The Vision is Yours is the Neighborhood Design Center’s annual, transformative conference focused on placemaking and placekeeping.
Stay tuned for 2027 event date!
This multi-day gathering convenes urban planners, community leaders, designers, artists, and public officials to explore innovative approaches to reimagining our public spaces.
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.
In 2026, 260 participants from across the region came together for an unforgettable event.
Discover what made it a standout gathering — explore The Vision is Yours 2026 conference recap or watch the highlight reel below.
The Vision is Yours offers an array of opportunities designed to share tools, spark ideas, and strengthen connections across the placemaking and design ecosystem.
Our 2026 schedule was conveniently uploaded to Sched App, where participants could browse events, customize their personal schedule, and connect with other attendees. Wondering what to expect? Take a look at our most recent program.
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.
Placemaking is not something we deliver—it’s something we practice together.
That’s what this conference is all about: field building not as an abstract aim, but as a lived, collective act. A space to expand our tools, forge new alliances, and name the challenges we face out loud.
In 2025, The Vision is Yours engaged community partners in Mount Rainier in pursuit of high priority projects in public spaces — offering attendees valuable hands-on implementation experiences.
Native Pollinator Garden
Invasive removal, native planting and low-maintenance greening to beautify the Mount Rainier Elementary School Reading Garden while contributing to local ecology.
SEE PROJECT →
Art in the Right of Way
Demonstration mural on Bunker Hill Road across from Joe’s Movement Emporium to build momentum, buy-in, and community feedback for a permanent traffic-calming artwork to improve safety conditions for pickup during after school programs.
SEE PROJECT →
By sponsoring The Vision is Yours, you will help foster connections, spark innovation, and build the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for 2027? Contact NDC Deputy Director Briony Hynson at bhynson@ndc-md.org or 301-830-5219.
Media Contact
Contact Sara Warfield, on behalf of NDC
Sara@SaraWarfieldCommunications.com
410-952-1271
