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New York Planning Federation

Professional Training Programs

The New York Planning Federation is an authorized provider of training for planning and zoning board members as required by New York State.

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New York State law requires at least 4 hours of annual training for members of planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. NYPF's training programs are specifically designed to satisfy this mandate while strengthening your ability to serve your community.

Government Seal reading Excelsior E Pluribus Unum

We provide certificates of attendance for anyone attending our webinars and for those who watch our recorded sessions.

Many of our programs are also eligible for Certified Maintenance (CM) credit for professional planners and can be used as professional development electives for code enforcement officers.

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Access to Training Lessons can be acquired only by NYPF Members.
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Any Questions?

Please call (518) 512-5270 or email nypf@nypf.org with any questions.

Trainings Available

General Courses

  • Planning, Zoning, and Land Use 101
  • Introduction to Planning, Zoning, and Land Use
  • SEQR Basics
  • Historic Preservation
  • Utility Scale Solar Electricity in NYS: Some Basics for Planning and Zoning Boards
  • Adopting Your First Form-Based Code: Best Practices
  • Regulating Controversial Uses
  • A Faster and Better Comprehensive Plan
  • Preparing Update for Growth: Managing the Unexpected Boom
  • Strategic Public Art Planning Building Community Identity Through Integrated Design
  • Introduction to GIS
  • Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Preparing a Comprehensive Plan
  • Understanding and Applying SEQRA (NY State Environmental Quality Review Act)
  • The What, Why, and How of Site Plan Review
  • Common Mistakes and Mishaps in Site Plan Review
  • Child Care as a Land Use: Planning for Access, Compatibility and Community

Housing

  • Use of Accessory Dwelling Units to Respond to Changing Housing Needs
  • Regulating Short-term Rentals in Your Jurisdiction
  • Short Term Rentals
  • Housing Solutions in Lake George: A Local Government Attempt to Combat the Housing Crisis

Environment and Sustainability

  • Climate Action Planning
  • NYS DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program
  • Low-Cost Pollinator Actions
  • NYS Freshwater Wetlands Act Regulations Update
  • Bridges, Culverts, and Dams: Funding Opportunities for Aquatic Connectivity Restoration Projects
  • What Municipalities Need to Know About Saving the Bees
  • Climate Resilience Planning in the Mid-Hudson Region
  • Building Health: Infrastructure’s Role in Public Well-Being
  • Green Infrastructure: What Sustainability Means in Healthcare

Meeting Process and Communication

  • Essential Tools for Effective Public Participation
  • Enhancing Transparency Effectiveness in Planning Proceedings
  • Innovations and Best Practices for Planning/Zoning Boards
  • Engaging Diverse Communities and Dealing with Difficult People
  • Working with Elected Officials and Understanding Everyone’s Role in Planning
  • The Open Meetings Law for Zoning and Planning Boards, Part 2
  • Working with Developers to Foster Investment in the Community
  • Communication, the Media and Social Media
  • Open Government and Planning and Zoning Decision Making

Transportation

  • Why Active Transportation Matters (and How to Pay For It)
  • Charge on! Preparing for an Electric Mobility Future
  • Rural Transit: How to Tackle the Impossible