Quality of Life and Growth: Finding the Right Balance in Frederick County


Friends of Frederick County has created a presentation about growth issues in our area.

Click here to view the presentation!

Be sure to check out the aerial photography and growth boundaries near your home. In the presentation, click on the "Menu", then select a planning region near you.

Take a Shot at Growth — Quality of Life Photo Contest

Richard Wiegand received $175 worth of TerrEssentials - USDA Certified Organic and 100% natural, locally, fair-made personal care products.

Special thanks to all the photographers who participated in the contest!

County residents are taking a close look at our quality of life now and for future generations.

Come share your ideas and opinions at the Our CommonWealth Speakers Series. View the flyer here.

  • October 9th, 7-8:30pm: C Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick, Frederick City
    The Nuts and Bolts of Making the Transition to a Sustainable Community
  • October 23rd, 7:30-9pm: National Museum of CivilWar Medicine, 48 E. Patrick, Frederick City
    Less Auto-Dependent Frederick County: the economic advantages of a more walkable/bikeable community
  • October 30th, 7:30-9pm: National Museum of CivilWar Medicine, 48 E. Patrick, Frederick City
    Planning to Green Frederick with green roofs, alleys and buildings: what are the steps?
  • November 6th, 7:30-9pm: National Museum of CivilWar Medicine, 48 E. Patrick, Frederick City
    Home Energy Efficiency
  • November 13th, 7:30-9pm: National Museum of CivilWar Medicine, 48 E. Patrick, Frederick
    Voluntary and Regulatory Land Preservation in Frederick County: what are the options?

Rapid growth... smart growth... no growth...

Where would you draw the line between development and open space?

How would you develop within that line, and protect open space and ag outside it?

"We Draw the Line" is a citizen-driven campaign that brings democracy to the county planning process. County residents are invited to bring their voices and vision to the planning process and determine where the lines between urban centers and open space will be drawn.

"We Draw the Line" is directed by a Countywide Leadership Council of prominent and knowledgeable participants in the debate over growth issues. The Leadership Council (LC) members are your local points of contact to engage in the discussion.

Voice your vision and engage in the plans!

  1. Take the Frederick County Government’s online survey today!
  2. Check our Calendar for the next event in your area.
  3. Sign up on our Forum and contribute your vision about the future of Frederick County! Note that there is a forum for countywide issues when you click on “Go to the Forum”.
  4. Educate yourself about The Growth Debate.
  5. Use the links above to keep track of local issues & events, and volunteer for your area.
  6. Circulate this flyer to all your friends and neighbors as soon as possible.

News (6/12/2008):
County-wide stream buffer ordinance. Planning commission meeting, Winchester Hall 1st floor.
Come and voice your opinion! See www.friendsoffrederickcounty.org for talking points.
When: Wednesday, June 18th at 1:00 pm.
Where: Winchester Hall, 1st floor

News (5/30/2008):
ATTENTION FREDERICK CITY RESIDENTS Maryland is losing 30,000 acres of land each year to sprawl.
Frederick City could add thousands more to that number. The majority of the 14 annexation proposals before the city of Frederick, if approved, will sprawl Frederick City even further out, add congestion to our roads, overcrowd schools, raise taxes and eat up farmland.
Is this the way you want to grow?
NO ONE WILL KNOW WHAT YOU THINK UNLESS YOU TELL THEM. Attend a meeting at 140 W. Patrick on Saturday, June 7th 9-12 am and hear what the city's planning commissioners are thinking. Let them hear from you.
When: Saturday, June 7th from 9 -12am
Where: 140 W. Patrick

News (5/23/2008): A meeting has been set with Eric Sorter, Director of Frederick County Planning Division to discuss the planning process. This meeting is open to everyone. Room capacity is 20. RSVP, required. Contact Janice Wiles.
When: Monday, June 2nd 7-8:30pm
Where: C Burr Artz Trust Conference Room

News (5/17/2008): The next scheduled Frederick County Planning & Zoning "Public Open House" about the Comprehensive Plan update is set for Middletown High School on Thursday, May 22 from 5:00 to 8:00. Here's the notice about the event. Show up and learn!

News (5/15/2008): "We Draw the Line" website launches.