In the January edition of Planning Practice Monthly, we introduced the Maryland Housing Needs Assessment & 10-Year Strategic Plan (Needs Assessment) and how it can be of value to Maryland jurisdictions in developing the required Housing Elements in their comprehensive plans. In February we summarized Section 2 of the report dealing with proposed statewide priorities, and in March we covered Section 3, which addresses the state of housing in Maryland.

This month, we offer a look inside of Section 4. Needs by region & core actions to address them. In May, we’ll review Section 5. Maryland Housing Toolbox. Finally, beginning in June, we will be launching a series of “how-to” articles for local governments seeking to incorporate the information and recommendations found in the Needs Assessment into the required housing element section of their comprehensive plans, as specified in HB 1045 (2019). 

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In the December 2021 edition of Planning Practice Monthly, the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) introduced our new Priority Funding Areas (PFAs) Frequently Asked Questions. Planning and PFAs go hand in hand. We analyze PFAs, coordinate with municipalities and counties on PFA expansions, and talk about PFAs every day.

But if anything competes with PFAs for our attention, it is comprehensive plans. The Land Use Article requires jurisdictions with planning and zoning authority, through their Planning Commissions, to develop comprehensive plans and review them every 10 years for any needed updates. Please check out the Local Spotlight article in this edition to learn about Maryland jurisdictions currently updating their comprehensive plans. Planning has developed resources about comprehensive plan requirements, citizen participation in the planning process, and how plans are adopted. We have a webpage where you can find currently adopted comprehensive plans, as well as draft plans and amendments, throughout the state.

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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 for comprehensive plans to 10 years from 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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Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), sometimes called self-driving or driverless vehicles, are an important consideration for the future of travel in Maryland and may become a part of everyday life sooner than we might think. 

Many of us are already driving cars with advanced technologies, such as remote sensors, cameras, navigation, and/or braking systems using artificial intelligence (AI), that may contribute to innovations leading to fully autonomous vehicles. What remains unknown, however, is just exactly how self-driving vehicles should fit into our existing transportation systems. This is where you can help guide the next steps! 

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The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) establishes the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program that will provide $5-6 billion in grants over the next five years. Funding supports regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. 

The SS4A program supports the Department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and a goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways. 

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The WALKTOBER 2021 campaign and Walk Maryland Day were by all accounts a great success! Events included scheduled walks organized by numerous agency and non-profit partners all around the state as well as an exciting program of webinars (dubbed Walkinars for the occasion) on a host of topics such as pedestrian safety, infrastructure, and health.

Sponsored by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) with webinars hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning, the WALKTOBER 2022 campaign seeks continued and new partnerships among Maryland state agencies and non-profit organizations to help celebrate the Maryland’s official exercise: walking! 

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In 2021, the Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) began recruiting mentors to share their experience, wisdom, and lessons learned with new Planning Commissioners and Board of Appeals members. The MPCA reiterated this desire during its 2021 conference and is initiating the program in 2022. The MPCA has recruited a few mentors but is once again asking its members to consider helping those new to citizen planning.

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Zach Dreyer joined the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) in December 2021 as a GIS planner. He has taken the lead on maintaining the department’s sewer database, and assists with tier map analysis, annexation mapping, Priority Funding Area (PFA) determinations, and mapping. He also sits on the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, supports comprehensive plan reviews and analysis, and generates maps upon request for a variety of state agencies and jurisdictions across Maryland.

Zach says, “Most recently I hail from Frederick County Public Schools where I was the lone GIS analyst and prepared maps and statistical analysis of student demographic trends.” He graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geography and earned his master’s degree in Environmental Remote Sensing at the University of Trier in Germany. Earlier in his career, Zach held an intriguing variety of positions including that of park ranger in the everglades, coffee shop barista in Lambertville, NJ, agroforestry volunteer in Africa with the Peace Corps, and bartender at an Irish Pub in Trier, Germany.

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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.

2022 Mountain State Land Use Academy
Pipestem, West Virginia
May 17-18
For More Information

MML Summer Conference
June 12-15
For More Information

Tactical Urbanism: Taking Short-Term Actions to Generate Long-Term Change
Wednesday, May 18 @ 1 p.m.
AICP CM Approved 
For More Information

Chesapeake Bay Webinar Series, The One Water Approach and How It Benefits the Bay

Thursday, May 19 @ 12 pm
AICP CM Approved
For More Information

Emergency Connectivity Fund
Federal Communications Commission - Deadline: May 13
For More Information

Maryland Emergency Education Relief Grant
MD Dept. of Housing and Community Development - Deadline: May 20
For More Information