Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Planning
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is attempting to modernize how the state handles large-scale development projects. The Governor has officially announced the first six pilot projects to be expedited through the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, a body created by executive order in December 2024 to cut through bureaucratic delays and accelerate economic growth. The Council is tasked with streamlining permitting processes at both the state and local levels, aiming to foster a more efficient pathway for infrastructure and business development.
This effort is designed to promote long-term economic competitiveness and job creation across the state. According to a statement from the governor’s office, the goal is to “promote the attraction, retention, and growth of businesses and workforce across the state.” The selected projects range from mixed-use redevelopment and residential housing to logistics and agricultural expansion, representing a wide geographic and economic footprint. The initial six include the Bainbridge Logistics Center (Cecil County), Bella Vita Farm (Montgomery County), Loch Raven Overlook (Baltimore County), the Pimlico Redevelopment (Baltimore City), Quantum Frederick (Frederick County), and Salisbury Market (Wicomico County).
According to the Maryland Department of Planning, each project will follow a coordinated project plan that includes timetables and key permit milestones. The Coordinated Permitting Review Council will meet monthly throughout the pilot phase over the next year, working to improve permitting timelines and ensure consistent progress across all selected sites. Governor Moore emphasized that the move is not just about speeding up paperwork, but it’s about economic opportunity. He stated “We refuse to let red tape stand between our state and a growing economy.” He added, “These first six pilot projects reaffirm our commitment to spurring economic growth. And they are only the beginning.”
