The Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission heard on updates on the new State Development Plan, A Better Maryland; the 2040 Maryland Transportation Plan; and the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan at its September 24, 2018, meeting in Leonardtown.
A Better Maryland
Maryland Secretary of Planning Robert McCord, Special Secretary of Smart Growth Wendi Peters and other Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) representatives provided an update on the new State Development Plan, A Better Maryland. The plan, which is expected to be finalized in 2019, is currently being developed by MDP after several rounds of statewide listening tours.
The plan will broadly focus on environment and economic development issues – the two top areas of concerns raised by listening tour participants. The plan will be developed around four issue groupings: (1) environmental issues; (2) economic development issues; (3) community development issues; and (4) collaboration/coordination issues. MDP has currently identified 14 issues that will fall under these four issue groupings.
Environmental Issues
- Sustaining the environment into the future
- Preserving land
- Adapting and becoming resilient to climate change
Economic Development Issues
- Tackling the economic development needs of the next century
- Improving economic growth and development in existing communities
- Meeting renewable energy goals
- Addressing Maryland’s transportation, infrastructure, and technology challenges and opportunities
Community Development Issues
- Creating workforce/affordable housing
- Building capacity in communities
- Protecting historic and cultural resources
- Creating quality places
Collaboration//Coordination Issues
- Coordinating State agencies in planning process
- Respecting regional distinctions
- Improving the delivery of programs and services to local jurisdictions
The plan will provide further details on addressing each of these issues as a full draft of the plan is developed.
2040 Maryland Transportation Plan
Charles Glass from the Maryland Department of Transportation provided an update on the state’s draft 2040 transportation plan, which will chart Maryland’s long-range transportation funding and project programming. The plan is updated every 5 years. The 2040 plan contains seven overall goals:
- Provide better transportation choices and connections
- Ensure a safe, secure, and resilient transportation system
- Maintain a high standard and modernize Maryland’s multimodal transportation system
- Improve the quality and efficiency of the transportation system to enhance the customer experience
- Promote fiscal responsibility
- Facilitate economic opportunity and reduce congestion in Maryland through strategic system expansion
- Ensure environmental protection and sensitivity
Each goal includes a set of objectives and strategies for achieving those objectives. The 2040 plan will include significant components to begin addressing: (1) electric vehicles; (2) autonomous and connected vehicles; (3) climate impacts; and (4) the shared mobility economy.
Public comments on the draft 2040 plan are due by November 14.
Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan
Sandi Olek from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources provided a short update on the state’s recreation plan. The recreation plan, which includes information and plans created by local governments, is needed to access federal funding for parks and land preservation. The theme of the pending plan will be connectivity, including ensuring equitable access to green space.
Leonardtown Update
Leonardtown Mayor Dan Burris and Town Administrator Lachelle McKay provided an overview of the town’s revitalization and growth plans. Both noted their positive working relationship with St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners. Commissioners James Guy, Tom Jarboe, and Michael Hewitt also attended the meeting.
MACo representatives on the Commission include Garrett County Planning and Land Management Director Deborah Carpenter and MACo Legal and Policy Counsel Les Knapp. The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2018, in Gaithersburg.
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