comprehensive planning

Resources to Help Jurisdictions Meet the Planning Requirements of HB 90 (2021)

/ Maryland Department of Planning / 2 Comments

Resources and Tools

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

Starting January 1, 2023, per Land Use Article §3-114 (d)(2) and as a result of 2021’s HB 90, all comprehensive plan housing elements adopted by non-charter counties and municipalities “shall include an assessment of fair housing to ensure the local jurisdiction is affirmatively furthering fair housing”.

The Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) introduced HB 90 to Planning Practice Monthly readers in our July 29, 2022 edition. That article summarizes the bill, defines affirmatively furthering fair housing (AAFH), and describes the coordination between Planning and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to develop resources that will help jurisdictions meet the new requirements.

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New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans

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Local Spotlight

Many jurisdictions coordinate new comprehensive plans with the arrival of the decennial census. Census data is the foundation for comprehensive planning; providing a snapshot of Maryland communities, outlining growth trends, and distinguishing key demographic indicators.

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Housing Needs Assessment and 10-Year Strategic Plan – Part V  

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Resources and Tools

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

In the January edition of Planning Practice Monthly, we introduced the Maryland Housing Needs Assessment & 10-Year Strategic Plan (Needs Assessment) and how it can be of value to Maryland jurisdictions in developing the required Housing Elements in their comprehensive plans. In February we summarized Section 2 of the report, dealing with proposed statewide priorities and in March we covered Section 3, which addressed the state of housing in Maryland. Last month, we took a look at Section 4, Needs by region & core actions to address them.

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Housing Needs Assessment and 10-Year Strategic Plan – Part IV

/ Maryland Department of Planning / 1 Comment

Resources and Tools

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager, and Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

In the January edition of Planning Practice Monthly, we introduced the Maryland Housing Needs Assessment & 10-Year Strategic Plan (Needs Assessment) and how it can be of value to Maryland jurisdictions in developing the required Housing Elements in their comprehensive plans. In February we summarized Section 2 of the report, dealing with proposed statewide priorities, and in March we covered Section 3, which addressed the state of housing in Maryland.

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Comprehensive Plan Frequently Asked Questions

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Planning in Progress 

Screenshot showing Planning’s FAQ webpage.

In the December 2021 edition of Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) introduced our new Priority Funding Areas (PFAs) Frequently Asked Questions. Planning and PFAs go hand in hand. We analyze PFAs, coordinate with municipalities and counties on PFA expansions, and talk about PFAs every day.  

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