FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 23, 2015 
Denver’s first Citizens’ Planning Academy slated for Fall 2015

Participants will learn “city-building 101” from Activation to Zoning
Local residents will get an inside look at how city planning works starting in September, when Denver Community Planning and Development launches the first-ever Citizens’ Planning Academy.  Hosted in partnership with the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) neighborhood coalition, the free, three-part Citizens’ Planning Academy curriculum will give 30 participants insight into the key aspects of citywide plans, neighborhood plans and zoning. The goal of the academy is to empower residents, business owners and others with information so they can engage in and guide planning efforts effectively both in their own neighborhoods and for the whole city.

The academy will be held on three Wednesday evenings this fall: September 30, and October 14 and 28. To apply or for additional information, visit DenverGov.org/CPD.

The application deadline is August 14.   Courses will be jointly taught by city planners, neighborhood representatives and industry professionals, with interactive activities and group discussions.

They will cover:

•  Citywide Planning: How does a city of more than 650,000 set a vision for its future? Learn how to identify and prioritize transportation and land-use strategies to build sustainable and well-connected communities citywide.
•   Neighborhood Planning:  What are your neighborhood’s best features? What would make it healthier, more livable, and better connected? Learn how neighbors have worked together to identify what character-defining features to preserve and enhance, while opening doors for appropriate reinvestment to keep their area vibrant.
• Zoning:  Zoning can help translate a community’s broad vision into sticks and bricks.  Learn about Denver’s context- and form-based code and how it strives to improve the health, safety, prosperity and quality-of-life for all of Denver. Learn helpful tips about how to use the code, including online tools available at DenverGov.org/zoning.

After the pilot phase this fall, the academy may continue and expand in 2016.