![[photo, 301 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/15dgs/images/1198-1-597b.jpg)
The Department of Planning works with State and local government agencies to ensure comprehensive and integrated planning for the best use of Maryland's land and other resources. To local governments, the Department provides technical expertise, such as surveys, land use studies, and urban renewal plans. Also, the Department compiles Maryland data for use in planning, including congressional redistricting. Implementing State planning policies also is the responsibility of the Department of Planning.
301 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland, November 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Secretary of Planning is appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5-201 through 5-204). The Secretary serves on the Governor's Executive Council, the Base Realignment and Closure Subcabinet, the BayStat Subcabinet; and the Governor's Council on the Chesapeake Bay. The Secretary chairs the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the Maryland Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and serves as vice-chair of the Smart Growth Subcabinet. The Secretary also serves on the Board of Directors, Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation; the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture; the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee; the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays; the Climate Change Commission; the Interagency Disabilities Board; the Maryland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council; the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities; the Maryland Green Building Council; the State Coordinating Committee for Human Services Transportation; the Commission to Study the Impact of Immigrants in Maryland; the Advisory Committee for the Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum; the Maryland Integrated Map Executive Committee; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Council on New Americans; the Patuxent River Commission; the Rural Legacy Board; the Scenic and Wild Rivers Review Board; the Interagency Committee on School Construction; the State Highway Access Valuation Board; the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal; the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission; the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland; and the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
Under the Department are Communications; Historical and Cultural Programs; Planning Services; and the Office of Smart Growth. The Department also is aided by Operations, and the Patuxent River Commission (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-816).
The Commission prepares the Patuxent River Policy Plan and, every five years, considers draft amendments to update it. The original Patuxent River Policy Plan was adopted in 1984 as a policy guide for the Commission, State agencies, and local governments in carrying out programs in the Patuxent River watershed. In 1997, to update the Plan, the Commission adopted an addendum. Effective October 24, 2000, all local governments represented on the Commission adopted the 1997 addendum, which the General Assembly endorsed in 2001 (Joint Resolution no. 10, Acts of 2001). Coordinating the Patuxent tributary strategy with the Patuxent River Policy Plan, the Commission also serves as the Tributary Strategy Team for the Patuxent Watershed.
Thirty-four members constitute the Commission. Twenty-eight are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms. Six serve ex officio (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5-812 through 5-816).
Under Communications are Communications and Education; and the State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance.
PLANNING RESEARCH SERVICES
The Clearinghouse facilitates intergovernmental review and coordination of applications for financial assistance, direct federal development programs, draft environmental impact statements, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, and certain specified applications for State assistance.
As the State's single point of contact for federal agencies, the Clearinghouse disseminates notices and announcements of proposed federal and some State actions. The Clearinghouse also transmits the views of Maryland State, regional and local public officials to federal agencies; facilitates resolution of disputes; and formulates a single recommended course of action. Additionally, recommendations regarding the disposition of State excess and federal surplus real property are made by the Clearinghouse.
In the weekly Intergovernmental Monitor, the Clearinghouse announces proposed federal and State actions. In the Catalog of State Assistance Programs, it reports on federal financial assistance awards, and maintains an inventory of State-owned real property and federal real property in Maryland. (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5-509).
CLEARINGHOUSE & PLAN REVIEW SECTION
The Section has two primary components: the State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance; and the local plan assessment and advice program.
In 1985, the Division of Historical and Cultural Programs started as the Division of Cultural Affairs within the Department of Economic and Community Development. When the Department of Housing and Community Development formed in 1987, the Division transferred to the new department as the Division of Cultural Activities. In 1988, it was renamed the Division of Historical and Cultural Programs. Effective October 1, 2005, the Division transferred to the Department of Planning (Chapter 440, Acts of 2005).
100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland, January 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Most Division programs fall under the Maryland Historical Trust, which oversees Administration, the Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum, and three offices: Preservation Planning and Museum Programs; Preservation Services; and Research, Survey, and Registration. The Division also is responsible for the Maryland Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and staff support for the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
A heritage area is an area distinguished by unique physical and cultural resources vital to the history and development of the surrounding community. While fostering small business development, potentially eligible communities may protect and develop their historical, cultural, and natural resources through the Maryland Heritage Areas Program. Such a community first applies to the Authority to become a Recognized Heritage Area. If approved by the Authority, the community next applies to the Authority for a Heritage Area Management Plan Grant, which provides matching State funds to develop a detailed management plan. Upon approval of the plan by the Authority, the area is designated a Certified Heritage Area, and becomes eligible for assistance with grants and loans, as well as tax incentives for rehabilitating buildings, historic and nonhistoric, for tourism use.
