Outreach for A Better Maryland kicked off with enthusiasm in Garrett County on Monday, November 6. Special Secretary of Smart Growth Wendi Peters, Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) Rob McCord, Assistant Secretary of Planning Services Pat Keller, and Director of Planning Coordination Chuck Boyd, who is also the Project Manager for A Better Maryland, visited local county and municipal community leaders in the county government offices in Oakland and at Garrett College. The project team solicited stakeholder input on what should be in a state development plan and how it can assist local planning objectives. Planning would like to extend a special thanks to Debbie Carpenter, Director of Planning and Land Management for Garrett County, for assisting with meeting organization and local outreach. Read full article...

Chestertown, founded in 1706, is the county seat of Kent.  The Town flourished in the 18th century, serving as a major port for both exporting Maryland’s agricultural products and importing exotic wares from the West Indies and Europe. In an age when overland travel proved difficult and dangerous, Kent County served as a popular stopping point for people navigating between Philadelphia and Virginia via waterways. While Chestertown’s economy stagnated slightly following the revolution, by the 19th century, the construction of the still standing courthouse and the arrival of a railroad line signaled a new era; the population doubling by 1900. Read full article...

Chuck Boyd is the Director of Planning Coordination for the Maryland Department of Planning. He is responsible for preparing and implementing major policy and management initiatives related to local assistance, environmental planning, and infrastructure policy planning. Tasked with a wide range of assignments, he works with staff from the department, other State agencies, local officials, stakeholders, and the public. Read full bio...

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