CITIZEN PLANNERS CERTIFICATE (CPC)

As a neighborhood leader, you are a PERSON OF INFLUENCE with great responsibility for the success of your neighborhood organization. Being a neighborhood leader should be rewarding, after all, you are volunteering your time, talent, and skills to make your Neighborhood Planning Unit or association stronger and your neighborhood a better place. EFFECTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS are individuals who have the ability to inspire confidence and support among members and neighbors who are needed to achieve NPU / association goals. Our Citizen Planners Certificate (CPC) as a component of NPU University has the KEY ATTRIBUTES, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE you may need to enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness.

The Citizen Planners Certificate (CPC) was developed for the most engaged residents and community leaders who are highly motivated to use every tool and resource available to them to facilitate positive neighborhood change. Interested individuals at all levels of experience may apply for the Citizen Planners Certificate (CPC) program.

This program is particularly valuable for:

Members of neighborhood groups, associations, or Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs)
Staff and boards of community development organizations/committees
Officers and residents representing neighborhood or community organizations.

Objectives:
Participants will hone the skills to develop and implement strategies that will:
• Increase the capacity of residents and other stakeholders to manage neighborhood change

• Increase residents’ confidence and participation in initiatives to shape their neighborhoods’ future

• Promote understanding of housing affordability principles

• Strengthen relationships with the business community

• Support the development of healthy, mixed-income neighborhoods

• Cultivate collaborations that promote and sustain revitalization

Applications are being accepted for enrollment in the Citizen Planners Certificate. (CPC) Please note courses taken in 2022 can be applied to new applications.

How to Apply?

Apply to NPU University via the link located here. Applications will be accepted until July 1st of the current year.

If you have questions, email the registrar at npu-u@AtlantaGa.Gov.

Requirements

The Citizen Planners Certificate (CPC) program consists of a series of courses that provide the theoretical framework, specialized tools, and technical skills necessary to design and carry out successful neighborhood growth and development. Students who earn the Citizens Planner Certificate are required to complete classes in four different tracks within two years. To enroll, visit www.npuatlanta.org.

*Courses are currently being reviewed for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) continuing credits. Courses are not currently eligible for certification maintenance.

Community Leadership – any 3 classes, or any 1 class and the Community Leadership Institute

CL1001 Chairpersons’ Annual Update, Training, and Orientation

CL1002 Elected Officers Orientation

CL1003.001 Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures and Membership Privileges

CL1003.002 Parliamentary Procedures II: Managing Discussion Around Hot Topics as the Chairperson or Presiding Officer

CL1004.001 Community Leadership Institute - Spring or Fall Cohort

CL1005 Bylaws Clinic

CL1006 Election Integrity Clinic

Planning – P1004.001 and any 3 classes

P1004.001 Zoning Fundamentals I

P1004.002 Zoning Fundamentals II

P1004.003 Zoning Fundamentals III

P1005 Building Permits for Beginners

P1006 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

P1007 Introduction to Comprehensive Development Planning

P1008 Neighborhood Planning Series

P1009 Mobile Workshop

Civic Participation – CO1001 or CP1002, CP1008, and any 1 class

CP1001 The Legislative Process

CP1002 NPU 101: How Does the NPU System Work?

CP1003 Civic Participation for Seniors

CP1004 Civic Participation for Millennials

CP1005 Civic Responsibility and Engagement for Young Adults

CP1006 Atlanta Community Engagement Playbook

CP1008 Public Meetings

CP1009 Permitting Process & Participation

Community Development – CD1004.001 and any 2 classes

CD1001 Jobs and Career Opportunities in your Community

CD1002 Code Enforcement Academy

CD1003 Housing Security Series

CD1003.001 Housing Security Series | Avoiding Housing Scams & Reducing Property Taxes

CD1003.002 Housing Security Series | Avoiding Foreclosure

CD1003.003 Housing Resources for Tenants

CD1004.001 Introduction to Invest Atlanta

CD1004.002 Understanding Workforce Housing and Affordability

CD1004.003 Density Matters/Neighborhood Revitalization

CD1004.004 Understanding Public Financing (TADs, bonds, NMTCs, LIHTC, etc.)

CD1005 Urban Plan Academy for Community Leaders