Partners in planning
In partnership with The City of Calgary
What is Partners in Planning?
The Partners in Planning program (PIP) is a free, award-winning certificate program offered by the Federation of Calgary Communities in partnership with The City of Calgary. The program is geared towards helping community association planning volunteers and the public to develop skills for effective participation in the planning process.
Certificate Program
Through our Partners in Planning certification, you will understand Calgary’s planning process, and be able to actively participate in future planning conversations and decision making processes affecting your community and city.
To earn your Partners in Planning Certificate, successfully complete our three core courses and one elective course. There’s no deadline; complete the program at your own pace.
Core Courses
Learn more about the basics of Calgary’s planning system through our 3 core courses. All three courses must be completed to earn a certificate.
Explore Calgary’s planning framework, from long range city and regional plans to community plans. Learn about the legislative framework that guides The City's future planning decisions.
Decode the complex process planners face when assessing planning applications. Learn how they balance best planning practices, current policies, land use bylaws and community feedback to make informed planning decisions.
Learn how to effectively participate in city planning and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving Calgary for everyone.
Elective Courses
Each year, we offer a variety of elective courses on currently trending planning topics. To complete your certificate, you must take at least one elective course. However, you are always welcome to take more elective courses!
Check our Partners in Planning Calendar for our latest elective topics!
Join Our Upcoming
partners in planning sessions
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to find out when registrations are open!
Upcoming Events
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September 6, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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October 4, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
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October 25, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Partners in Planning (PIP) is FREE for all Calgarians.
No. You are welcome to take as many courses as you like.
Each Partners in Planning course is a three-hour in-person workshop. To earn your certificate, you’ll need to invest a total of 12 hours.
You are always welcome to take another core or elective course, whether you’ve completed your certificate or not.
Go at your own pace. There is no time limit for completing you Partners in Planning certificate.
Thank you for your interest in our Urban Planning courses.
Our members-only workshops are designed to meet the needs of community association development committees, and do not count towards a Partners in Planning Certificate. However, we encourage Federation members to expand their knowledge through these courses. Learn more about them here.
