Synopsis of Maryland Department of Planning accomplishments

1. Smart Growth Successes
Promoting Smart Growth
Greater Accountability
n PlanMaryland n Better Planning n Verifying Smart
“So promising is The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) has initiated MDP has worked with other
state agencies and local
Growth
a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the efficiency and State, county and municipal
Maryland’s system coordination of state and local efforts to achieve Smart Growth.
Its goal is to help Maryland better accommodate projected
governments toward smarter
annexations, more strategic
levels of government now are
required to measure progress Green.Maryland.gov
agricultural land preservation on density, land preservation, Martin O’Malley, Governor
- infiltrating Smart growth of 1 million more people by 2030 while preserving
400,000 acres at current trends.
and for a stronger connection
between comprehensive plans
construction and other growth
factors.
Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor
and water resources.
Growth throughout every n More effective comprehensive planning
n “GreenPrint” and
The Smart and Sustainable Growth Act of 2009 protects the n Agricultural
department and virtually integrity of and the public investment in local comprehensive Certification
“AgPrint”
These interactive mapping
Planning.Maryland.gov
Richard Eberhart Hall, AICP, Secretary
plans. Maryland is the only state in tools allow the public to view
every action of state government - n GrowthPrint
the nation to link farmland
preservation funding
the most ecologically and
agriculturally valuable lands
Matthew J. Power, Deputy Secretary
410.767.4500 Toll Free: 1.877.767.6272
TTY users: Maryland Relay
that federal Smart Growth is following
with planning and zoning targeted for preservation.
A new online mapping tool is being developed to pinpoint requirements. The departments of Natural
areas best-suited for stimulating development and Resources, Agriculture and
the same model.” revitalization. Planning provide the analysis
Assist our State Growth Plan process at:
Plan.Maryland.gov
-- “Maryland’s Second Generation of Smart Growth,” from Planning
magazine, American Planning Association, March 2010 Follow us on:
facebook.com/plan.maryland twitter.com/SmartGrowthMD

2. n ew Sustainable
N n ree Training for
F n Half-Century of Accomplishment in Planning
More Education and Communication
Half-Century of Accomplishment
Strengthening Communities
n Job Growth
Growth Commission
The new group, appointed by the
Volunteer Boards
Free, professional training is
Maryland reshaped its historic preservation tax credit program
to help spur job creation and green commercial building
1933: Maryland creates one of the first state
Smart
Growth
planning commissions in the nation.
Governor, gives Marylanders a now required for local planning rehabilitation. The program in its first year is estimated to create 1959: State Planning Department is created to
stronger voice in planning for a commissions and boards and for 700 jobs, primarily in construction. protect water resources and Assateague Island.
Successes
more sustainable future. boards of zoning appeals. MDP
1960s: Maryland Historical Trust becomes first
developed the course and makes n Making BRAC Growth Smart Growth state agency of its kind. State is among first in U.S. to
n lanning Directors’
P it available both online and in
Led by the Lieutenant Governor, the Base Realignment and restrict building permits to areas with adequate water.
Roundtable person.
Closure Act (BRAC) Subcabinet has worked to create incentives 1974: Secretary of Planning is authorized to designate “Areas of Critical
MDP established quarterly for growth and redevelopment around the base communities. State Concern” to protect unique natural resources.
meetings of local, county and state 1990s: Maryland gains national reputation for Smart Growth by
planning directors to enhance n Making School Construction Greener channeling state investment to designated growth areas.
communication and share “best
In addition to significantly increasing State funds to 2000s: “Next generation” of Smart Growth legislation sharpens
practices.” accountability, analysis and coordination between state and local
local governments for school construction, the O’Malley
land-use planning. PlanMaryland, the first comprehensive
administration has focused on schools being green and well- plan for state growth, is in development.
located in communities. A “Fix It First” approach to school
construction, promoted by the departments of Education,
Planning and General Services, recognizes that improving
schools in existing communities is
preferable to expanding outward.
Maryland
Department
of Planning