BALTIMORE, MD (July 22, 2014) - As it continues with a directive to bring about more and better quality infill, redevelopment and revitalization (I/R/R) statewide, the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission has released a draft of recommendations that will make up the bulk of a comprehensive report due at summer's end.

Recognizing the many benefits of reinvesting in communities large and small, Governor Martin O'Malley and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown in January asked the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission to undertake an initiative to advance I/R/R statewide.

The growth commission now seeks public review and comment on its preliminary draft recommendations. Commission members would like to hear from anyone interested in Maryland community revitalization during a 30-day review period ending August 20.

The many recommendations crafted to date -- based on interviews with community leaders and representatives, responses to an online survey, workshops and an analysis of existing reports -- cover a gamut of ideas to advance I/R/R in education, advocacy, state funding, regulations, policies, programs and financing tools. They include general goals such as coordinating state and local resources and improving state regulatory review processes, as well as specifics like creating a state smart growth investment fund. Comments on specific recommendations as well as broad approaches are welcomed.

The final report will contain case studies identifying what works in communities' efforts to revitalize, redevelop and attract infill development, and what impediments have slowed progress. The report will feature a searchable online database of state funding programs.