Plan Howard 2030

What's Your Plan for Howard in 2030?

The next General Plan seeks to create a sustainability framework for enhancing our economy, environment and quality of life. This process dates back to the 1960's, when the first General Plan was adopted with periodic updates to continually align policies and actions with the challenges and opportunities of the time. Now, you're needed to help shape a shared vision for the County's future.

Welcome from County Executive Ken Ulman

Where We Are

Phase 3, Spring 2012: Preliminary Draft Plan
PlanHoward 2030 Release

The County's Planning Board will hold a public hearing to obtian citizen testimony on the plan. Prior to the hearing, the Board will host a series of open houses across the County to introduce the plan, answer questions and solicit public input. The Board will provide its recommendations on the plan to the County Council for final review and approval.

Phase 2, Summer 2011 - Winter 2012: Alternative Actions and Draft Plan Recommendations

The adopted guidelines identify key issues the County will address in the General Plan. Staff will investigate alternative approaches, policies and actions. In the fall, the General Plan Task Force will meet to provide advice on policy and strategy alternatives, as well as implementation priorities.

Phase 1, Spring - Summer 2011: Plan Guidelines
Adopted Guidelines

Updating the County’s General Plan begins with developing Guidelines for studying the many challenges and opportunities that will influence how Howard evolves over the next 20 years. A citizen Task Force has been convened to provide advice. The County’s Planning Board will hold public meetings on the draft Guidelines and the final Guidelines are reviewed and adopted by the County Council.
Task Force Announcement | Members

General Plan Update

PlanHoward 2030 is an update of the 2000 Howard County General Plan. The release of the preliminary draft follows several months of Task Force discussion of planning topics that are critical to the County's future. The plan is available for public comment and will be presented to the Planning Board on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

Proposed General Plan Update
Additional Draft Material
Functional Road Classification Map

Currently Adopted General Plan
Adopted addendums to General Plan 2000:
Water Resources Element
Downtown Columbia Plan


uComment Public Website
uComment is an online collaboration tool designed to facilitate citizen engagement throughout the General Plan update. It supplements the use of public meetings and workshops with easily accessible plans and documents you can review and comment on at every step of the process. Interact with PlanHoward 2030 to see how the County's future vision is shaped by public engagement.

Meetings

Thursday, May 3: 7pm
Planning Board Work Session Continuation Ellicott/Columbia Room, George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

April 18 Planning Board Public Hearing
Draft General Plan Staff Report


General Plan Open Houses: April 2012
Draft Plan Snapshot




Stay informed with information on upcoming meetings and how you can participate in this important planning process.