LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Residents of St. Mary’s County are invited to help shape the future of the region as the Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) works to update the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Dubbed “St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow,” the updated plan aims to establish a cohesive vision for land use, economic development, and quality-of-life priorities, serving as a guide through the year 2050 and beyond.
The county is hosting a series of Community Visioning Sessions in January to gather feedback from residents on key themes, goals, and strategies for the plan. Each session will follow the same 90-minute format, and community members are encouraged to attend only one. The sessions will begin on January 16, with additional dates throughout the month to accommodate as many participants as possible.
The sessions will kick off at the Lexington Park Library with meetings at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on January 16. Additional meetings are scheduled at the Charlotte Hall Library on January 17 at 1:30 p.m. and January 22 at 6 p.m. The Leonardtown Library will host a session on January 18 at 1:30 p.m. To ensure inclusivity, a Spanish-language session will be held at the Lexington Park Library on January 30 at 1:30 p.m., offering all exhibits and activities in Spanish.
Commissioner President James Randy Guy encouraged residents to participate in the sessions, emphasizing the importance of diverse input in shaping the county’s future. “We urge all members of our community to attend one of these Community Visioning Sessions,” Guy said. “We are grateful to our team in LUGM for their hard work in organizing these sessions, and to the St. Mary’s County Health Department for their partnership in offering one session entirely in Spanish, helping to ensure all voices in our community are heard.”
The St. Mary’s 2050 plan builds on the current Comprehensive Plan, which has guided the county’s growth and development in recent years. The update will chart a path for addressing challenges while maintaining the county’s appeal as a desirable place to live, work, and play. Residents can learn more about the project and find ways to stay involved by visiting the official website at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050.
In addition to these public engagement sessions, the county government emphasizes the importance of community involvement throughout the planning process. By contributing their perspectives, residents can help ensure that the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire population.
The Spanish-language session on January 30 highlights the county’s commitment to inclusivity. The session, held in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, is designed to engage Spanish-speaking residents who may not typically participate in such events.
As St. Mary’s County charts its course for the next 25 years, officials are optimistic about the impact of the updated plan.
Residents are encouraged to participate in one of the sessions and visit the project website to stay informed and provide additional feedback. With input from the community, St. Mary’s 2050 aims to create a future that balances growth with the preservation of the county’s unique character.
For more information about the Comprehensive Plan update and a full list of session details, visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050.
