MPCA

MPCA Thanks Partners for a Fantastic 39th Annual Conference

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A Message from MPCA President, Danny Winborne

MPCA Corner

The 39th annual Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) conference, Planning for Challenges on the Horizon, was an even greater success than we could have imagined!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was MPCA’s first in-person conference since 2019. While we enjoyed the 2020 and 2021 virtual versions, there is nothing like gathering in one place and sharing the joy, frustration, and sense of accomplishment that is citizen planning.

Fig. 1 – MPCA tour participants view future site of the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center, brownfield redevelopment project located adjacent to Carroll Creek.

The MPCA Executive Committee sincerely thanks our distinguished guest speakers: Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner; Frederick City Mayor Michael O’Connor; Frederick City Planning Commission Chair Barbara Nicklas; Secretary of Planning Robert McCord; and Keynote Speaker Eli Glazier, Transportation Planner Coordinator for the Montgomery County Planning Department.

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MPCA Recognizes Maryland’s Citizen Planners

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MPCA Corner

by Kristen Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

Maryland’s citizen planners volunteer endless hours to their communities. Unfortunately, this civic dedication often goes overlooked. However, each year at MPCA’s annual conference, the Executive Committee recognizes the contributions of exceptional citizen planners and/or entire planning boards (planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals, historic district commissions) from around the state. This year was no exception!

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MPCA Welcomes Two New Board Members!

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MPCA Corner

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

In addition to informative and stimulating presentations and plenary sessions, the MPCA membership also nominated and elected two new members to the MPCA Board: Theresa Rubio-Dorsey, Chief of Staff and Senior Manager of Fraud Programs at Adobe, Inc., and a Planning Commissioner with the City of Annapolis; and A. Cesante (“A.C.”) Alrey, Business Development Manager with Dorchester County Economic Development, and member of the Planning and Zoning Commission with the City of Cambridge.

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Maryland Planning Commissioners Association 39th Annual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Available

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MPCA Corner

by Joseph Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

The 39th Annual Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) conference is right around the corner! Make sure you register and join the MPCA in the City of Frederick on October 25 and 26 for two days of citizen planner education, camaraderie, and networking. Don’t delay, the early bird registration rate ends August 31st!

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Maryland Planning Commissioners Association Seeking New Planning Board Members for Mentorship Program

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MPCA Corner

by Joese Griffiths, AICP, Local Assistance and Training Manager

In the April 28, 2022, Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) announced a Planning Commissioner and Board of Appeals mentorship program. In the spring, the MPCA was recruiting mentors and now it seeks board members interested in learning from experienced members to help them navigate the sometimes-daunting challenges of citizen planning.

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