While the process of the 2020 Census was not what we anticipated, the outcome was even better than we’d hoped. Not only did Maryland surpass our 2010 self-response rate, we surpassed many of our expectations. Four Maryland counties finished in the top 100 of the nation’s 3215 counties for self-response and our state finished solidly in 9th place in the nation! In Maryland, there were 21 counties and 91 municipalities that were able to meet or beat their 2010 self-response rates. That’s something to be proud of, and we know that it was the hard work of so many of you that made it possible.

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To read about Jane Dembner, having never had the opportunity to meet her, is to read about a planner who was, like so many we have featured in this series, passionate about what she did, persistent in her goals, and unwavering in her ideals. She has been described by her family and peers as driven, determined, a leader in the community, “intellectually curious and a proactive problem solver,” and “an intrepid innovator.”

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This year's eighth annual Sustainable Growth Awards presentation was held as a virtual ceremony on October 5, 2020. Six recipients were awarded Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards. These awards celebrate significant achievement by individuals, businesses, organizations, and local governments to carry out the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life.

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In the most general terms, compatible use planning (also called compatibility planning) refers to working to ensure that both existing and planned land uses and activities are carefully considered to reduce or eliminate adverse effects on (or in the best case scenario, to actually enhance and support) neighboring or nearby land uses. Some prime examples are: planning that identifies land uses that are tolerant of or less sensitive to noise when planning development near a highway or airport, such as shopping malls, office space, or industrial activity vs. residential neighborhoods, schools, parks or perhaps an ecologically sensitive area.

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While the requirement to include a housing element in all new and updated comprehensive plans in Maryland may have only become effective on June 1, 2020, many planning methods and practices for implementing affordable housing are well established. This past summer, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) published its Housing Element Models and Guidelines (M&G) to help jurisdictions meet the requirements of HB 1045 (2019). 

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David T. Whitaker, a talented and dynamic planner, and avid cyclist, passed away on October 13, 2020. Planners in Maryland lost a well-respected and well-liked colleague; and Maryland lost a passionate advocate for safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the state. Many of you knew David during his twenty-eight years of distinguished career as a planner at the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning), the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting, the Frederick City Department of Planning, the Department of Planning in Loudoun County, VA, his volunteer roles in the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), or from his participation in numerous other planning organizations and area non-profits.

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Over the past few years, worn, disused, and otherwise downright grim-looking basketball courts in several of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore communities have undergone a stunning transformation. Located primarily in parks, these courts have been the object of revitalization efforts initiated by Easton native Shelton Hawkins, founder of the nonprofit, Play In Color. Turning them from expanses of broken paving riddled with weeds into vibrant, exciting works of art has been both Hawkins’ brainchild and passion.

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In spring 2020, a truly impressive coalition of Mid-Atlantic planning organizations came together to discuss a multi-state digital training series, scheduled for this fall. This initiative is a group effort including West Virginia University’s Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic, the Maryland Department of Planning, Maryland Planning Commissioners Association, Rural Planning Caucus of Virginia, and the APA Chapters for Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and the National Capital Area. That is a lot of planning expertise!

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In the April edition of Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) announced the launch of a new website for the Brownfield Redevelopment and Assistance program; developed by Planning in conjunction with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). This occasion also marked the availability of training, along with an array of other services, to local jurisdictions interested in redeveloping brownfields.

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Are you considering applying for a capital grant for your historic preservation project? Attend a webinar to learn about the application process, conveying an easement, and more! The Maryland Historical Trust is hosting six webinars in November and January for prospective applicants for the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program. This competitive funding program provides grants for construction projects on buildings or structures listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Attend a webinar to learn if your project is eligible, what is required for submitting an application, how to convey an easement, and more.

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On Wednesday, October 7th, Marylanders throughout the State celebrated the 6th annual Walk Maryland Day. The weather was perfect, and the celebration was a huge success thanks to all the Walk Leaders, Sole Mates, and Sole-O walkers who took time out of their day to go for a walk. This year, the Maryland Department of Transportation received 71 Walk Leader registrations and 84 Sole Mate registrations, representing 16 counties.

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It is only fitting that safety for bicyclists should also be at the forefront in a month where Maryland celebrated getting out and moving around. In addition to walking, biking can be either contemplative and leisurely, active and vigorous, just a means of getting around, or all three in a single venture out of doors.

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The Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) is holding its 37th annual conference on Monday, November 9th at 9:00 a.m. The board invites you to join us on the Maryland Department of Planning’s (Planning) GoToWebinar platform from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, registrants can join for only those sessions their schedule allows, although we think the whole day will be well worth it!

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Do you know a citizen planner or entire planning board (planning commission, board of zoning appeals, historic district commission) that deserves recognition for their work in 2020? Maryland’s citizen planners volunteer endless hours to their communities. Because this year’s conference will be conducted online, the MPCA has decided to take a unique approach to the recognition ceremony. If you would like to recognize one or more of your citizen planners, please submit a brief (no more than two minutes) video by uploading it. Have fun with it and be creative!

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In each newsletter, we highlight the most relevant and timely upcoming events. Our website does include many additional events, so please visit it regularly for updates. Listings are searchable by subject.

37th Annual Maryland Planning Commissioners Association Conference
November 9
AICP CM Approved
Virtual
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Naturally Latinos Conference 3
December 2 to 4
Virtual
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Land Use Law Update
Thursday, November 5 @ 1 p.m.
Mid-Atlantic Planning Collaboration
AICP CM Approved 
More

Ethics Case of the Year
Tuesday, November 10 @ 1 p.m.
Mid-Atlantic Planning Collaboration
AICP CM Approved 
More

Brownfield Basics - Maryland
Thursday, November 19
New Jersey Institute of Technology
More

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this section is temporarily suspended

Local Foods, Local Places 2020-2021 Application
U.S. EPA - Deadline: November 13
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources Grants Gateway
MD DNR - Deadline: December 16
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