UMD Student Planning Association

Wow! Congratulations to our own Derek Lombardi (MCP 2017), star on Jeopardy. Anyone see him?

This Alum Played to Win in the 42nd Season of Jeopardy!: Who is Derek Lombardi? | School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was the U.S. president who deemed Thanksgiving a national holiday? Luckily, Derek Lombardi M.C.P. ‘17 did; he stumbled on this fun fact cramming for his appearance on Jeopardy! this past June— one of three “Slumdog Millionaire moments” that inched the urban ...

Congratulations to our own Dr. David Boston (MCP 2012; URPD 2020) for recognition by Ocala Magazine's 40 under 40.

Sarah James, Roland LaCroix, Mikayla Frierson, & more - 40 Under 40 - July 2, 2026 Sarah James, Roland LaCroix, Mikayla Frierson, & more - 40 Under 40 - July 2, 2026 - Ocala's #1 Most award-winning city magazine.

Congratulations to our own Aimee Chambers (MCP 2011) for joining the Board of Directors of the Partnership for Strong Communities.

Welcoming New Leaders to the Partnership Board: Fionnuala, Aimee, and Kathy – Partnership for Strong Communities Connecticut’s housing challenges demand collaboration across sectors and leaders who understand that stable, affordable housing is the foundation for thriving communities.

Great to catch up with our own Ilana Branda (MCP 2007). A far ranging conversation from travel, UMD, family, friends and of course, BTS.

Congratulations to our very own Amy Neugebauer (MCP 2006) for being awarded University of Maryland’s Forward for Tomorrow’s Trailblazers Award. This award honors UMD alums who have worked to expand access to education through innovative advances in their field, and was awarded for Amy’s role (Executive Director) at The Giving Square as she works to validate children’s voices and give them agency in shaping their world. Congratulations, Amy!

Forward for Tomorrow's Trailblazers Forward for Tomorrow's Trailblazers at the University of Maryland, College Park, A Preeminent Public Research University

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.