A woman stands in front of a posterboard with pictures representing outdoor amenities like basketball courts, seating and walking paths. She's holding a sticker and thinking about where to place it.
Hawthorne resident Carlena Moses places a sticker on the amenities she would like at the planned Central State Grove during the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development open house April 22, 2025. Credit: Enrique Saenz/Mirror Indy

Get informed and engaged in the city’s planning process through this series of classes.

The People’s Planning Academy, run by the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, will teach topics such as land use, zoning and the city’s comprehensive plan.

The classes aim to “equip Marion County residents with the knowledge and confidence to engage meaningfully with DMD and participate in shaping the department’s planning decisions across Indianapolis,” according to a press release.

There are a limited number of slots. Participants will be chosen based on a set of criteria, including commitment to attending all six sessions and the reason they are interested in participating.

The department is also committed to selecting a group that includes people from a variety of neighborhoods and aims to engage populations that have been historically underrepresented in urban planning, according to the press release.

If you want to apply

The city is accepting applications now until March 13. Applicants will be notified of a decision by March 23 at the earliest.

The six classes will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting on April 8 at the John H. Boner Center, 2236 E. 10th Street, 46201.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Emily Hopkins is a Mirror Indy reporter focused on data and accountability. You can reach them on phone or Signal at 317-790-5268 or by email at emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. Follow them on most social media @indyemapolis or on Bluesky @emilyhopkins.bsky.social.

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