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NEWS RELEASE

November 5, 2009

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Howard County Government Receives Recognition from American Planning Association

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized Howard County Government for its public education and outreach efforts and specifically its new web-based development tracking tool at an awards ceremony last evening at the Banneker-Douglas Museum in Annapolis. The new tracking system was created through a partnership between the County’s Department of Planning & Zoning and the Department of Technology and Communications as a more user-friendly way for residents to track development projects.

“This new tracking system has made it easier for the public to find information about development projects, even as far back as the Year 2000,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “It is part of our effort to improve our communication with the community and keep residents well-informed.”

Highlights of this enhanced technology are:

• Improved imagery and mapping capabilities
• Comprehensive development activity data
• Scanned images of completed plans
• Staff contact information for each development project

Under the old on-line system viewing images and maps was slow, and it was often difficult to find information. The new system tracks data for current and previous (up to the year 2000) development activity, including: pre-submission community meetings, hearings, development plans and waiver petitions.

To try out the new development tracking tool, visit the Department of Planning and Zoning’s homepage at www.howardcountymd.gov/DPZ/DPZ_HomePage.htm and click on “Search Development Plans & Public Meetings” under the “What’s New” section. For questions or additional information, contact the Department at 410-313-2350.