The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) invites you to join The Vision is Yours, a transformative regional forum focused on placemaking and placekeeping, taking place April 23-24, 2026.
This multi-day gathering convenes urban planners, community leaders, designers, artists, and public officials to explore innovative approaches to reimagining public spaces across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area.
From inspiring keynotes and hands-on learning labs, to lively networking events and mobile workshops showcasing groundbreaking projects, the forum sparks the radical imagination needed to shape a brighter, more equitable and inclusive future shaped by local communities.
Last year, 204 participants from across the region came together for an unforgettable event.
Discover what made it a standout gathering—explore our 2025 Vision is Yours summary, or watch the highlight reel below.
Date and Location
Call for Proposals
We’re interested in projects and strategies that touch on what makes communities thrive — from food access to safety to creative expression and more. Sessions can take many forms, whether a panel, learning lab, or mobile workshop. Apply today!
Reserve Your Spot
Registration is now open! Join us for this special event.
Explore a full lineup of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to share tools, spark ideas, and strengthen connections across the placemaking and design ecosystem.
Exclusive this year: Join conference attendees and the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation for a special lecture by Elena Madison, Director of Programs at Project for Public Spaces. This session will explore placemaking as a critical tool for creating vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.
We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation to offer a discounted hotel block for conference attendees through the University of Maryland. Transportation to and from the conference hotel will be provided at the beginning and end of each conference day.
The Vision Is Yours Conference Scholarship supports artists, community members, students, and independent practitioners who may not otherwise have access to resources for professional development opportunities. Scholarships prioritize:
Interested in applying for a scholarship? Submit your application!
When community leaders, designers, planners, government agencies, and funders come together, they unlock the capacity to build shared visions, align resources to local needs, and advance projects with lasting impact.
Real progress happens when we have space to learn from one another – yet those opportunities for this kind of generative, cross-sector collaboration are rare.
In a 2024 survey of NDC’s network, 67% called for stronger collaboration between community leaders, artists, planners, and local governments, and 70% said peer connections are critical to moving their projects forward.
Regional partners — including the Maryland-National Capital Parks & Planning Commission, Local Initiatives Support Coalition DC, Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, and the University of Maryland — echoed that call, pointing to the lack of dedicated, cross-disciplinary spaces where ideas, expertise, and resources can align.
The Vision is Yours was created to meet that need — bringing people, projects, and ideas together to share what works, build new partnerships, and strengthen the work that shapes our neighborhoods.
“The conference was a great success! It provided a space for industry leaders to meet, exchange ideas, and connect the dots on community-driven design. I am looking forward to attending next year!”
—Janae Edley, Parks & People Foundation
“This was one of the most interesting, engaging, and vibrant conferences I’ve attended. The participants were very engaged in my session, and NDC staff was so helpful in organizing and assisting with the logistics of the session. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!”
—Joseph Hamd, Youth Development Manager, Washington Area Bicyclists Association
By sponsoring The Vision is Yours, you will help foster connections, spark innovation, and build the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Get Updates
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive 2026’s event programming, speakers, and more!
Questions?
Contact NDC Deputy Director Briony Hynson
bhynson@ndc-md.org
301-830-5219
Media Contact
Contact Sara Warfield, on behalf of NDC
Sara@SaraWarfieldCommunications.com
410-952-1271
