Maryland
Baltimore Bans Gas Leafblowers
The devices release as much air pollution as driving 1,100 miles and have been banned in over 100 U.S. cities.
Baltimore Program Could Repurpose Thousands of Vacant Housing Units
The city and state are investing $3 billion in rescuing vacant residential properties to promote homeownership and reduce blight.
Army Corps Recommends $77M Floodwall to Protect Baltimore Tunnels
In the face of growing flooding risk and increased traffic following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, federal and state officials say protecting two of Baltimore's major transportation corridors from flooding is vital.
Maryland City Bans Smoking on a Public Street
City officials in Cumberland, Maryland, say smoking and use of smokeless tobacco products have deterred visitors to its downtown pedestrian mall and hopes the ban will make the area more welcoming.
Maryland Assistance Program Links Housing and Healthcare
The state will begin funding an existing program that targets the healthcare needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Baltimore Sewer Backup Assistance Programs Stall
Two programs aimed at helping residents safely clean up overflows caused by aging pipes are in limbo due to a dispute between the city and the EPA.
Baltimore Invests Billions to Clean its Waterways
Like Paris, the city has been working to improve its wastewater system and make local waterways safe for swimming.
Sober House Zoning Violations Prompt Questions
A sober living house in Maryland has been repeatedly fined by the city for operating as a boarding house, begging the question, where can these facilities be located?
Opinion: Montgomery County Regulations Stifle Nightlife
The county hasn’t acted on the recommendations of its own Nighttime Economy Task Force, which suggested ways to improve the business climate for restaurants and nightclubs to draw younger residents to the region.
Light Rail It Is for Baltimore’s Red Line Project
The decision to go with light rail over bus rapid transit will be more expensive and take longer to complete, but proponents say it’s an investment in Baltimore’s economic future.
Maryland Partners with Smart Growth America on Road Safety
Three summer test projects will inform the state’s actions on Complete Streets policies.
Maryland Issues New Complete Streets Policy
Projects on roadways maintained by the state DOT will have to comply with Complete Streets requirements as part of a broader effort to reduce traffic deaths in the state.
Maryland Passes New Vacancy Tax Law
The law allows local jurisdictions to set tax rates for vacant lots and properties to discourage speculation and stimulate development.
Maryland Housing Laws Address Housing Shortage, Establish Renter Protections
An ambitious housing package establishes a Renters Bill of Rights and removes barriers to increased housing production.
Montgomery County Approves ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Zoning
A new zoning amendment facilitates housing construction on properties owned by faith-based institutions.
Maryland Could Cut Transit Funding, Citing Budget Gap
The governor says the state remains committed to its major transit projects, but may need to reduce service to meet a growing financial shortfall.
Baltimore Considers Public Restroom Project
The city is starting to develop a plan for adding more public restrooms downtown, where available bathrooms are scarce and historic buildings are being damaged by public urination.
Montgomery County Moves to Eliminate Parking Mandates
The council unanimously supported a proposal to remove minimum parking requirements near for developments near transit.
Report: Gas-Powered Lawn Tools Produce Emissions Comparable to Cars
A Maryland study recommends switching to electric tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the state’s climate goals.
Baltimore Could See a TOD Boom
Developers are calling on city leaders to support transit-oriented development amidst an influx of federal funding opportunities.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