The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority was the first certified heritage area, predating the Authority. Since 1996, the Authority has approved the following Certified Heritage Areas: Anacostia Trails; Annapolis, London Town, and South County; Baltimore; Heart of Chesapeake Country; Lower Eastern Shore; Heart of the Civil War; Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway; Montgomery County; Southern Maryland; and Stories of the Chesapeake. Garrett County and Patapsco are Recognized Heritage Areas.
In 2009, the Authority awarded over $3.1 million in grants to units within the eleven Certified Heritage Areas to support economic development through heritage tourism.
The Authority consists of seventeen members. Ten are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Seven serve ex officio (Code Financial Institutions Article, secs. 13-1101 though 13-1124).
The Council is a dispute resolution body. It meets only when the Maryland Historical Trust and another State unit disagree on how to avoid or minimize adverse effects from State-assisted undertakings on properties listed in or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. State agencies also may seek the advice of the Council in similar cases involving a State permit or license. Since 1985, the Council has met only once, in February 2004.
Comments of the Council are advisory. Final decisions regarding affected projects rest with the agency head (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5A-324).
The Council is comprised of seven members. Three are appointed by the Governor. Four serve ex officio. The Secretary of Planning is designated chair.
The Trust acquires and maintains properties of historic or architectural merit by gift, grant, or purchase. Through an easement program, it holds partial interest in such properties in order to monitor their condition and appearance without the necessity of public ownership.
Through State grants and a revolving-fund loan program, the Trust helps organizations, local governments, businesses, and individuals restore and acquire historic properties. Matching grants from the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior are made through the Trust. They support programs, such as historic resource identification (i.e., survey); evaluation (i.e., registration); preservation planning and education; and "Certified Local Government" programs.
To local jurisdictions, the Trust makes grants for surveying Maryland historic sites. Results of these surveys are published. The most significant sites are eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places through the Trust. Properties listed on the National Register receive a degree of protection from federal and State licensed or funded projects that might adversely affect them.
Through its community education program, the Trust administers a local volunteer network, represented by advisory organizations (one in each county, in Baltimore City and Annapolis). These organizations, besides carrying out their own local preservation programs, assist the Trust by promoting its programs, grants, and loans; sponsoring Preservation Week activities; and advising on preservation needs and interests. The Trust sponsors an annual conference and regional workshops.
A library of archival and photographic material relating to Maryland archaeological and architectural history is maintained by the Trust.
Appointed by the Governor pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the State Historic Preservation Officer is a member of the Trust staff. Preservation activities as required by the federal government are carried out by the State Historic Preservation Officer in concert with the Trust (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5A-301 through 5A-359).
The Trust works through Operations Management and three offices: Preservation Planning and Museum Programs; Preservation Services; and Research, Survey, and Registration. It also oversees the Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum.
WORKING GROUP ON NATIVE-AMERICAN HUMAN REMAINS
JEFFERSON PATTERSON HISTORICAL PARK & MUSEUM
The Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum at St. Leonard, Calvert County, opened to the public in 1984. On the Patuxent River and St. Leonard's Creek, the 546-acre Park extends along two and a half miles of shoreline. Most of the Park is located on Point Farm, which was deeded in trust to the State by Mary Marvin Breckinridge Patterson in honor of her husband, Jefferson Patterson. Here scientists have found evidence of prehistoric Indian sites, 10 to 12 million-year-old invertebrate fossils, and remnants of early European settlements. The Park and Museum function as an educational, research and recreational facility.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
The Committee's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor upon recommendation of the Secretary of Planning and with Senate advice and consent (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5A-336).
OFFICE OF PRESERVATION PLANNING & MUSEUM PROGRAMS
The Office provides staff support to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, and offers technical preservation assistance to local governments and the general public. It administers the Certified Local Government Program, and oversees the production and sale of Maryland Historical Trust Press publications. This unit also coordinates the Noncapital Historic Preservation Grant Program, tracks preservation-related State legislation, and prepares the annual Maryland Historic Preservation Awards program.
Four units are overseen by the Office: Archeology Assistance Programs; Local Preservation Programs; Maryland Heritage Areas Program; and the Museum Advancement Program.
The Museum Advancement Program is aided by the Museum Assistance Review Panel.
The Panel includes members appointed by the Secretary of Planning and three ex officio members (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5A-354).
