To empower individuals to confidently participate in and contribute to the city’s planning and development process, and influence the future of the community.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the program, learning partners will be able to:
Gain a fundamental understanding of city planning.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of City Council and Planning Commission in the planning process.
Understand the key roles, processes, and functions of the Thornton planning department.
Have a basic knowledge of municipal functions that are ancillary to city planning.
Understand how to appropriately interact with the city regarding planning issues and processes.
Become advocates for the city as it pertains to key planning issues, topics, and processes.
Rules of Participation
All Learning Partners in the Thornton Planning Academy are expected to uphold the Rules of Participation to maintain a productive and professional environment.
The 2026 Thornton Planning Academy begins on September 16th with class evaluation and graduation occurring on October 28th. The schedule for each session is as follows:
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Optional meal (food will be provided)
6:00 – 6:45 PM: Class One (attendance expected)
6:50 – 7:35 PM: Class Two (attendance expected)
7:35 – 8:00 PM: Discussion time (attendance optional)
Learning partners are welcome to arrive as early as 5:30 PM and to stay until 8:00 PM but are expected to be present from 6:00–7:35 PM for each class session.
Date
Session No.
Topic A
Topic B
Wednesday, September 16
Session 1
Comprehensive Planning
Area Planning
Wednesday, September 23
Session 2
Land Use, Zoning, and Development Review
Day in the Life of a Planner
Wednesday, September 30
Session 3
Development Engineering: Platting and Construction
Traffic and Site Access
Wednesday, October 7
Session 4
Landscape Architecture
Water Supply and Efficiency
Wednesday, October 14
Session 5
Building Inspection and Permitting
Fire Prevention
Wednesday, October 21
Session 6
Housing
Economic Development
Wednesday, October 28
Session 7
Legal and Legislative Issues, Code Compliance
Class Evaluation and Graduation
Following October 28th, the Urban Land Institute "UrbanPlan" workshop will be scheduled on a Friday during office hours. More information to come.
Prep Materials
Below are the class prep materials, expected to be watched or read prior to each session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
Prep Materials
A link to the Prep Materials will be available prior to the first session.
Class Presentations and Handouts
A link to the Class Presentations and Handouts will be available after the session.
