Maryland Heights, MO

Contributed by David B. Bookless, AICP

The City of Maryland Heights Department of Community Development has been working to broaden public participation in the planning process for a number of years and recognizes the importance of "reaching them early." Efforts include a recently adopted Public Engagement Plan, participation in APA's "National Community Planning Month" and "Youth & Teachers" program, and Missouri Youth Engaged in Local Government program (formerly Citizen Education Clearing House AKA CECH-UP), which engages youth by teaching them about the governmental process and involving them in confronting issues affecting the community. This is in addition to the the development of a web-based version of the Zoning Code that includes laymen's terms explanations and graphics to foster understanding across all age groups of the planning and zoning process. The Department considers the endeavor to be an on-going process, and is constantly working to improve efforts to reach out to the community. Future plans include continued participation in the above activities and expanded outreach to youth organizations by including them among the stakeholders invited to participate in the comprehensive planning process.

Buffalo, NY

Contributed by Kimberley Moore

The University at Buffalo’s Graduate Planning Student Association (GPSA) recently partnered with the Buffalo Public Schools and local construction firm LP Ciminelli to create BuffaloUP (Buffalo Urban Planners) which introduces 7th and 8th grade students to the field of planning and, more specifically, to community development and revitalization.