UMD Student Planning Association

Our own Lauren Stamm (MCP 2019) discusses future development in East Silver Spring in the June 8, 2026 issue of Bethesday Today.

5 things to know about the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan The proposed master plan responds to the anticipated impacts of the upcoming Purple Line and expected investment in the area.

For our Jersey alums--join our own Graham Petto (MCP) at the NJ Conference of Mayors, Panel Session 2.

Congratulations to our own Dr. Pranjali Rai (MCP 2016) who is part of the Washington State Department of Commerce Growth Management Services team recently recognized by APA’s Sustainable Communities Division with it 2026 Policy, Law and Tool Award (2026) for its innovative climate and planning guidance and tools. Nice job. alex

Commerce planners recognized for innovative climate guidance and planning tools Commerce planners recognized for innovative climate guidance and planning tools April 30, 2026May 4, 2026 Climate Planning Team Manager Michael Burnham and Senior Planner Ananda Gordon-Peabody are among the team that developed the award-winning planning tools. A years-long effort by the Washington S...

Yep. URSP alums still keep in touch after more than 30 years, And to keep the ball rolling, we were happy to have a current URSP student join us--with the hope that the practice continues. Regardless, great conversation with topics ranging from the state of planning, and the Program, to how we got into Planning, to possible alumni-student activities, travel, and of course BTS. Great time for all. It was good to catch up. BTW, even after 30 years, the Yanks are better than the Sox (just look at the standings). alex
(L to R): Alex Chen (MCP 2016), Fayla Sutton (MCP 2027), Dan Rosen (MCP 1994), Mike Haley (MCP 1994).

Interesting reading for our transportation alums in opinion piece by our own Carrie Sanders (MCP 2005) on Purple Line and Eastern Silver Spring. Nice job. alex

Montgomery County planners want to make sure everyone benefits from the Purple Line Montgomery County planners have been working since late 2023 to take advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support more compact, walkable, and livable communities in the area south of the Capital Beltway between Sligo Creek and the Prince George’s County line.

For our URSP alums planning to attend APA National Planning Conference in Detroit (NPC26) online or virtual have a great time and hoping you find time to catch up with your fellow Terp planners. This would include our own Jaime Fearer (MCP 2011) who will also be presenting on “Professional Programs for Future Ready Planners” April 26, and Zubin Adrianvale (URPD 2017) discussing “Touching 3rd Rails: Mulitmodality and Residential Upping”. In addition, you can catch up virtually with Amber Wendland (MCP 2013) discussing “Re-imaging the Future of Research Parks”, May 28); as well as Dr. Robert Goodspeed (MCP 2018), “Envisioning Urban Futures with Scenario Modeling Trends, May 27. (You should confirm date/times). There probably will be others so keep a look out and take a picture. Have fun.

Congratulations to our own Aviva Brown Klugh (MCP) who co-led along with Meg Young the team responsible for preparing the Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan and recently received the Sustainable Growth Award for Policy from Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Planning. Congratulations to all.

Our URSP Alumni get togethers begin anew for 2026. Great to catch up with our Rockville alums with good food, good friends, and good conversation ranging from AI in Planning, Purple Line on Campus, College Park development and of course, BTS.
Front (L to R): Kara Olsen Salazar (2012), Chris Davis (2016), Andrew Wexler (2012)
Back: Alex Chen (2016)

Dropped by my former haunts and saw some former colleagues who continue to help make the School run smoothly. Some of you might remember them. It was great to catch up. In addition, for all you "old timers" guess what is now in front of Stamp Student Union. Not sure what to say,
L to R: Alex Chen, Chris Hinojosa, Cindy Frank
Photos are self explanatory

Congratulations to our own Jessica Reynolds (MCP 2010) and best wishes on her new adventure.

MCEDC Announces Jessica Reynolds as Chief Operating Officer Jessica previously served as Senior Director of the Office of International Investment and Trade (OIIT) at the Maryland Department of Commerce.