2026 Municipal Bootcamp Program
MRB Group and Hancock Estabrook are offering a free annual training program to assist local governments, municipal officials, and planning and zoning boards.
The program will include 10 hours of remote training designed to provide a comprehensive education that encompasses all aspects of municipal governance. Each program in the series will be provided remotely on the fourth Thursday of each month with subject matter experts from MRB Group and knowledgeable attorneys from Hancock Estabrook, LLP. Topics will be lively, useful and – potentially as important – can qualify for the education requirements for members of Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Appeals.
*Please Note: You are required to register for each session individually. Certificates will be emailed after the session to each individual who attended the session for the full hour.
2026 Municipal Bootcamp Schedule
SESSION #1: ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING – THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF SEQR
January 22, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act impacts nearly every decision you’ll face as a community development player. Getting SEQR right is critical to addressing development projects—whether you’re working to advance a development, or to stop one that doesn’t align with your community’s value. This session will focus on the processes associated with SEQR review, and on what to do when you’re faced with challenging SEQR questions.
SESSION #2: From Big to Small – The Big Picture – Developing and Implementing Comprehensive Plans
February 26, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Comprehensive plans are amazing tools to facilitate development of a community vision, and charting a road map toward realizing your priorities. Developing the plan can be an exciting and valuable community-driven exercise, and when done well, can streamline implementation. This session will offer guidance on the development of comprehensive plans and transitioning from big picture concepts to action items – including regulatory reform.
SESSION #3: GETTING IT TOGETHER – The Basics of running A meeting and the open meetings law
March 26, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Motion this, second that…do we have a quorum? Does it matter? What are your obligations as a board member relative to public participation, and creating a strong public record? The operations of a public body can be complex at times, but a sound procedural playbook will help you navigate nearly any challenge. This session focuses on the basics of running a meeting, the review process, and New York’s Open Meetings Law.
SESSION #4: Soaking up the Sun – Solar and battery storage and the local review process
April 23, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
New York State’s regulations, and specifically those that allocate local authority are constantly evolving. How can planning boards, zoning boards, and local development staff address the growing popularity of solar energy solutions, while protecting the quality of life of your community? This session focuses on best practices for local regulations regarding solar and battery storage projects, and how to navigate the state’s regulations on large scale alternative energy developments.
SESSION #5: Water, Water Everywhere – the impact of wetlands on development
May 28, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Wetlands are among the most critical ecological assets in any community. New York State has taken a proactive stance on regulating development impacts that could threaten the environmental value of these key areas. Evolving regulations and best practices will drive review of projects with potential wetlands impacts. This session will overview the current regulatory landscape, and local government responsibilities related to development review.
SESSION #6: Zoning board Basics – Roles of the Zoning Board in Community Development
June 25, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Area variances vs. use variances. Statutory tests. Public Hearings. There are so many nuts and bolts to zoning boards’ roles and responsibilities. In your time on the board, you’ll see a wide variety of projects, and be asked to take action in lots of different ways. This session focuses on the basics of the board’s role in the development process, and what you might expect when you take your seat.
SESSION #7: Growing Intentionally – The Role of Local Leadership in Attracting Investment and Economic Development
July 23, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
A recent survey of nationwide developers and investors cited the local regulatory landscape as the number one risk when considering new investments. Communities must clearly define the types of development you are seeking, and shape your regulations to accelerate the development review process if you hope to attract investment. This session will focus on the role of planning and development review in positioning a community for economic development.
SESSION #8: A Storm is Brewing – How Development Review Addresses Stormwater Management and Water Quality
September 24, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Of the many threats to water quality in a community, stormwater runoff is among the highest risks. State and local regulations, and the review approach of planning/zoning boards and local staff can be your best defense for stormwater pollution. This session will overview existing regulations and best management practices, and provide local leaders with insights on how to best manage this growing challenge.
SESSION #9: Funding Your Priorities – Developing and Managing Competitive Grant Applications
October 22, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
Local leaders should always be focused on maximizing resources for your community priorities. Federal and state grant programs are vast, and getting more diverse every year. From planning and community development initiatives to large scale infrastructure projects, there’s a grant resource for almost any program or project imaginable. This session will focus on the role of planning and prioritization in grant success, elements of a successful application, and the joys of administering a grant once you win.
SESSION #10: Santa’s Naughty and Nice List – The Best and Worst of 2026
December 17, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
We’ll close out the year with a fun session on who got it really right and who might have missed the boat in 2026. We’ll provide case studies on the best examples of great development review, and a few pitfalls discovered by your neighbors that you should avoid going into the New Year.
Any questions or concerns?
Contact Eric Hankin eric.hankin@mrbgroup.com