TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday announced the kickoff of Master Plan 2030, the process for developing the County’s next master plan to guide smart growth over the coming decade.

The master plan is intended to guide the County Executive, the County Council, and County departments in promoting responsible development in an equitable and environmentally sensitive manner that promotes adequate open space to help secure a sustainable future for the residents of Baltimore County.

“We’re laser-focused on building a better, more equitable, more sustainable Baltimore County. The master planning process will allow us to establish a vision and priorities for the coming years that will lead to more vibrant communities for everyone across our the County,” Olszewski said. “I encourage all of our residents to get involved so that their voices can be heard during this critical process.”

Under the Baltimore County Charter, a countywide master plan must be prepared and adopted every 10 years. The County’s first formal master plan was adopted in 1972.

Master Plan 2030 will be built around the following principles:

• Equity: Being inclusive in our decision-making, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and creating opportunity for all.
• Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the County’s public and internal government infrastructure and safeguarding the County’s ecology and climate.
• Vibrant Communities: Ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality and affordable housing, cultural, and recreational opportunities in safe communities while promoting responsible economic development.

With these three principles in mind, the County will use data and community input to develop goals and policies and define actions in the plan that meet the American Planning Association’s principles for Sustainable Places. The Master Plan is an opportunity for a creative range of possibilities in design and planning processes.

Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/masterplan2030 to learn more and “join” to receive updates about upcoming meetings and input opportunities, as well as general updates as the process progresses.

Three virtual kick-off meetings will be held:

• Monday, May 17; County Council Districts 1 and 4; 6:30pm
• Tuesday, May 18; County Council Districts 2 and 3; 6:30pm
• Wednesday, May 19; County Council Districts 5, 6, and 7; 6:30pm

Following a robust community engagement process over the coming months, the County will develop and release a draft master plan for public review in fall of 2021. The County will submit a final master plan for Council approval in 2022.

More information about Baltimore County Master Plan 2030 is available at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/masterplan2030.