M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes Participants of the Inaugural “Planning in Our County: A Course for Municipal Officials”

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

March 18, 2026

M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Recognizes Participants of the Inaugural “Planning in Our County: A Course for Municipal Officials”

LARGO, Md. – The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) hosted and celebrated the graduates of the inaugural Planning in Our County: A Course for Municipal Officials, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Maryland. Designed specifically for elected officials and leaders representing municipalities in Prince George’s County, the participants of the one-day workshop learned the ins and outs of the County’s planning and development process. Inspired by the award-winning Neighborhood Planning Academy, topics included the history and future of the County, planning and zoning, development review, multi-modal transportation and street safety, and building sustainable communities.

“Mayors, councilmembers, and municipal leaders often stand on the front lines of governance – balancing growth with preservation, economic opportunity with neighborhood stability, and innovation with accountability,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman of M-NCPPC and the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “Through this course, we are equipping our community leaders with a clear understanding of the planning process that shapes our shared future.”

“As a spin to our Neighborhood Planning Academy, the municipal leaders collaborated in a charrette-style activity to form steps to resolve an issue in the community,” said James Hunt, Acting Planning Director of the Prince George’s County Planning Department. “The participants immediately used knowledge gained from the course curriculum to address real-life challenges.”

The spring 2026 class of municipal officials and leaders included:

William Barclay, Public Works Director, City of New Carrollton
Greg Barnes, Councilmember, City of Hyattsville
Trina Brown, Council Member, Town of Bladensburg
Theresa Brownson, Councilmember, Town of Forest Heights
R. David Chambers, Councilmember, Town of Morningside
Gopi Dhokai, Councilmember, City of Hyattsville
Shelley Dorsey-Washington, Treasurer, Town of North Brentwood
Sarah Franklin, Councilmember, Town of Upper Marlboro
Faith Ford, Council Member, Town of Capitol Heights
Frankie Fritz, Councilmember, City of Greenbelt
Edouard Haba, Councilmember, City of Hyattsville
John Hoatson, Town Manager, Town of Cottage City
Glenda Johnson, Councilmember, Town of Landover Hills
Troy Barrington Lilly, President, Town of Forest Heights
Danielle McKinney, Council Member, City of Greenbelt
Phelecia Nembhard, Mayor, City of New Carrollton
Paula Noble, Councilwoman, Town of Forest Heights
Ray Ranker, Councilmember, City of College Park
Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grant Manager, City of Seat Pleasant
Joseph Solomon, Councilmember, City of Hyattsville
Agnelli Sybel Malavé, Councilmember, City of New Carrollton
Christopher Wade, Council Member, Town of Cheverly
Kristen Weaver, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Greenbelt
Wanda Wheatley, Commissioner, Chair, Town of Cottage City

For more information on the Neighborhood Planning Academy, visit: https://academy.pgplanning.com. Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders may join the mailing list to receive announcements on applications for upcoming courses.

About the Prince George’s County Planning Department

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the county’s resources through high-quality planning services and growth management guidance. Our mission is to promote economic vitality, environmental sustainability, design excellence, and quality development that promotes healthy lifestyles in Prince George’s County. Visit our website, www.pgplanning.org, to learn how you can become engaged in shaping the future of your community.

Assistance

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. Call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.

Contact:

Calista Black

Chief Communications Officer

calista.black@mncppc.org | 301-952-3038

Patricia Villone

Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist III

patricia.villone@mncppc.org | 301-952-4112

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