In addition to a  comprehensive introductory session on planning, MACo is also offering a general session that will discuss recent land use trends and challenges.

Maryland remains a high growth state, with an additional 1.4 million new residents anticipated from 2000 to 2030.  Counties must balance protecting their precious heritage and sensitive environment while meeting the challenges posed by this projected incoming population.  And they must strike these balances even while digesting numerous new requirements and goals for planning laws and regulations.  Speakers will discuss recent challenges and changes to Smart Growth law, the intersection and sometime conflict between Smart Growth principles and environmental protection principles, and the history and agenda of Maryland’s newly-refashioned Sustainable Growth Commission.  Speakers include:

The Honorable Stephen W. Lafferty, Maryland House of Delegates

Jon M. Laria, Esq., Chair, Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission

Melvin C. Beall, Jr., Director, Charles County Planning and Growth Management

Conference registration information can be found on the MACo website.