The New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans 

Local Spotlight  

by Joe Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

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

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New! MDOT and Planning Announce a Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) Toolkit for Maryland Local Jurisdictions

Resources and Tools

by Carole Delion, P.E., Division Chief, Connected & Automated Transportation Systems Division, MDOT SHA, with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

Figure 1 – Illustration, CAV Strategic Framework.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) recognize that jurisdictions are seeking guidance on preparing, planning, and implementing practices and policies for Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies, commonly referred to as autonomous or driverless vehicles.  

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The New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans

Local Spotlight 

by Joe Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Planner

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

In 2013, House Bill 409 increased the review period of a local jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan cycle to 10 years, instead of six years. To learn more about the 10-year cycle and when your jurisdiction’s review is due, please visit the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review Cycle webpage.   

As the lead agency for both the Maryland Census 2020 efforts and the 60-day review of comprehensive plans and their amendments, Planning is steeped in this topic. And while the 2020 Census data will not be published until later in 2021, many communities have already started their update, visioning, and community engagement processes.   

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Sarah Diehl

Meet the Staff

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

Sarah Diehl, AICP, joined the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) in January 2021 as our only team member to be interviewed, hired, and on-boarded entirely remotely and mid-pandemic. Truly an other-worldly experience about which Sarah simply says, “I cannot wait to meet the rest of Planning in person rather than through a computer screen!” 

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The New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans

Local Spotlight 

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

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

In 2013, House Bill 409 increased the review period of a local jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan cycle to 10 years, instead of six years. To learn more about the 10-year cycle and when your jurisdiction’s review is due, please visit the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review Cycle webpage.  

Continue reading