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Governor Ehrlich Seeks
Applicants for Priority Places Initiative
Subcabinet Makes Applications Available Online
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., last week announced that the State is
accepting applications for Priority Places, a new initiative to build on Maryland’s
smart growth efforts by designating promising development projects and planning efforts in
existing communities for State assistance.
“With the Priority Places strategy, I am directing State agencies to identify
– and to do everything in their power to support – first-rate development
projects and planning efforts throughout Maryland,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Our
new strategy will identify development efforts with the potential to improve communities,
promote local economic growth and foster a stronger quality of life for our citizens.”
The Priority Places strategy marshals State resources to promote revitalization,
redevelopment, and well-planned new development in designated communities throughout
Maryland. Applications for the first round of designations will be accepted through early
September when the Smart Growth Subcabinet begins reviewing them. Governor Ehrlich expects
to announce the first Priority Places by the end of the year.
The Smart Growth Subcabinet, comprised of the secretaries of State agencies involved in
decisions that affect growth, will oversee the Priority Places Strategy. Together, the
Governor and Subcabinet have committed to direct a wide variety of land-use and
development tools and resources to Priority Places. They range from capital spending and
specific program funds to technical assistance and expedited reviews. With Priority
Places, there will be an unprecedented, cross-agency commitment to coordinated action.
By paying close attention to key projects, the State hopes to learn valuable lessons
that it can use to strengthen programs that positively impact the cost, timing, and
quality of development throughout the Priority Funding Areas. The State directs funding
for growth-related infrastructure and facilities to these areas, which are designated by
local governments under the State’s smart growth program.
“The State wants to work proactively, and in partnership with local governments,
developers, and community groups, to help foster good development projects and healthy
growth patterns,” said Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Audrey E. Scott, who
leads the Subcabinet. “We invite all interested projects, towns, and communities to
apply for this prestigious designation.”
For more information about the Priority Places Strategy and application materials,
visit www.priorityplaces.com.
