Over the past 10 years, DPZ’s Division of Comprehensive and Community Planning has worked to secure sustainable community designations for specific areas in Howard County that can benefit from revitalization and sustainability efforts. A program of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Sustainable Community status, which must be renewed every five years, makes these areas eligible for state programs and resources that support community development.
In 2022, the County submitted a successful Long Reach Sustainable Community Application/Action Plan in coordination with a workgroup that included representatives from County agencies, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Howard County Housing Commission, Columbia Association, Columbia Art Center, Long Reach Village Board members, and area business owners.
For more information about Howard County’s Sustainable Communities and the state funds they have been awarded, click here.