# Land Use (GLU)

## Title 3. Comprehensive Plan

### Subtitle 1. Requirement and Elements

#### Section 3-106

(a) In addition to implementing the planning principle in Sec. 1-201(b)(4) of this article, the economy element shall address:

  (1) the economic base, labor force characteristics, and local economic development opportunities and resources of the local jurisdiction;

  (2) the categories or types of businesses and industries desired in the local jurisdiction; and

  (3) the coordination of information about population trends and characteristics, natural resources, community facilities and services, transportation, housing, and land use so that a strategy for the economic well-being of the local jurisdiction can be developed.

(b)

  (1) The economy element shall be informed by the following State plans:

    (i) the State Workforce Development Plan, as required under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for a 4-year Combined State Plan; and

    (ii) the Maryland State Plan for Postsecondary Education, as described in Sec. 11-105 of the Education Article.

  (2)

    (i) The Department of Planning shall:

      (1) provide the local jurisdiction with the best available economic development data from the U.S. Census Bureau; and

      (2) facilitate, to the extent possible, the provision of data relevant to the preparation of the economic element from other State and federal agencies.

    (ii) The Department of Commerce shall provide a local jurisdiction with the best available State-level data on economic development.

    (iii) The Maryland Department of Labor shall provide a local jurisdiction with the best available State-level data on the labor force.

(c) The economy element may include:

  (1) an assessment of economic sectors to determine whether available jobs align with local labor force characteristics, commuting patterns, and wages paid, and what strategies could improve the existing economic situation;

  (2) an analysis of existing local economic development programs and tools and what strategies are needed to foster economic development;

  (3) an assessment of economic assets, problems, and opportunities of the local economy in a regional context and what strategies are needed to position the local economy in the larger regional context; and

  (4) an assessment of community redevelopment opportunities and what strategies and programs should be pursued.

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Md. Code Ann., Land Use (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)