broader strategies for involvement. The course includes the use of case studies, group work and discussion to facilitate understanding.
You will focus on:
broader context of civic health and community
methods to handle contentious public hearings
outreach and engagement strategies
This course explores how zoning codes can meet a local community’s future needs and desires to reach more positive social and economic outcomes and responsive land use policies. In this session, you will examine methods used to assess existing code and development patterns. Plus, you will learn how to analyze aspects of code revisions, including clarity and consistency, density, affordability, transportation, and equity.
You will learn:
zoning’s significance in shaping communities
reasons for amending local zoning code
expectations of a contemporary zoning ordinance
methods for assessing existing code and development patterns
best practices in zoning reform
"This training made me realize the importance of proper planning and land use regulations to the quality of life of the city."
Lee Baliles, Councilman, City of Loganville
"Chrissy’s Planning and Zoning training was filled with takeaways for my work with the city: the value of maximizing your city’s strengths; examining its weaknesses and working toward your goals; stressing the use of the city’s comprehensive plan when making decisions regarding zoning; and learning to stick to the job and responsibilities in recommending zoning changes and conditions."
Jennifer Freeman, Planner, City of Griffin
