SILVER SPRING, MD – To advise on growth and development issues in Maryland, the General Assembly created a Sustainable Growth Commission to assess the progress of state, regional and local planning to achieve economic growth, promote resource protection, and create planning policy.
In early September, Governor Martin O’Malley appointed Montgomery County Planning Director Rollin Stanley as one of 17 members of the Commission. The Commission, which replaces a 2007 growth task force with a similar role, formalizes a broad group of planning professionals and stakeholders to consider and make recommendations on growth and development.
As part of its work, the Commission will promote coordination among jurisdictions; advise on state development, transportation and housing plans – especially the relationship of those plans to local land use plans; help develop and implement educational and outreach programs about smart growth; and make recommendations for changes in state law, regulations and policies.
Sustainable growth concentrates development in areas with the services to support it. Such growth is characterized by compact, walkable development located near transit featuring mixed uses and a wide range of housing choices. Compact growth helps conserve natural resources through the efficient use of land, water and air and creates a sense of community and place.
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