The principal spokesman for Maryland’s high-profile Smart Growth Initiative analyzes the program's strenghts and weaknesses and offers strategies for similar statewide, incentive-based programs.
John W. Frece worked for Gov. Glendening as the principal spokesman for Maryland’s Smart Growth Initiative and played a crucial role in creating and publicizing Maryland's smart growth program. Mr. Frece has performed a detailed evaluation of the program.
"Maryland's experiment with Smart Growth was unquestionably a move in the right direction. It represented the logical next step in the state's long history of progressive land use and environmental protection efforts. For the first time, it harnessed the power of the state budget to pull the state toward a smarter pattern of development...
Maryland's "Smart Growth" initiative probably represented as much change as was politically possible to achieve at the time. However, it wasn't enough...its national reputation exceeded the actual results on the ground...
For a statewide, incentive-based program to succeed, incentives must be large, meaningful, and continuous to be dependable. Growth boundaries need to be stronger, less porous, and more effective...The Maryland experience demonstrates the value of a statewide approach and the importance of assuring that local government decisions do not undercut the statewide smart growth goal."
Thanks to Joel S. Hirschhorn
FULL STORY: Twenty Lessons From Maryland’s Smart Growth Initiative
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont