W2 AM Chesapeake Bay Restoration (Part 1)
Wednesday, 16 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in Ballroom 2

(MAU-1117-749461) Current issues in Maryland land use policy.

Maurer, G.¹, ¹ Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Annapolis, MD, 21403

ABSTRACT- Sound land use practices are critical to the restoration of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Yet, while Maryland is considered a national model for its progressive smart growth policies, we still face a crisis from the adverse effects of suburban sprawl. This presentation will discuss the reasons for this disconnect, by providing an overview of the most important land use related policy issues in Maryland, highlighting successes and failures. Current Maryland policy and practices such as: the priority places initiative, development capacity analyses, annexations, land conservation funding and initiatives, and balanced transportation spending will be summarized and critiqued. The presentation will conclude with an evaluation of the political climate for positive policy changes.

Key words: land use, Chesapeake Bay, policy