Community Planning Program

Planning and Zoning 101: The Basics

All appointed board and commission members, local government staff and elected officials should attend this introduction to the basics of planning and zoning. The Basics is the seminal course on local government planning and land use regulations, offering state-specific training to help local governments manage growth and develop healthy, vibrant communities for all Georgians. 

Planning and Zoning 102: Public Engagement

All appointed board and commission members, and planning staff should attend this training. Participants will learn about community engagement, including how to conduct and handle problems at meetings as well as broader strategies for involvement. The course uses case studies, group work and discussion to facilitate understanding.

Planning and Zoning 103: Administrative Decisions and Appeals

This class takes a close look at administrative decisions in local planning and zoning, the kinds of decisions where officials apply existing rules to specific properties rather than set new policy. Participants will clarify how administrative actions differ from legislative ones and why that distinction matters for both fairness and legal defensibility. The session highlights the practical work of boards and staff: using adopted criteria to reach sound decisions, building a clear and factual record, and understanding how those records function in the event of an appeal. The goal is to help commissioners and board members make decisions that are grounded, transparent, and firmly supported by the ordinance and the evidence.

Planning and Zoning 104: Zoning Reform and Revision

This course explores how zoning codes can meet a local community’s future needs and desires to reach more positive outcomes and responsive land-use policies. Coursework examines methods for assessing existing code and development patterns. Participants also learn how to analyze aspects of code revisions, including clarity and consistency, density, affordability and transportation.

Planning and Zoning 105: Sustaining Rural and Small-Town Identity

This course examines the defining characteristics of rural and small-town communities and their role in shaping local identity and quality of life. Participants will explore key challenges facing these communities in Georgia, including growth pressures, economic shifts, and land use changes. The course will introduce best practices for preserving rural character and small-town identity through planning and zoning strategies. 

Planning & Zoning 106: Housing Policies and Best Practices
This course offers a comprehensive overview of housing policies and best practices that can be used to address common housing issues in communities across Georgia. Participants will learn about prevalent housing issues and effective planning and zoning strategies and solutions. The course is designed for local government planners, appointed planning commissioners, policy makers, housing authority members, economic developers, and community development department staff.

Local Planning Solutions Capstone Seminar

This seminar serves as the culminating requirement for the Community Planning Certificate. Eligible participants enroll to apply for the certificate and initiate the Local Planning Solutions Capstone Project. The required seminar session provides an overview of certificate requirements, application procedures, project scope, timelines, and evaluation standards. Participants receive guidance on developing an applied capstone project that addresses a defined planning or zoning issue within their community. Successful completion and approval of the capstone project fulfill the final requirement for award of the certificate.