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