OFFICE OF PRESERVATION SERVICES
Office work is conducted by five units: Capital Grants and Loans; Historic Preservation Easement Program; Preservation Financial Incentives; Review and Compliance; and Underwater Archaelogy.
PRESERVATION FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
REVIEW & COMPLIANCE
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, SURVEY, & REGISTRATION
The Office is organized into five units: Architectural Research; Evaluation and Registration; Geographic Information Systems; Information Management and Library Services; and Survey and Research.
EVALUATION & REGISTRATION
Appointed by the Governor, Committee members serve four-year terms.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & LIBRARY SERVICES
Planning Services formed from State and Local Planning in March 2003. To Maryland counties and municipalities, it provides technical assistance, local program review, and planning design services.
Five units are administered by Planning Services: Data Planning Services; Infrastructure Planning; Land and Water Resource Planning; Land Use Analysis; and Local Planning Assistance.
REDISTRICTING & REAPPORTIONMENT
Statistical data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census and other information sources are maintained by Data Planning Services. Such data relates to population, housing, employment, income, and education. A computerized system of the office also geographically references data on the physical and cultural attributes of the State.
Data Planning Services helps maintain the State's 2,800 automated property maps and their linkage via x,y reference points to the two-million parcel database of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. This information is accessible to government agencies and the public on CD-ROM as MdProperty View for use with off-the-shelf viewing software and standard personal computers. MdProperty View quickly retrieves map and attribute information on individual or multiple properties, including ownership, acreage, type, size, value, and improvements.
Data Planning Services oversees the Property Mapping Section, and the Research and State Data Center.
PROPERTY MAPPING SECTION
RESEARCH & STATE DATA CENTER
Infrastructure Planning oversees: Public School Construction; and Transportation Planning.
Policies for land use and growth, water and sewer infrastructure, restoration and protection of Chesapeake Bay, and natural resource protection are developed by Land Use and Water Resource Planning.
Under Planning Services, Land and Water Resource Planning oversees Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources, Resource Conservation Planning, and Water and Sewer Planning.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
In October 2003, the Department of Planning was charged with developing and implementing the Maryland Priority Places Strategy (Executive Order 01.01.2003.33). The Strategy is to establish goals for land-use policies that are fiscally sound and promote sustainable development along with long-term economic growth, community revitalization, and resource conservation.
? Copyright Maryland State Archives
PATUXENT RIVER COMMISSION
In 1980, the Patuxent River Commission was created within the Department of State Planning (Chapter 746, Acts of 1980). The Commission reviews the operation of State and local agencies in regard to the Patuxent River. It provides a clearinghouse for watershed information, reviews plans, and comments on reports and development projects impacting the River.
OPERATIONS
Operations began as Administration, and adopted its present name in March 2010. Within the Department, Operations provides functions essential to Department operations. These include accounting, management information services, personnel, and procurement and inventory.
COMMUNICATIONS
Initiated in March 2003 as Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications adopted its present name in July 2008. It directs the Department's legislative agenda, provides information to the public, and produces all Department publications.
COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION
LEGISLATIVE OFFICE
Under Communications since 2007, Planning Research Services is the legislatively mandated depository for general, area and functional plans created by the State or local government (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5-501). A library of planning-related literature and research materials also is maintained, and research services are provided to the public, Department staff, and local governments.
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSISTANCE
In 1969, the State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance organized in accordance with the federal Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. Formerly within the Department of State Planning, the Clearinghouse transferred to the Office of Planning in 1989 (Chapter 540, Acts of 1989). In 2000, it became part of the Department of Planning. Formerly under Strategic Development, the Clearinghouse transferred to Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs in 2005, to Strategic Development in May 2006, and back to Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs in 2007.
The Clearinghouse and Plan Review Section began as Plan and Project Review in 1994. It adopted its current name in 1997. The Section checks county and municipal comprehensive plans for compliance with the Planning Act of 1992 (Chapter 437, Acts of 1992) and reviews water and sewer plans, and municipal annexation proposals for consistency with State and local planning policies.
DIVISION OF HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PROGRAMS
![[photo, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/33jud/images/i006002b.jpg)
100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032 - 2023
MARYLAND HERITAGE AREAS AUTHORITY
Within the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority was created in 1996 as an independent unit (Chapter 601, Acts of 1996). In October 2005, the Authority moved to the Department of Planning as an independent unit (Chapter 440, Acts of 2005).
MARYLAND ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Maryland Advisory Council on Historic Preservation was created in 1985 within the Department of Economic and Community Development (later the Department of Housing and Community Development) (Chapter 500, Acts of 1985). In October 2005, the Council joined the Department of Planning (Chapter 440, Acts of 2005).
MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST
The Maryland Historical Trust formed in 1961 to preserve, protect, and enhance districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in the prehistory, history, upland and underwater archaeology, architecture, engineering, and culture of the State (Chapter 620, Acts of 1961). The Trust also encourages others in the field and promotes interest in and study of such matters. In 1970, the Trust became an agency of the Department of Economic and Community Development and in 1987 joined the Department of Housing and Community Development (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). With the Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, it transferred to the Department of Planning in October 2005 (Chapter 440, Acts of 2005).
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Fifteen members constitute the Trust's Board of Trustees. Twelve are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Three serve ex officio. Trustees appoint eight area representatives to serve one-year terms. The Board appoints the Director (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5A-312 through 5A-319).
In June 2008, the Working Group on Native-American Human Remains was established by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Maryland Historical Trust, the Commission on Indian Affairs, and the Department of Planning. The Working Group is considering options for an appropriate place of repose for certain Native-American human remains currently in the care of the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory at the Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum.
10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685
ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE JEFFERSON PATTERSON HISTORICAL PARK & MUSEUM
In October 1983, the Governor appointed this committee under the trust agreement that transferred the Jefferson Patterson Historical Park and Museum to the State to be administered by the Maryland Historical Trust. The Committee oversees planning for the Park and Museum and advises the Trust on this planning.MARYLAND ARCHEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION LABORATORY
The Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory opened in 1998. The 38,000 square-foot archaeological facility treats and stores over 3.5 million artifacts. Collections are available to researchers and educators and for exhibits to museums. Within the research library are over 10,000 catalogued items dealing with Native-American life, archaeology, history, agriculture, and the identification and conservation of artifacts and antiques, the Chesapeake Bay environment, and museum studies. Tours are given on the first Friday of every month.
Under the Maryland Historical Trust, Operations Management is responsible for fiscal affairs, grants management, and information technology. Further, it oversees a number of functions formerly assigned to the Office of Archaelogy.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ARCHAEOLOGY
Formerly under the Maryland Geological Survey, the Advisory Committee on Archaeology transferred to the Maryland Historical Trust in 1990 (Chapter 57, Acts of 1990). The Committee advises and assists the Office of Archaeology on archaeological matters and reviews policies, plans, rules, and regulations concerned with archaeological matters.
In 1996, the Office of Preservation Planning and Museum Programs originated as the Office of Planning and Educational Outreach under the Office of Management, Planning, and Educational Outreach. In 1997, it reorganized as Planning and Heritage Outreach, and in 2004, as Heritage Planning and Outreach. In October 2007, Heritage Planning and Outreach combined with the Office of Museum Services to form the Office of Preservation Planning and Museum Programs.
MARYLAND HERITAGE AREAS PROGRAMS
Maryland Heritage Areas Programs started as Heritage Area and Museum Programs. It reformed under its present name in 2008.
MUSEUM ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
Museum Advancement Programs organized under its present name in 2008. To local jurisdictions and private, nonprofit organizations, Museum Advancement Programs provides financial and technical assistance for museums (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, secs. 5A-349 through 5A-359).
MUSEUM ASSISTANCE REVIEW PANEL
The Museum Assistance Review Panel organized in 1990 (Chapter 322, Acts of 1990). The Panel reviews and recommends to the Secretary of Planning the approval of grants under the Historical and Cultural Museum Assistance Program. In reviewing grant applications that relate to the care and preservation of, or access to archival material, the Panel seeks the advice and recommendations of the State Archivist.
In 1989, the Office of Preservation Services was established. Throughout Maryland, the Office protects and enhances historic, archaeological and cultural properties.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION & EASEMENT PROGRAM
The Historic Preservation and Easement Program originated as the Financial Assistance and Easements Unit. The Program administers the State Historic Preservation Grant and Loan programs, as well as State historic preservation easement programs. Through a variety of training programs, it also provides technical advice and assistance on rehabilitation to local government planners, preservation commissions, and the public.
Formerly the Rehabilitation Tax Credit Unit, Preservation Financial Incentives administered the Heritage Structure-Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program for homeowners and business entities (Code State Finance & Procurement Article, sec. 5A-303). In June 2010, that program was restructured as the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program (Chapter 487, Acts of 2010). A structure eligible for the tax credit must have undergone substantial rehabilitation, and must be located in a designated Main Maryland Community, a Baltimore City Main Street, or beginning in FY 2012, in a sustainable community.
