CPI Planning Classroom

“Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take. You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, destiny.” — Alfred A. Montapert

Spring 2011 Small Group Exercise

Thanks to a grant from the William Penn Foundation, a pilot course was developed and launched in November, 2010. Thirty participants were selected from over 80 applications received. A series of three “Citizen Planner” classes provided ‘101’ level introduction on planning issues and principles, land use and zoning, and the development process. Using feedback from pilot course participants, this “core course” was improved and expanded for the Spring 2011 offering, which attracted over 100 applicants, and was made possible by a grant from the Philadelphia Office of Housing & Community Development.

In the Fall of 2011, thanks to funding from the William Penn Foundation, three “core course” sessions were offered, along with three new “elective” classes. Upon completing the core course, two electives, and a “course project” applicants earned “Citizen Planner Certificate of Completion”.

The Spring 2012 course series is supported by funding from the William Penn Foundation and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. Clink on the links in the blue box at left to read course descriptions and see “Instructor Bios” to read about our knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer instructors.

Participants are actively engaged in learning from each other, as well as from our instructor/facilitators. One of the goals of the CPI course is to provide practical tools individuals can take back to their neighborhood organizations or communities. This course is being developed for individuals and leaders within neighborhood organizations who are highly motivated to engage in planning issues on equal footing with other stakeholders.

To make the most of your time investment, class sessions will be structured to be relevant to your interests and needs. Real life examples will be included as much as possible with plenty of opportunities for learner interactions. You will also be required to complete a “Course Project” of your choosing. See the “Course Project Workshop” (left) and “Sample Course Projects” (under “Session Materials”, left) for more information.

Your course fees cover catered dinner and costs of materials. You will receive handout materials at every session and a “Neighborhood Planning Workbook” (see “Session Materials”-posted at the conclusion of each course series).