Do you ever wish you had a magic crystal ball that allowed you to see the future? During Frederick’s Future Day, members of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2022 met with the fortune-tellers of Frederick County to take a peek into the sorcerous sphere.
Meet the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting. They may not be clairvoyant, but with data, trends, and input, they can forecast and plan for what’s to come. They’re the creators of Livable Frederick, a 30-year master plan that provides an overall vision for the county based on the feedback from residents and key workgroup members. This public guide was developed with the community in mind, ensuring we’re taking the proper steps towards sustainable growth.
Here are a few things we learned about planning, and where our county is headed:
- Increases. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Frederick County was the fastest-growing county in Maryland, and that’s not stopping. Residential permits are up, and we’re adding homes quickly, but this was all part of the plan.
- Protection. As the largest county in the state, the Division of Planning and Permitting is determined to preserve over 100,000 acres of farmland so Frederick County can keep its agricultural roots. They’re over two-thirds the way to reaching this goal.
- People. Building a well-rounded community that serves all residents takes a lot of empathy, understanding, and sacrifice. Sometimes you have to step into someone else’s shoes to create a community that people want – and can afford to – to grow old in.
- Collaboration. Strong relationships between government departments and industry sectors are vital to planning a solid community. Even one weak link can hinder growth.
Change is one of the few constants in life, and we need to trust that we have the suitable systems in place to tackle the types of expansion we’re going to take on by 2050. Planning the next 3 to 30 years isn’t an easy task, but with the right leaders willing to take the daunting but necessary steps, plans will come together.
Ellen Buchanan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2021-2022 Cohort. She is a marketing professional with a passion for growing communities and enriching lives through digital storytelling. As a Marketing Communications Specialist at Edgewater Federal Solutions, her responsibilities include developing and implementing multi-channel advertising and marketing strategies, conducting media outreach, creating social media and website, content, and assisting the organization to reach its communication goals. Given the opportunity, Ellen also goes behind the lens of her camera to highlight communities through photography.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.