The Planning Academy at Virginia Tech offers highly interactive instruction in our two-day courses for professionals in the planning, design and development fields. At the Planning Academy, you get personal attention from our nationally recognized instructors and the opportunity to network and share experiences with peers from across the country.

Courses are located in our Northern Virginia facilities, easily accessible to all parts of the National Capital Region.

Fall 2009 courses include:

PAYING FOR GROWTH: POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
November 12-13
Instructor: Dr. Terry Holzheimer, Director of Economic Development for Arlington County, VA

A recent APA Task Force Report notes with alarm that most communities do not have a fiscal sustainability component of their comprehensive plan. Moreover, many planners do not understand the elements of fiscal impact studies and are unfamiliar with the revenue sources and funding mechanisms available to finance growth-related needs. This course will give you the background and tools you need to promote sustainable economic growth in your community. Register by October 23 to get the early bird registration rate!

GROWING GREEN: DEVELOPING AN ECO-CITY ACTION PLAN AND LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
November 19-20
Instructors: Dr. Shelley Mastran and Joe Schilling, LL.D. and J.D.

This course will examine the latest model programs and policies from a variety of U.S. cities as they move towards their goal of eco-sustainability. It will also highlight innovative strategies for building coalitions and engaging residents in an honest dialogue about sustainability. Using a series of case studies and program summaries, we will closely examine the legal and policy challenges of adopting and implementing green policies and discuss how policymakers and community groups can transfer these innovative ideas back home.

In addition to the 12 regular AICP CM credits, this course will be submitted for 1.5 units of CM Law credit. Register by October 30 to get the early bird registration rate!

The Planning Academy (through VT's School of Public and International Affairs) is a registered provider of AICP CM credits. All courses will be submitted for 12 CM credits.

The Planning Academy can also offer individualized training in your office, designed to meet the specific needs of your organization.

For a complete course information and registration, see
http://www.planningacademy.ncr.vt.edu/