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.

In March 2020 and March 2021, statewide surveys were sent to jurisdictions across the state to learn what types and what levels of resources and engagement might help them make informed decisions about planning for and integrating CAV technologies into their communities.

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The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) released the initial 2020 Census data to all states on Thursday, August 12 following a 1:00 p.m. press conference. A summary of the raw data has been posted to the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) State Data Center website. 

Planning also tabulated housing units and population, which is also posted.

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Over two half-days this fall, November 16-17, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) will host the inaugural Maryland Statewide Brownfield Conference - Toward Beneficial Reuse. The conference is part of our ongoing commitment to the principles of smart growth, which encourage brownfield redevelopment. The Environmental Protection Agency defines a brownfield as a “property , the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

The conference provides a forum for local governments, consultants, attorneys, developers, and non-governmental organizations to learn and share information about brownfields. A key goal is to further and promote awareness about the processes and technologies that move brownfields toward beneficial reuse in Maryland. 

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We introduced Walktober 2021 in our August 6 edition of Planning Practice Monthly, and we now have more to share!

Walking is an activity that’s part of daily life for many Marylanders and is recognized as a healthy transportation choice. In fact, walking is Maryland’s official state exercise.

But with issues of pedestrian safety and access, many communities recognize walking and improving the walkability of our neighborhoods are goals that require public attention and action.

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The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), in partnership with the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), is launching the Maryland Walkability Virtual Academy (Maryland WVA). The Maryland WVA is designed to prepare interdisciplinary teams from Maryland communities to pursue policy, systems, and environmental supports for walking and walkability.

This virtual academy will provide teams with the most up-to-date academic and applied learning methods and will reinforce and support implementation of significant national public health policy statements promoting walking and walkability.

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Over the past 35 years, the American Chestnut Land Trust has worked to preserve the unique environmental and cultural history of Southern Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. 

The land trust protects vulnerable species, provides much needed wildlife habitats, and provides publicly accessible trails and water access. Starting with a 436-acre tract of land, they now oversee over 3,500 acres in an area known as the Parkers Creek Preserve, which includes a number of historical sites. The Parkers Creek community also includes the Brown United Methodist Church.

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Mark your calendars for the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) 2021 Architectural Fieldwork symposium on October 28^th and 29^th!

This virtual event will discuss projects including the Maryland slave dwelling survey, laser scanning, the American Indian community in Baltimore, historic graffiti, and planned communities in Maryland.

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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.

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Earlier this month, we informed you that the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) has decided to move its 38^th annual fall conference to a virtual format.

While the MPCA Executive Committee would love to gather with everyone in beautiful Solomons, it also wants to ensure the health and safety of its members and conference guests. And the show goes on!

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