Maryland Department of Planning budget trims federal one‑time items, spotlights tax credit and SHINE grants

The Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee of Appropriations heard a review of the Maryland Department of Planning’s fiscal 2026 allowance and public testimony urging restoration of small operating grants for community cultural groups.

Department of Legislative Services analyst Ms. Weibel told the committee the fiscal 2026 allowance for the Department of Planning is $52,700,000, about $3,300,000 below the prior year, and that roughly 80% of the funding is general funds. “This is $1,800,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a pilot program using drones to deliver health care resources between Crisfield and Smith Island on the Eastern Shore,” Ms. Weibel said, describing a one‑time award that boosted fiscal 2025 totals.

The presentation and the department’s testimony centered on three recurring items in the budget: contractual conversions and personnel changes at the Maryland Historic Trust and Jefferson Patterson Park; the Maryland 250 Commission; and the historic revitalization tax credit program. Rebecca Flores, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning, said contractual conversions will be phased in and are largely funded from special funds tied to those programs and sites. “The additional funds are…