State and federally mandated regulatory reviews are conducted by Review and Compliance to protect and enhance heritage resources. Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, this unit reviews how federal programs affect Maryland historic properties. The unit also reviews and processes applications for the State historic preservation income-tax credit program and the federal income tax credit program for rehabilitation of historic buildings.
In 1988, the Underwater Archeology Program began to inventory and preserve the State's submerged cultural resources, including prehisoric sites, structures, buildings and wharfs, and a wide range of vessels.
The Office of Research, Survey, and Registration formed in 1989 to direct the Division's historical, architectural and archaeological research.
ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
Evaluation and Registration conducts historic resource registration programs, including the Maryland Register of Historic Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. The Unit provides technical assistance to the Governor's Commission on Maryland Military Monuments.GOVERNOR'S CONSULTING COMMITTEE ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The Governor formed this committee in 1967 to carry out terms of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-665). The law requires the State to nominate properties for the National Register of Historic Places. These nominations must be reviewed by the Consulting Committee before they are submitted to the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Maryland Historical Trust develops and maintains GIS data for Maryland properties listed on the National Register of Historic Properties and those on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. Geographic Information Systems also develops and maintains boundary files for the Maryland Heritage Areas statewide grid of known archeological sites.
Information Management and Library Services consolidated separate libraries and the information and records management programs administered by previously separate units. The Unit carries out Division computerization and a long-term program for microfilming and electronic storage of archival and record materials.MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST LIBRARY
Under Information Management and Library Services, the Maryland Historical Trust Library holds information about Maryland's architectural, archeological, and cultural resources. Its holdings include survey forms for about 35,000 historic structures and sites, and archeological files for more than 10,400 prehistoric and historic archeological sites, as well as maps, photographs, architectural drawings, plans, reports, and professional journals. The Library is open to the public by appointment, Tuesday through Thursday.RESEARCH & SURVEY
Formerly Survey and Research, Research and Survey maintains the historical and archaeological components of the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. The Unit helps design and implement local survey projects, and provides inventory data for the Office and local government planners.
PLANNING SERVICES
301 West Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 2365
Redistricting and Reapportionment compiles U.S. census data and election data to create and prepare precinct and legislative maps. From this section, maps are made available to the public.
DATA PLANNING SERVICES
Data Planning Services originated as Planning Data Services and organized under its present name in March 2010. It collects, analyzes, and publishes socio-economic, cultural, geographic, parcel and land use information for planning purposes. This office provides a database for use by State and local government agencies, and the general public. For each county and Baltimore City, projections of population, housing, public school enrollment, employment, and income are prepared. They are used by State and local government agencies, as well as the private sector.
The responsibility for preparing electronic property maps transferred from the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to the Office of Planning (now Department of Planning) in October 1996. The Property Mapping Section assumed this function in 1997. The Section updates property maps and prepares them for MdProperty View. From the Section, paper copies of property maps also are available to the public.
The Research and State Data Center organized in 1980. It provides for the development of databases to assist in planning for the overall growth and development of the State. The Center provides information from decennial censuses and is concerned with historical and projected data on population, housing, employment, personal income, business establishments, parcels, and school enrollment. The Center works to improve access to and use of statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and other federal and State sources.
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING
Organized in March 2003, Infrastructure Planning provides research and technical assistance for transportation and public school construction planning statewide. Projections and modeling are used to anticipate Maryland's future needs and analyze current proposals.
LAND & WATER RESOURCE PLANNING
Land and Water Resource Planning began as Comprehensive Planning. It became Planning Coordination and Resource Management in 1997, Environmental Planning in March 2003, and Land-Use Planning and Analysis in November 2003. It was renamed Resource Conservation Planning in July 2004, and was restructured under its present name in July 2008.
LAND USE ANALYSIS
In May 2007, Land Use Analysis assumed some functions formerly assigned to Technical Planning Support. Land Use Analysis is responsible for Geographic Information Systems.
LOCAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE
Local Planning Assistance oversees three regional office and provides staff support to the Appalachian Regional Commission.
OFFICE OF SMART GROWTH
Concepts of "smart growth" were enacted into law in 1997, building upon the Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Act of 1992 (Chapter 759, Acts of 1997; Chapter 437, Acts of 1992). Through the principles of "smart growth", Maryland is committed to limiting sprawl development by revitalizing older neighborhoods and redirecting growth to already developed areas, thereby saving the State's farmland, open spaces, and natural resources. To achieve these ends, State funds target projects in Priority Funding Areas, those locations approved for growth and redevelopment.
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