When citizens, business leaders, and local officials work together to develop a plan for how their community should grow, we all expect that it will be followed. But, at Terrapin Run in Western Maryland,  the state’s highest court gave local government's free reign to disregard these plans when they conflicted with what a developer wanted. The ruling imperiled that communities’ right to choose their future, and we must fight back. Read about the court decision in the Cumberland Times News here: Terrapin Run permit confirmed.

Why This Matters: Comprehensive development plans are one of the most important ways for citizens to participate in decisions about their communities’ future. A recent poll by 1000 Friends of Maryland found that by a 2-1 margin, Maryland residents overwhelmingly support requiring local governments to follow their comprehensive plans in approving new development. And 4 in 5 Marylanders agree that the public does not have enough control over decisions about growth and development in their communities.

What you can do: Sign an online petition calling for full enforcement of comprehensive development plans.