Executive Gardner Launches Dynamic Approach to Long-Range Planning Called “Livable Frederick”
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced a dynamic approach to long-range planning that will engage citizens in every step of the process in updating and creating the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
“I am pleased to kick-off Livable Frederick, a unique approach to vision where Frederick County
wants to go, what we want to be and what our citizens value in the future,” announced Executive
Gardner. “The process will be vision-focused, not zoning-driven like in years past. I have appointed a
steering committee that will bring diverse perspectives, advice and ideas to the table during this two-year Comprehensive Plan process. I am grateful that Jim Racheff will serve as the chairman. This is a
much more dynamic approach than ever before in the history of Frederick County. I invite everyone to
join the conversation, get engaged and help shape a bright future for Frederick County.”
Livable Frederick will put in place the community’s vision for a sustainable, high quality of life
over the next 10-25 years. The plan will focus on vibrant, healthy communities, enhanced accessibility,
sustainable business growth, economic resilience, equitable housing and a strong agricultural economy.
Livable Frederick will assess community needs, examine multi-modal transportation systems and
more. Throughout the process, the county will actively seek engagement from the community through
surveys, social media and other outreach methods.
The final result will be Livable Frederick, a Comprehensive Plan document that reflects on the
community’s vision, as well as a Comprehensive Plan map. The process is expected to take about two
years from today’s launch until adoption. The Planning Commission, County Council and others will be
involved at every step.
Members appointed to the Livable Frederick Steering Committee and the interests they represent
include: Mary Kate Battles, small business and young community leader; Dana French, organizational
and community representative; Richard Grossnickle, agriculture; M.C. Keegan-Ayer, ex-officio officer
from the County Council; Mark Lancaster, construction; Jay Mason, real estate and education; Scott
Minton, housing; Shannon Moore, sustainability; Chairman Jim Racheff, business; Karen Tome, mayor
of the City of Brunswick, municipal representative; Peter Vorac, Jefferson-Broad Run community;
Barry Weller, real estate, and Bob White, Planning Commission;
Citizens are invited to engage with Livable Frederick in multiple ways. They may visit a new
website dedicated solely to the plan and providing information at http://LivableFrederick.org.
They may also find the plan on one of three social media sites: Facebook(www.facebook.com/LivableFrederick), Twitter (@LivableFred) and Instagram (livablefrederick).
An e-mail address has also been established for those who want to submit suggestions:
LivableFrederick@FrederickCountyMD.org.
For more information, contact Development Review Comprehensive Planning Chief David
Whitaker, Planning and Permitting Division, at 301-600-1149 or via e-mail at
dwhitaker@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
