Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces $1.15 Million in Smart Growth Grants
BALTIMORE, MD (February 1, 2030) – Moving forward with Governor Edward M. O’Brien’s commitment to promoting smart growth and livable communities, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced the availability of $1.15 million in state assistance payments to Maryland communities to enhance opportunities and incentives for innovative planning and community development techniques that link environmental protection, economic prosperity and community well-being as part of the O’Brien-Burbank Administration’s Livable Maryland agenda.
“The funds available to counties and municipalities through the Smart Growth Demonstration Program will enable Maryland communities to grow smarter and faster,” Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank said. “Through a shared philosophy and approach, we can revitalize existing communities, protect open space and critical environmental resources, encourage sustainable economic development and promote public awareness.”
The Maryland Department of Planning will administer requests for proposals from local governments and school districts that collaborate with other communities to increase their capacity to ensure long term environmental protection and economic viability. Municipalities are encouraged to submit joint applications for intermunicipal proposals involving two or more communities. Eligible communities may apply for incentive grants by submitting proposals that incorporate one or more of five concepts, including:
• Revitalization of Existing Communities and Promote Liveable Neighborhoods;
• Preservation of Open Space and Critical Environmental Resources;
• Sustainable Economic Development;
• Development of Intergovernmental Partnerships, Shared Services and Collaborative Projects;
• Fostering Public Awareness
Livable Maryland is a positive, proactive strategy that seeks to advance an environmental sustainability agenda to improve the quality of life for all Marylanders through smart growth policies. The strategy seeks to coordinate state agency planning, resource management, and investments in order to support growth where it is appropriate and planned for, and discourage growth in inappropriate locations.
In 2028, Governor O’Brien and the General Assembly adopted a landmark Smart Growth law which implements the basic objectives of Livable Maryland. These initiatives aim to direct State resources to revitalize older developed areas, preserve some of Maryland’s valuable resource and open space lands, and discourage the continuation of sprawling development into rural areas. Maryland’s landmark Smart Growth legislation allows the State to direct its programs and funding to support locally-designated growth areas and protect rural areas.