Statewide Forest and Tree Study Can Help with Local Planning Decisions

/ Maryland Department of Planning / Leave a comment

From Our Partners

by Josh Bollinger, Communications Coordinator, The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

Figure 1 – Aerial view of forest and riparian area. Courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Program.

A new study released in November by the University of Maryland Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology is the most comprehensive study of Maryland’s forest cover and tree canopy ever completed.

The study, entitled The Technical Study on Changes in Forest Cover and Tree Canopy in Maryland (or the Maryland Forest Technical Study), contains both statewide and regional information that can provide crucial input for local governments looking at tree- or forest-related policies.

Continue reading →

Maryland Launches New Tools to Support Military and Community Compatibility

/ Maryland Department of Planning / Leave a comment

Planning in Progress

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

Starting in the mid-2010s, the Maryland Departments of Planning and Commerce, as well as local and military stakeholders, began partnering on planning efforts and resource development aimed to enhance collaboration between Maryland’s military installations and jurisdictions.

Continue reading →

Maryland Department of Planning Publishes HB 90 Webpage

/ Maryland Department of Planning / Leave a comment

Resources and Tools

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

Figure 1 – Photo of affordable town home development in Garrett County. Courtesy, Duane Yoder.

As of January 1, 2023, HB 90 (2021) requires all housing elements for municipalities and non-charter counties to “affirmatively further fair housing” (AFFH). This adds to the requirements to plan for affordable housing that HB 1045 (2019) initiated in June 2020. 

The Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) recently published an HB 90 webpage to help jurisdictions incorporate the new fair housing requirements into their comprehensive plan housing elements.

Continue reading →

Maryland Department of Transportation’s Office of Planning and Capital Programming Announces Program Updates, New Plans, Online Resources, and Funding Opportunities

/ Maryland Department of Planning / Leave a comment

From Our Partners

Figure 1 – Image of MDOT logo with collage illustrating multimodal forms of transportation. Courtesy Maryland Department of Transportation.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Planning and Capital Programming (OPCP) publishes an e-newsletter to keep stakeholders informed, educated, and up to date on OPCP initiatives and reports.

Continue reading →

Nominations are now open for the 48th annual Maryland Preservation Awards

/ Maryland Department of Planning / Leave a comment

In Case you Missed It

The Maryland Preservation Awards, presented annually by the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) Board of Trustees, are the highest level of recognition for historic preservation, heritage education, and community development projects in Maryland.

Figure 1 – Photo of two 2022 Preservation Award recipients being presented award by MHT’s executive Director, Elizabeth Hughes. Courtesy Maryland Historical Trust.
Continue reading →