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MISSION:
The
Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) promotes growth that
fosters vibrant, livable communities, preserves and protects
the environment, and makes efficient use of State resources.
ACTIVITIES:
MDP provides data, trend analysis, research assistance,
and policy development and implementation support for local
governments, communities, businesses, and organizations.
The Department provides technical assistance, local program
review and planning design services for Maryland's counties
and municipalities.
As
MDP monitors and forecasts changes in development and land
use throughout the state, we create and produce research
tools and resources to assist in planning for Maryland’s
future. Information on demographic, socio-economic, political,
cultural, geographic and land-use trends is collected, analyzed,
and distributed in multiple formats. With computer mapping
and geographic information systems, MDP supports map display
and analysis of census data, satellite imagery, aerial photography,
land-use and parcel data to enhance and assist growth management
and land-use planning across the State.
As
chair of the Smart Growth Subcabinet, the Secretary of
Planning and
the Department oversee the implementation of
Governor O'Malley’s programs working
to revitalize Maryland’s existing communities.
The Department has a number of specialized offices, including:
- State
Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance facilitates
intergovernmental review and coordinates applications for
financial assistance, nominations to the National Register
of Historic Places, direct federal development programs,
draft environmental impact statements, and State plans requiring
gubernatorial review.
- Planning
Data Services
collects, analyzes, and publishes social, economic, and
geographic information relating to the State and its political
subdivisions; identifies and evaluates development issues;
prepares reports and studies on specific topics; and disseminates
U.S. Census and U.S. Department of Commerce information.
- Local
Planning Assistance provides technical
services to support the planning and management capacity
of local governments. The department's Centreville, Cumberland,
Salisbury, and Annapolis offices provide technical assistance
to local governments, business, organizations, and the
public.
- The
Office of Smart Growth works directly with
local governments, businesses, and organizations to coordinate
the implementation of proven planning strategies. The office
helps developers and local officials produce well-planned
projects and to educate and inform the public on land-use
issues. The office coordinates the Priority Places efforts
of the state agencies represented on the Smart Growth Subcabinet.
- MDP is a member of the Interagency
Committee for Public School Construction. The Public School Construction
program ensures adherence to the principles of comprehensive
planning, development management, land use, capital budgeting,
policy analysis and smart growth for annual and five-year
programs of elementary and secondary school capital improvements.
This division helps produce the annual Public School Construction
budget for the State of Maryland
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