Smart Growth in Maryland

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Maryland is moving into it’s second generation of “Smart Growth”.

A brainchild of the late 1990′s, Smart Growth was Maryland’s plan to increase the sustainability of the region through a variety of government program changes and alterations. Ten years later, Smart Growth has been deemed a “flop” after its energetic beginning under Governor Glendening.

Following numerous changes under the Ehrlich and O”Malley administrations the program has taken an ultimate turn into something refurbished, called “Smart, Green, and Growing.” This program has a renewed emphasis on new energy. The plans are much bigger than the original Smart Growth program, as they are incorporated at much higher levels in the state government and in new laws. Amongst the new plans, counties have a higher responsibility for meeting new, stricter preservation goals and encouragement of sustainable communities.

While the progress and impact of this program is still being made, the recession has hit the plans in an unforeseen way. Regardless, the future will show if this new efforts will meet with more success than those of the past.   This article, reprinted from the March 2010 issue of “Planning” outlines the structure and charge of the new Smart Growth Program in Maryland.

CWard   Frederick Ward, Sustainability
Smart Growth MD, Sustainability
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