Planning Practice Monthly, June 2023 Edition

Bookmark and Share

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Planning Practice MonthlyPlanning Square Images

Thursday, June 29, 2023

In This Issue

Resources and Tools

Planning in Progress

From our Partners

In Case you Missed It!

MPCA Corner

Meet the Planning Staff

Conferences, Webinars, Training, and Funding

Resources and Tools

We will continue to provide updates about these exciting efforts as they develop in upcoming issues.


The Maryland Zoning CheckUp: Maryland Department of Planning Launches a New Online Tool for Small and Rural Communities

Zoning Checkup

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List


Maryland Department of Transportation Launches a New Electric Vehicle Charger Siting Tool

EV Charging Tool

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List

Planning in Progress


Maryland Department of Commerce and the Association of Defense Communities Host First-ever Maryland Defense Forum

Defense Forum Audience

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

Read Full Article

Back to List

From our Partners


Maryland Historical Trust Seeks Public Input, Hosts Statewide Meetings in July

MHT Collage

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List


Second Survey is Now Available for Long-Range Transportation Plan: Maryland Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input

Transportation Plan Survey

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!

Read Full Article

Back to List


Walktober Is Just a Quick Jog Around the Corner!

Walktober 2023 For GD

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List

In Case you Missed It!


Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards: Nominations Now Open

Growth Awards 2

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.  

Read Full Article

Back to List


Weekend and Holiday Bicycle Access to New Nice Middleton Bridge Now Available

Nice Bridge

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List

MPCA Corner


It’s Time to Recognize Maryland’s Citizen Planners

MPCA 40th Conference logo

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.

Read Full Article

Back to List

Meet the Planning Staff


Jill Lemke

Jill Lemke

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.”

Read Full Article

Back to List

Continuing Education & Training

solar

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.

MACO

MACo Summer Conference
Ocean City, MD
August 16-19
For More Information

40th Annual MPCA Conference
Kent Island, MD
October 24-26 
For More Information

Click for more on Conferences

Webinars

Listed webinars are typically free or low cost and cover a wide range of planning related issues. Many include CM credits.

Alliance for Ches Bay

Ask the Alliance - Visual Storytelling in Nature
Thursday, July 13 @ 12 p.m.
For More Information

A Winning Commute with the incenTrip App
Wednesday, July 12 @ 1 p.m.
For More Information

Click for more on Webinars

Training Around the State

Workshops and classes offered by state agencies or our partners.

Hand

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
For More Information

Click for more on Trainings

Funding Opportunities

Federal, state and/or non-governmental funding.

US Dept of Labor

Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program
US Department of Labor
Deadline: July 7
For More Information

Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program
US Department of Transportation
Deadline: July 10
For More Information

Click for more on Funding Opportunities

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.