Zoning is a fundamental component of local planning used by jurisdictions and their planning commissions to guide growth, redevelopment, and community design. Zoning codes/ordinances and maps are the essential documents by which zoning is applied.

As with other planning documents like comprehensive plans, they must be maintained and updated regularly to ensure they are advancing community objectives in a coordinated and consistent manner.

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The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) developed the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Siting Tool as a resource for potential applicants to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Funding Program, created under the 2021 Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as well as other federal, state, and local grant programs.

Counties, local jurisdictions, and other partners can use the data and resources in this online mapping tool to assess the eligibility of sites in their communities for funding.

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The Maryland Department of Commerce and the Association of Defense Communities hosted the first Maryland Defense Forum in Annapolis on June 5 and 6. This event brought together nearly 200 participants, including military and Department of Defense (DoD) leadership, state and local government officials, and defense industry representatives.

Discussions covered topics such as building military resilience and readiness, critical DoD technologies, supply chain diversification, and government contracting challenges

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Mark your calendars! Throughout July, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) will host public meetings to solicit feedback about goals and recommended actions for the statewide preservation plan, an eight-year guidance document for government agencies, non-profit advocates, and others involved in historic preservation, archaeology, and cultural heritage. 

In addition to general meetings around the state, MHT and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture will co-host two open public meetings with a focus on African American heritage.

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The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) kicked off its long-range transportation plan development, known as the 2050 Maryland Transportation Plan (2050 MTP), in April with a survey asking Marylanders to provide input on a range of priorities, goals, and guiding principles.  

MDOT launched a second short survey on proposed key outcomes, locations where transportation improvements are needed, and budget investment priorities. Please take the survey by July 10, 2023 and help guide the state's transportation vision and corresponding policy and investment priorities for the next 20 years!

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October will be here before you know it, which means Walktober is right around the corner. Walktober is a month for celebrating walking when the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies promote and host events and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrians' safety, health, and commuting options in current walk programs and initiatives.

The Walktober Walkinar (webinar) series will also be back this year. MDOT will host a free walkinar each Thursday in October on various walk-focused topics from renowned guest speakers. Keep an eye on the Walktober website as more information will be available soon about this year’s guest speakers.

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The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations or local governments in realizing the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The annual awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. 

The annual awards are presented by the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and are the highest level of recognition for smart growth and sustainability in the state. The 2023 Sustainable Growth Awards nominations for the eleventh annual Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards are being accepted through July 21, 2023.  

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As of Saturday, June 10, bicyclists are now allowed to cross the Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (US 301) from dawn to dusk on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays only. The Maryland Transportation Authority urges bicyclists and motorists to Share the Bridge and Cross with Care.

Prior to crossing the bridge, bicyclists must stop in advance of the bridge and push a button to activate flashing warning lights that alert drivers when a bicyclist is crossing the bridge. The lights will flash for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the direction of travel, providing a warning to motorists of the presence of a bicyclist on the bridge.

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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 2022 or 2023?  

Maryland’s citizen planners volunteer endless hours to their communities. Unfortunately, this civic dedication often goes overlooked.

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Jill Lemke joined the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) in March as the department’s new Manager of Infrastructure and Development. In her new role, she is leading projects in transportation planning, solar, and other alternative energy siting, and those in support of the Interagency Commission (IAC) on Public School Construction program.

Having worked in a variety of planning roles, Jill says, “I’m happy to be back in a position where I can work on big-picture planning issues and continue trying to make a difference in the world. I am excited to help MDP establish its position as the leader in sustainable growth and creative placemaking.”

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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.

MACo Summer Conference
Ocean City, MD
August 16-19
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40th Annual MPCA Conference
Kent Island, MD
October 24-26 
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Ask the Alliance - Visual Storytelling in Nature
Thursday, July 13 @ 12 p.m.
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A Winning Commute with the incenTrip App
Wednesday, July 12 @ 1 p.m.
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Collaboration: The Innovative Solution for Nonprofit Developers
Wednesday, July 19, Virtual
For More Information

Supportive Housing Institute | Introduction to the Institute, Supportive Housing 101, Understanding Needs
Wednesday, August 9, Virtual
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Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program
US Department of Labor
Deadline: July 7
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Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program
US Department of Transportation
Deadline: July 10
For More Information