Attend this webinar to hear from planners in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and their perspectives on how the topic of affordable housing is being addressed in 6 states across the mid-Atlantic.

More information coming soon.

Last Updated 1/12/2025

Do you want to beautify your community, improve public health, increase property values, build climate resilience and help meet your stormwater obligations all in one? Then plant trees! Using new resources, find out if your planning documents are forest-friendly and where you can expand or maintain your community's tree canopy. A case study from the Washington Metropolitan region will explore the opportunity of local government collaboration and a case study from Greensboro, NC will highlight how forestry can be integrated into municipal planning.

Moderator: Hanna Cockburn, North Carolina Chapter of APA

Panelists: 

• Julie Mawhorter, US Forest Service

• Judson Clinton, Greensboro, NC

• Mike Knapp, Montgomery County, MD

Fields of Progress: Cultivating Success for Agricultural Expansion

Join the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Maryland) on Thursday, May 23, as four experts examine the ever-changing nature of agriculture and agritourism in Southern Maryland.

This day-long session will look at the evolving landscape and significance of agriculture and agritourism in the region, examine activities that go beyond the traditional farming of crops and cattle, and explore county and state regulations that affect growth in these sectors.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. at Fridays Creek Winery, 3845 Chaneyville Road, in Owings, MD. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. at Fridays Creek Winery, 3845 Chaneyville Road, in Owings, MD. A wine tasting will be held at 4 p.m. Following the conference, participants can participate in an optional wine tasting for an additional $10 (this will be paid at the event).

Speakers include:

Ron Marney, AICP, CFM, Calvert County Environmental Planning Regulator, who will discuss how to align proposed uses for farms and agritourism activities with county and state regulations.

Craig Sewell, Program Director, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, who will discuss the support the Commission provides for farmers and producers to support the sustainability of agriculture.

Bernie Fowler, Founder of Farming 4 Hunger, Inc., who will explain how the program, rooted in southern Maryland, has expanded its reach beyond state and national borders. By collaborating with farmers and communities, this initiative goes beyond food provision, by emphasizing the importance of coming together to address broader needs beyond hunger relief.

Rich Cleary, co-owner of Fridays Creek Winery, will explain his company’s efforts to transition from traditional farming to cultivating grapes while working to foster a sense of community by establishing a welcoming space. This endeavor has required adapting to new agricultural practices, mastering the art of winemaking, and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Four AICP CM credits are available for session participants.

Participate in a Smart Growth Summit intended to take stock of smart growth in Maryland and set the agenda for its future. The Summit will feature national experts and local stakeholders in a series of plenary and breakout sessions. Make your voice heard and please register early.  

Learn more about the event, including recent smart growth survey results, on see the event page here. Space is limited.