The Montgomery County Planning Board, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, hosts periodic Speaker Series events for residents and stakeholders to attend and participate in dynamic discussions on topics such as housing options and affordability to climate change and sustainable development. The Speaker Series focuses on real-world examples from across the county, public-private collaboration and thoughtful problem solving for challenges of today and in the future. Most events are free and open to the public and held in the M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive, Second Floor Auditorium, Wheaton, MD).
2026 Speaker Series: Growing Smarter in a Changing Climate
Montgomery County is facing a defining question: how do we grow in a way that is climate‑ready, economically responsible, and grounded in real‑world solutions? This three‑part speaker series hosted by the Montgomery County Planning Board brings together leading voices from planning, design, finance, and environmental innovation to explore how sustainable development can be delivered today and scaled for the future.
Across three engaging sessions, the series will examine how net zero development can be achieved without excessive costs, how nature‑based solutions can strengthen communities while advancing sustainability goals, and how emerging approaches like co-locating renewable energy and agriculture can align clean energy production with working landscapes. Each event will highlight practical tools, case studies, and partnerships that demonstrate how environmental responsibility, fiscal discipline, and long‑term solutions can go hand in hand.
Designed for residents, professionals, decision‑makers, and anyone interested in the future of Montgomery County, this free, public series offers a clear look at what climate‑smart development looks like in practice—and how thoughtful planning today can create more resilient, connected, and livable communities tomorrow.
Continuing Education Credits are available.
Schedule
- April 30—Net Zero that Pencils Out: Normalizing Sustainable Development
- July—Where Farming Meets the Grid: Agrivoltaics in Action
- September 24—Building with Nature: Regenerative Solutions for Climate Resilient Communities
Session 1—Net Zero that Pencils Out: Normalizing Sustainable Development
Thursday, April 30
Panel event: 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Light reception with the Montgomery County Planning Board: 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
Location
M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters
2425 Reedie Drive, 2nd Floor Auditorium
Wheaton, MD 20902
Panel
- Rokas Beresniovas, Head of Partnerships & Business Development – Montgomery County Green Bank
- Heather Jauregui, Director of Sustainability – Perkins Eastman
- Daniel McGee, Director of Sustainability & Senior Development Associate – Redbrick LMD
Details
Can sustainable development be delivered without higher construction costs compared to traditional development? What does financially responsible, climate-ready development look like for future generations in Montgomery County? And how can public- and private-sector partners integrate sustainability into projects right now, using proven tools, financing, and design strategies?
Join the Montgomery County Planning Board for a dynamic panel discussion on how innovative design, smart financing, and integrated planning can make sustainable development achievable and cost effective.
Panelists will share real-world examples about delivering high-performance, low-carbon projects while demonstrating how sustainability goals can align with financial feasibility, market realities, and long-term value. The discussion will highlight the role of public-private collaboration, creative financing mechanisms, and thoughtful design in accelerating Montgomery County’s path toward net zero development.
This free event is open to the public.
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) available
- American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES): 2.0
- American Planning Association (APA): 2.0
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP): 2.0