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Applications for Spring 2018 are closed. Sign-up to be notified of the Fall 2018 application!

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What is CPI?

Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is the education and outreach arm of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.

CPI's main programming is a semiannual seven-week course that provides an introduction to city planning, zoning, the development process and special topics.

CPI’s mission is to empower citizens to take a more effective and active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods and of Philadelphia, through a greater understanding of city planning and the steps involved in development projects.

A Better Philadelphia- Plan On It!

Read More About CPI

Quick Facts

  • Who is the CPI course for?

    Anyone who loves where they live! Whether you’ve been involved in your neighborhood for years, or if you’re a new neighbor—if you want to make a difference in your community, CPI is for you! To date, 450 Philadelphians have participated, representing over 150 different neighborhoods.

  • What is planning?

    City planning helps guide how to improve housing, neighborhoods, jobs, transportation, and public space. Plans make recommendations based on community input and on studies of existing properties, demographics, housing, and transit issues. They also identify how to turn the ideas in the plan into action.

  • What will I take away from the experience?

    Not only will you learn from instructors who are leaders in the fields of planning, development, and community development, you will also be connected with the growing network of Citizen Planners across the City who are working on many of the same neighborhood challenges. The CPI course provides practical tools individuals can take back to their neighborhood organizations and communities so they can engage in planning issues on equal footing with other stakeholders.

  • How do I apply?

    Applications are available on this website in March for the Spring course and in September for the Fall course. You can sign-up to receive our enewsletter to learn when applications are available at the bottom of this page. If you or someone you know requires a print application, call 215-683-4648.

More at the Course Info page!