January 2024 Public Policy Legislative Update

Public Policy Committee
Chair Danielle Bridge
Co-Chair Ashley Zito
Release Date January 9, 2024

Legislative Update: 2024 Annual Public Policy Symposium

Happy New Year! Even though we are more than a week into 2024, there are some big legislative announcements The Public Policy Committee (PPC) wants to make you aware of and they will likely affect your business in the coming year.

Outlined below are updates to three legislative matters that are currently in the public comment portion of planning. We have included important dates and links to provide you with information needed to learn about each subject and how you can voice your concerns to the correct departments. The Public Policy Committee is working on responses to be submitted on behalf of the HVBF and we encourage our members to do the same.

The HVBF PPC is also holding The Annual Public Policy Symposium on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 8:30 am, at 11350 McCormick Road – see details below and registration is required. We have a panel of speakers who will provide insight on public safety, transportation and current legislation.

Baltimore County Master Plan 2030– The County Council Mater Plan 2030 Public Hearings will be held January 9^th 6:00 pm and January 16^th 3:00 pm. These hearings will allow the general public to provide testimony regarding the Draft Plan. More information MasterPlan2030 (arcgis.com)

County’s Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan – January 4^th 2024 The Planning Board approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The proposed plan will now be sent to the County Council for Consideration. Linked here is the approved plan Baltimore County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (arcgis.com)

The Climate Solutions Now Act (Building Energy Performance Standards) – The Maryland Department of Environment has published their “Building Energy Performance standards” outlining the reporting requirements pertaining to the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (SB528). SB528 is described as the most rigorous state legislation addressing climate change in the county, with the state of Maryland setting the most aggressive standards in the United States. The Virtual public hearing is scheduled for January 18^th , 10:00 am and all public comments are due by January 18^th, 5:00 pm MDE public hearing Comment announcement

Climate Pollution Reduction Plan link

Click here for an overview of the 2024 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process

Hunt Valley Business Forum 2024 SMART Goals and Priorities Public Policy Committee

PUBLIC SAFETY GOAL: To ensure the enforcement of current laws prohibiting panhandling.

TRANSPORTATION GOAL: To pursue specific highway and interstate interchange modifications to improve circulation and access in the greater Hunt Valley area.

LEGISLATIVE GOAL: To disseminate pertinent legislative issues to HVBF membership and community.

Since establishing these goals, Public Policy Committee members have been diligently working on identifying the appropriate channels and officials to help them meet the goals. In addition to meeting with Baltimore County police on numerous occasions and state highway officials, they are also engaging Baltimore County Executive and Council Members as well as appropriate leaders of community association.

The next Public Policy Meeting will be The 2nd Annual Public Policy Symposium Breakfast

January 17 2024 Open to Members and Guests Register HERE