ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore announced this week the start of a pilot program designed to streamline the state’s permitting process for major development projects. The initiative, spearheaded by the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, aims to reduce “red tape” and accelerate economic growth across the state.
The council, established by an economic competitiveness executive order in December 2024, will work to expedite permitting reviews at both state and local levels. The first six pilot projects were chosen to represent a diverse range of projects in terms of cost, complexity, location, and type.
“We refuse to let red tape stand between our state and a growing economy,” Moore said. “By streamlining the permitting process, we will help get shovels in the ground faster and supercharge our agenda to create pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”
The six projects selected for the pilot program are:
- The Bainbridge Logistics Center in Cecil County, a mixed-use redevelopment of a former Naval training center.
- Bella Vita Farm in Montgomery County, an expansion of agritourism and food production facilities.
- Loch Raven Overlook in Baltimore County, a proposed affordable housing residential development.
- The Pimlico Redevelopment in Baltimore City, a mixed-use revitalization of the historic racetrack.
- Quantum Frederick in Frederick County, a data center redevelopment.
- Salisbury (SBY) Market in Wicomico County, a mixed-use development with a ground floor marketplace and residential apartments.
Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora said the council’s focus on interagency coordination and data sharing will be its “strongest assets.” Interagency teams will now be formed to work directly with the owners of the pilot projects.
Since the Moore-Miller administration took office, the state has created nearly 100,000 jobs and generated more than $4 billion in private sector investments, according to the press release.
The permitting council is scheduled to meet monthly throughout the yearlong pilot stage. Additional information can be found at https://planning.maryland.gov.
