August 20th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
Governor Larry Hogan Saturday delivered the closing address of the annual Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.
During his address, the governor announced his signing of Executive Order 01.01.2017.18, which directs state officials to create a new State Development Plan (SDP) that promotes smart growth initiatives, while being significantly more responsive to the needs of local jurisdictions than previous plans.
“As I have traveled across Maryland, local elected officials have repeatedly asked for a plan that better reflects the needs of our state,” Governor Hogan said. “One that will improve coordination between state agencies and local governments, support thoughtful growth and infrastructure planning, stimulate economic development and revitalization in existing and planned communities, and will conserve and enhance the state’s natural and cultural resources.
“This new process will be transparent and collaborative with the primary goal of creating a better framework for a better Maryland. And this time, the state will work closely with citizens, counties, and local jurisdictions. Most importantly, we will finally put local planning authority back into the hands of local governments – where it belongs.”
The governor’s executive order directs the Maryland Department of Planning, in collaboration with the Smart Growth Subcabinet and the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, to create a new State Development Plan. Maryland has been required to have a state development plan since the 1950s, however the most recent plan was adopted more than five years ago.
The executive order requires the new plan to be forward-thinking, responsive to local governments, and a flexible 21st-century blueprint to improve the quality of life for Marylanders, while promoting responsible growth and protecting the state’s resources. The group tasked with developing the plan will work closely with citizens, cities and towns, local jurisdictions, and regional stakeholders to ensure that concerns and input of local governments are not only received, but also incorporated in any final plan.
“As we work together on this new development plan, local jurisdictions can expect state government to be responsive to their needs, while working with them as a partner to improve quality of life, preserve our natural and cultural resources, and to promote economic development that supports their long-term planning goals,” said Department of Planning Secretary Wendi Peters.
During his address, the governor outlined the many ways that the administration has worked with local leaders throughout the state, including fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic, instituting common sense regulatory reform, protecting Maryland’s natural resources, and defeating the Road Kill Bill this past legislative session.
.jpg)
