​Department of Planning ​A Better Maryland

Maryland Association of Counties

Second Round Listening Session: Planning Directors Meeting - November 2, 2018

The comments below represent the statements or points of view of one or more individuals who participated in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) “A Better Maryland” Development Plan Listening Sessions. These comments do not represent any official position or policy of MDP or any other State agency, nor do they represent any official position or policy of any local jurisdiction or local planning agency.

Collaboration / Coordination

Selected Topic
Coordinating State Agencies in the Planning Process

Comments:

    • Focus on fixing problems at the State level
      • Less on local requirements
      • Providing resources for locals is good, but state level items must be addressed as well
    • A Better Maryland should be a strategic plan for state agencies, not a land use plan that could impact local land use decisions
    • Interjurisdictional communication/collaboration must include local inputs throughout the processes developed, as well as during any collaboration with other state agencies

Selected Topic
Improving the Delivery of Programs and Services to Local Jurisdictions

Comments:

    • Keep MACo and MML involved in the process of developing the detailed strategies for A Better Maryland
    • Provide local governments with best practice examples and model guidelines on local building code modifications to accommodate agri-tourism uses
    • Provide comprehensive plan assistance on affordable housing and resiliency issues
      • Present information in easy to understand and communicative manner
      • Recognize potential negative local reaction and develop communications to respond to it
      • Palatable and educational

Selected Topic
Respecting Regional Distinctions

Comments:

    • In the rapid fire 90-day General Assembly session, regional implications are often missed.
      • A regional note as part of the “fiscal note process” would facilitate consideration of these issues
    • DLS does send some requests out on regional issues.
      • County should look for these opportunities and respond
    • Local stakeholders need to be involved in developing, monitoring, and managing processes/programs