The Economic Development Corporation works to make Montgomery County a globally competitive and highly diversified knowledge-based economy. The Corporation is a public-private partnership funded by County government.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
On July 1, 2016, the Economic Development Corporation assumed duties of the Department of Economic Development, and the Montgomery Business Development Corporation.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
Matters relating to planning and zoning are governed by both State and County laws. The Maryland Forest Conservation Act, for example, requires all county governments to adopt local forest conservation programs (Chapter 255, Acts of 1991; Code Natural Resources Article, secs. 5-1601 through 5-1613).
In September 2020, the Department moved from 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, to 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland.
The Department of Planning oversees five divisions: Community-Based Planning, Development Review, the Environmental Planning, Research and Technology Center, and Transportation Planning (County Code, secs. 33A-1 through 33A-17).
Appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent, the five members of the Advisory Board serve five-year terms (Code Agriculture Article, sec. 2-504.1; County Code, secs. 2B-1 through 2B-51).
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent, the Commission consists of nine members (Code Land Use Article, secs. 8-101 through 8-501; County Code, secs. 24A-1 through 24A-13).
PLANNING BOARD
The Board consists of five members appointed to four-year terms by the County Executive with County Council consent (Code Land Use Article, secs. 2-101 through 4-406).
SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors consists of six members who serve five-year terms. Five members are appointed by the State Soil Conservation Committee, and one is named by the County Executive with County Council consent (Code Agriculture Article, secs. 8-301 through 8-312).
INTAKE & REGULATORY COORDINATION DIVISION
To implement the County's General Plan and master plans, the Division coordinates the review of proposed development projects and decisions on subdivision requests. Development applications are reviewed for consistency with the area's master plan, their environmental impact, quality of design, compatibility with nearby uses, and availability of public facilities, such as water, sewer, transportation, and schools. The Division also may make recommendations for public land use.
© Copyright Maryland State Archives
AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
The Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board advises the County Council on the establishment of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements within the County by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation.
The Historic Preservation Commission conducts research in historic resources and recommends to the Planning Board that certain sites be designated as historic sites or historic districts on the master plan for historic preservation. The Commission also recommends programs and legislation to the County Council and the Planning Board to encourage historic preservation in the Maryland-Washington Regional District. In addition, the Commission recommends to the Planning Board, as needed, updates to the inventory of historic resources contained in the "Locational Atlas and Index of Historic Sites in Montgomery County."
The Planning Board provides guidelines for the pattern and pace of future development, and preserves historic resources throughout the County by developing large- and small-scale plans. Through the review of development applications and its subdivision decisions, the Board implements these plans. The development and management of the County’s park system also is overseen by the Board. The Montgomery County Planning Board with the Prince George’s County Planning Board constitute the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
A soil conservation district constitutes a political subdivision of the State, and a public body corporate and politic, excercising public powers. The District's Board of Supervisors conducts surveys, investigations, and research relating to the character of soil erosion. Within the District, the Board carries out preventive and control measures, including engineering operations, cultivation methods, the growing of vegetation, changes in land use, and other measures.
The Intake and Regulatory Coordination Division began as the Development Application and Regulatory Coordination Division, and took on its current name in September 2020.
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line