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Fall 2026 Application for PlanHoward Academy

Application Form

This application is the first step in applying for a seat in the Fall PlanHoward Academy class. The Academy aims to educate County residents on land use and growth policies, the legal planning framework and zoning regulations, the subdivision and land development process and growth management. This education is provided in a diverse classroom setting with a group of residents from a variety of ages, ethnicities, neighborhoods, and community organizations. Please use this application to help us get to know you and what you hope to learn. Applications are expected to exceed the number of spots available, so thorough responses are helpful as we review.

Class will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, September 29, October 6, October 13, and October 20. If selected from the applicant pool, participants will be expected to attend all sessions. New for this year’s class, Howard County is partnering with the Howard Community College (HCC), to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to Academy participants. Class location will be provided when your spot is secured. We anticipate applications will exceed class capacity, so please only apply if you can attend all five nights.

For more information, please contact Randolph Mitchell at 410-313-4380 or by email at rmitchell@howardcountymd.gov.

Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
1.Please enter your contact information below. Email will be our primary way of contacting you, so please make sure to check your primary and spam email inbox in the coming weeks.(Required.)
2.I understand that PlanHoward Academy is a one night a week commitment for five-weeks and that if accepted, I will make every effort to attend each scheduled night, as each night builds upon each other.(Required.)
3.Why do you want to attend PlanHoward Academy and what do you hope to learn more about? Please answer within 3-5 sentences.(Required.)
4.What do you think are the most significant planning-related challenges in your community? Please answer within 3-5 sentences.(Required.)
5.We are seeking participants who are involved to their communities. Describe any recent community involvement you have in Howard County (for example appointed board or commission member or elected member of HOA), and the unique perspectives will bring to Academy. Please answer within 3-5 sentences.(Required.)
6.How long have you lived in Howard County?(Required.)
7.Please list your race/ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau:(Required.)
8.Please select your age range.(Required.)
9.How did you find out about PlanHoward Academy?(Required.)
10.I understand that PlanHoward Academy is limited to 35 participants, and thus completing the application does not ensure program admission. All applicants will be notified with a follow up email in the coming weeks regarding the status of their application. If you are invited to participate in the program and we cannot reach you via your provided email, your seat will be given to the next person.(Required.)
Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

All applicants will be notified if they have been selected or waitlisted for the Academy in the coming weeks. Emails will be sent to your registered email (please check primary and spam inboxes).

Thank you for completing this application and your interest in PlanHoward Academy. Please click on the ‘Submit’ button below.