The VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI) is pleased to announce the addition of a new program to its Land Use Education Program (LUEP) portfolio: the Architectural Review Board Program (ARB).
Developed in response to feedback from local governments and community leaders across the Commonwealth, the ARB Program is designed specifically for members of local Architectural Review Boards who oversee historic districts. The program provides focused training to help board members confidently navigate their responsibilities while balancing preservation, legal requirements, and community development.
Architectural Review Boards play a critical role in maintaining the character and integrity of historic districts. Their decisions affect property owners, local economies, and long-term community identity. The new ARB Program equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to make informed, defensible, and thoughtful decisions.
A Comprehensive, Practical Curriculum
The ARB Program centers on five key components essential to effective board service:
- Legal issues and decision-making authority
- Meeting management and procedural best practices
- Historic preservation guidelines and application review
- Planning and zoning fundamentals
- The economics of historic preservation
Participants will engage in two full days of live virtual instruction, followed by a ten-week guided at-home study period, and conclude with a final live virtual session. Throughout the program, participants will hear from experienced practitioners, legal experts, and educators who bring real-world perspectives to the classroom.
The program emphasizes interactive learning and applied activities to ensure that participants not only understand the material, but can confidently apply it in their communities.
Program Dates and Format
The 1st ARB Program will be conducted entirely virtually and will follow this schedule:
Opening Session (Live Virtual Instruction)
September 24, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 25, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
At-Home Study Period
September 26 – December 3
Participants should expect a commitment of approximately one to three hours per week.
Closing Session (Live Virtual Instruction)
December 4, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The registration fee is $700.
To register for the 1st Architectural Review Board Program (Virtual), visit:
https://cvent.me/lqlVaZ
Strengthening Local Leadership in Historic Preservation
With the addition of the ARB Program, GEHLI continues its commitment to providing high-quality, practical education for Virginia’s local government leaders. By offering specialized training for Architectural Review Board members, LUEP expands its impact in supporting effective land use decision-making throughout the Commonwealth.
For more information about the LUEP ARB program, visit https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/land-use-education-program-luep/
About LUEP
The Land Use Education Program, coordinated through the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at VCU, provides education and training on planning and land use laws for public officials and citizens throughout Virginia. Learn more about LUEP and upcoming trainings at gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/land-use-education-program-luep.
