In This Issue
Resources and Tools
Local Spotlight
From our Partner Agencies
MPCA Corner
Conferences, Webinars, Training, and Funding
Resources and Tools
Maryland Department of the Environment Launches New Online Environmental Justice Screening Tool
In June 2022, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) launched an online tool (utilizing geographic information system (GIS) mapping software) to help users identify potential locations of environmental contamination, environmental justice (EJ) issues and/or environmentally overburdened communities.
According to MDE’s website, the EJ Screening Tool is, “...intended to enhance agency compliance, oversight, and monitoring activities, and to enhance communication and outreach in significant permitting activities in EJ or overburdened or underserved communities.”
Read Full Article
|
Housing Data Dashboard Updates
The Maryland Department of Planning recently updated its Housing Data Dashboard to include 2022 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Area Median Income (AMI) data and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2016-2020 Five-Year Estimates. The Housing Data Dashboard, part of the Housing Element Models & Guidelines website developed by Planning in 2020, helps jurisdictions meet the comprehensive planning requirements of HB 1045, passed in 2019. The AMI data is displayed, for whichever geography (county, place, census tract) a user selects, in the dashboard’s AMI calculator.
Read Full Article
|
Back to List
Local Spotlight
Affordable Housing in Maryland: A Rural Developer’s Experience
While articles about sky rocketing rental and home sales prices, housing shortages, and homelessness have routinely made national headlines over the past few years, common misconceptions about affordable housing remain.
To help deal with such issues, the Maryland legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1045 in 2019, which requires jurisdictions with planning and zoning authority to address housing as part of a comprehensive plan.
Read Full Article
|
New Decade Means New Comprehensive Plans
Many jurisdictions coordinate new comprehensive plans with the arrival of the decennial census. Census data is the foundation for 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 from six to ten years. To learn more about the ten year cycle and when your jurisdiction’s review is due, please visit Planning’s Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Review Cycle webpage.
Read Full Article
|
Back to List
From our Partner Agencies
Walktober 2022 is Nearly Here...Just a Jog-trot Around the Corner!
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 that walking, and improving the walkability of our neighborhoods, requires both public attention and public action.
Read Full Article
|
Register Now for the 2022 Appalachian Regional Commission’s Annual Conference
Join the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) at its 2022 annual conference titled One Appalachia: Connection & Collaboration, cohosted by the state of Maryland, October 17-19, at the Rocky Gap Resort in Flintstone, Maryland.
This event will highlight how ARC’s 13 states and 423 counties are collaborating to bring each of ARC’s strategic investments to life. The conference will feature ARC partners who work daily to strengthen Appalachia by creating and expanding workforce development, growing sectors like outdoor recreation, developing entrepreneurs, and building leadership and community capacity.
Read Full Article
|
Maryland Energy Administration Partners with Maryland Environmental Service to Distribute $400,000
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce the opening of the Solar Technical Assistance Program. This program provides technical assistance to state and local government agencies to evaluate the potential for, and to site, solar arrays on or around government buildings. Funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, the program also offers access to technical resources and vetted contractors.
Read Full Article
|
Back to List
MPCA Corner
Maryland Planning Commissioners Association 39th Annual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Available
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 Aug 31st! The MPCA is seeking nominations to recognize citizen planners and recently developed the draft program. The MPCA is also partnering with Planning to develop sessions that will be eligible for up to five AICP CM Credits.
Read Full Article
|
Maryland Planning Commissioners Association Seeking New Planning Board Members for Mentorship Program
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.
Often, new board members may not know what questions to ask and be hesitant to ask colleagues to avoid looking unprepared. While many jurisdictions provide board training and education and the state has developed the Planning Commissioner Training Course, some may be interested in personal level training that only a mentor can provide.
Read Full Article
|
Back to List
Continuing Education & Training
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.
|
Upcoming Conferences and Seminars
Planning related conferences in Maryland and nearby states.
Webinars
Listed webinars are typically free or low cost and cover a wide range of planning related issues. Many include CM credits.
Collect, Create, Classify, Curate: Enhancing and Integrating Planning and Emergency Management Capabilities
Wednesday, September 7 @ 1 p.m.
AICP CM Approved
For More Information
Follow the Money: Are We Making Progress Toward Meeting Regional Housing Needs?
Wednesday, September 14 @ 12 pm
For More Information
|
Training Around the State
Workshops and classes offered by state agencies or our partners.
Funding Opportunities
Federal, state and/or non-governmental funding.
The Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program, Competitive Commercial Tax Credits
Maryland Historical Trust - Deadline: August 31
For More Information
Grants Gateway
MD Dept. of Natural Resources
Outcome 5 Deadline: September 16
For More Information
|
Back to List
Planning Practice Wednesday is a service of the Maryland Department of Planning. The Maryland Department of Planning is providing links to training and educational content relevant to planning and growth as a service to its mailing list subscribers. The content and views expressed are not necessarily those of Planning or the State of Maryland.
|
