General Info

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. 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 Baltimore, Cumberland, and Salisbury, 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 the State of Maryland