Maryland Department of Planning

09/14/2026

Walktober also means Walkinars! This October, join MDOT and guest speakers for virtual discussions on equity, community-centered transportation planning, technology, innovation, pedestrian safety, and more. Save the dates for Walkinars on October 8 and October 22, plus a Secretaries Panel Discussion on October 29. Learn more: mdot.maryland.gov/walktober

09/14/2026

09/11/2026

The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) applauds Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) initiative in developing the Just Communities Action Plan! Placemaking ( ) is one of eight MD . Community participation and engagement in the planning process -- key tenets of creating wonderful places for people to gather, work, play, and celebrate what is unique to the history and culture of an area -- are also integral parts of this people-centered Action Plan.

09/10/2026

Join us for our latest webinar, "Implementing Comprehensive Plans Through Zoning: How Local Governments Are Advancing Sustainable Land Use," September 23, 12-1:30 pm. Register today! https://ow.ly/wiUY50ZM5Yy

A comprehensive plan establishes a community’s long-term vision, but that vision can only be realized when local zoning regulations support and implement its goals.

Chestertown, Maryland, is translating its comprehensive plan into action through an extensive update of its zoning ordinance, guided by the State’s Sustainable Growth Planning Principles.

Using Chestertown as a case study, we will explore the relationship between comprehensive planning, public engagement, and zoning reform.

Topics will include:

- Findings of the Regional Urban3 value-per-acre analysis, a study supported by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC)
- Strategies for meaningful community participation
- Lessons learned in conducting a town-wide rezoning

And...a common perceived disconnect between adopted sustainable growth policies and legacy zoning regulations, that may inhibit implementation

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30th, submit your nomination today! https://ow.ly/zASj50ZxaC2

09/09/2026

🏃‍♂️‍➡️👩‍🦽‍➡️🚶‍➡️Fantastic news! Just ahead of , it's great to learn about this Maryland Department of Transportation investment that will improve and further safe, accessible, pedestrian activity of all kinds across Maryland! 👊🎉🙌

Making walking, biking and rolling safer and more accessible
Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation announced $11.3 million in funding for 24 trail projects across the state. The projects will improve safety, boost the economy and make the state more accessible, all goals of the Moore-Miller administration.
“Creating new paths and linking others together are key components of Maryland’s transportation future” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson.
Projects include:
Trail bridge replacements in Allegany and Garrett counties
Repair 20 miles of the C&O Canal towpath in Montgomery and Washington counties
The design of 7 bike trail projects
More info about each project (website): tinyurl.com/TrailGrants2026

09/07/2026

🌄🏙️🏖️Wishing All Marylanders -- from the mountains to the shore and everywhere in between -- a terrific, safe, relaxing holiday! For those who have to work, especially our first responders: thank you for your service and wishing you a well-deserved respite with family and friends soon 🦀🍔🍉

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Join us for Building Connections on September 24th, 2026 to learn about financial, technical, and educational resources available to help Commercial & Residential building owners to meet Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards targets and other decarbonization goals before fees start to be assessed. Click the link to learn more and register! https://tinyurl.com/bdhykzhe