Perhaps nothing awaiting county elected officials is potentially more controversial or impactful as growth management and land use decisions.  In Maryland, land use authority is vested at the local level, but there are many steps and requirements in the current 6-year planning cycle.   Speakers will provide an overview of the local planning process, starting with the 12 land use visions that serve as the planning foundation, through the comprehensive plan and its required elements, ancillary requirements such as the water and sewer plan, and finally ending with the enactment of local zoning ordinances.  Completing the picture of these functions and roles, panelists will also review the functions of planning commissions and Boards of Appeals and the role of the State government.  Speakers include:

Richard E. Hall, AICP, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning 

The Honorable Calvin B. Ball, Howard County Council Member

Derick Berlage, Director, Land Use and Growth Management, Saint Mary’s County

Conference registration information can be found on the MACo website.  The early discount rate for the 2011 MACo Winter Conference ends December 7th.