Registration Now Open: Spring Community Planning Institute, 
March 19–20, 2026


The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has opened registration for its Spring 2026 Community Planning Institute (CPI), scheduled for March 19–20, 2026, in Brunswick, Georgia. DCA is asking Regional Commissions to help share this opportunity with local governments across the state.


Hosted in partnership with the Georgia Planning Association (GPA), CPI is a highly regarded, 1.5-day intensive training designed for professionals who need high-quality instruction without extended time away from their communities.


Why Attend the Community Planning Institute?


For more than 21 years, CPI has supported Georgia’s communities by equipping local leaders with practical planning tools and real-world examples. The Spring 2026 institute continues this tradition by combining expert instruction, peer learning, and on-the-ground project exposure.


At $300 per attendee, CPI offers one of the best values for local government training in Georgia, pairing:


  • High-quality planning resources


  • Exposure to transformative housing and downtown development projects


  • A compressed, efficient agenda tailored for busy local officials


Who Should Attend?


This training is ideal for:


  • Planning commissioners


  • Elected officials


  • City and county staff


  • Regional commission staff


  • Local government professionals involved in planning, housing, and community development


Topics Covered


Participants can expect sessions focused on:


  • Comprehensive planning fundamentals


  • Affordable housing strategies, including combating NIMBYism


  • Using CDBG funds to implement local plans


  • Downtown revitalization approaches


  • Success stories from communities across Georgia


  • A housing tour of a Rural Workforce Housing Grantee


  • And more


Location & Lodging


The institute will be held in Brunswick, Georgia. DCA has secured a discounted group rate of $139 per night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brunswick (138 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525).

Hotel booking information will be provided after registration.


Registration & Scholarships


Local governments are encouraged to register early. Full details and registration are available on DCA’s Community Planning Institute webpage:


👉 Community Planning Institute Information & Registration

https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/coordinated-planning/local-planning/community-planning-institute


Attendees may also be eligible for scholarship support through the Denise Abboud Memorial Fund via the Georgia Planning Memorial Foundation. Additional information is available through the Georgia Planning Association.

Share

April 2, 2026
FY26 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) NOFO Now Live
March 31, 2026
Rural organizations working to expand housing and community development now have an opportunity to receive free technical support through the Housing Assistance Council’s OneRural Technical Assistance Program. Applications for Round 6 are now open and will be accepted through March 31, 2026, with additional applications considered through April 15 if space remains. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rural Capacity Building Program and USDA Rural Development’s Rural Community Development Initiative, OneRural provides no-cost, one-on-one technical assistance to help rural organizations strengthen operations, build capacity, and expand affordable housing and community development efforts. Selected participants receive expert guidance on housing development and financing, specialized training resources, and support from a dedicated HAC team partner to help implement solutions and grow long-term impact. Because the program is competitive and space is limited, applicants are encouraged to submit strong proposals that clearly demonstrate organizational goals and leadership commitment. Organizations can learn more and apply online, or direct questions to apply@ruralhome.org
March 30, 2026
DCA Launches Georgia Rehoused Funding Opportunity to Address Homelessness
March 30, 2026
Apply by June 15 for Georgia Local Road Assistance funds
March 30, 2026
Municipal Certified Stormwater Inspector Training – April 23–24, 2026
March 20, 2026
Transit Development Plan (TDP) for Early County in Development
By 183:935661903 March 10, 2026
Historic Preservation Commission Training Day 
March 10, 2026
Federal Helene Relief: Hurricane Helene Block Grant Applications to Open March 16
March 10, 2026
Registration for the GICH 2026 Spring Retreat is now open!
By Beka Shiver February 24, 2026
Thomas, Colquitt, and Decatur County Students Showcase 44 Innovative Projects at InVenture Prize
More Posts