Welcome to the Maryland Department of Planning’s Portal on the Internet. At the Maryland Department of Planning, or MDP for short, we are creating solutions for the growth and preservation of our beloved State. The pages in this website provide you with links to reports, publications, data, maps and many valuable facts pertaining to the past, present and future in Maryland. I invite you navigate these resources.

As Secretary, I believe that the challenge of growing sustainable, vibrant communities while preserving our treasured agricultural, recreational and water resources is a worthy and achievable endeavor and one in which solutions can and must be found. As Secretary of Planning, I am deeply honored to advance Governor O’Malley’s vision for One Maryland by working with local and State government officials and advocacy groups concerned with sound land use policy.

The Maryland of tomorrow is conceived in the decisions we make today. For decades, we have accepted sprawl and its consequences as the cost of progress. The prevailing development model that has promoted conventional subdivisions and strip shopping centers for the past 50 years is unworkable. I believe that we can achieve balanced growth and a vibrant economy and protect our dwindling natural resources and open spaces. The Maryland Department of Planning is uniquely positioned to spark Smart Growth from the State House to Main Street.

The Maryland Department of Planning has a long-standing history in providing critical assistance to local governments, State agencies and the private sector. As such, the department provides high-quality research, data, mapping and technical assistance needed to stimulate sound land use decision-making and development strategies. My talented staff and I are eager to serve the State of Maryland enabling people to make decisions in their communities that enhance the quality of life and protect the natural environment.

I hope that you find our website informative and helpful to you, whether you live, work, invest, play, travel or plan to do any of the above in the Maryland.

Sincerely,

Richard Eberhart Hall, AICP, Secretary
Maryland Department of Planning