MPCA Corner

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

This October, the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) is partnering with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) in support of Maryland’s Third Annual WALKTOBER – a month-long celebration and educational event surrounding all-things-walking-related – with tie-ins to our 39^th Annual Conference.

Together, with help from local, state, and national partners, Walktober offers in-person and virtual events across Maryland will spotlight pedestrian safety, health, and infrastructure issues, as well as new programs and initiatives that encourage walking and support walkability.

The theme of MPCA’s 2022 annual conference is “Planning for Challenges on the Horizon” with sessions covering topics related to how planning commissions and boards can collaborate with planning staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders to address and prepare the challenges facing our communities, such as climate change, hazard mitigation planning, infrastructure planning, post pandemic recovery, and more.

MPCA is doing its part to address the challenges of walkability and pedestrian planning at the planning commission/board level. We are looking forward to a number of exciting sessions and activities, including:

• A keynote presentation by Eli Glazier, Multimodal Transportation Planner Coordinator with the Montgomery County Planning Department, on the developing the county’s first Pedestrian Master Plan
• A tour of Frederick’s City’s renowned (and very walkable) downtown along Carroll Creek
• Participation by sponsors such as MDOT’s Commuter Choice Program at our upcoming conference on October 25-26.

Throughout Walktober, MDOT and its partners will share information and resources, including a series of free webinars, or Walkinars – hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) – that are open to all.

October 5th is Walk Maryland Day, an event-filled day designed to encourage all Marylanders to step outside and enjoy walking or some other form of physical activity. As in previous years, Marylanders can register as a Walk Leader or to join a walk as a participating Sole Mate to celebrate Walk Maryland Day.

To register or learn more about MPCA’s 39^th Annual Conference, click on the links above or contact Joe Griffiths, Local Assistance and Training Manager at joseph.griffiths@maryland.gov. And be sure to enjoy more coverage about this year’s Walkinar topics, presenters, and Walk Maryland Day options in this edition of Planning Practice Monthly.