North County
Our Moment
Beyond the Urban Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) lies the part of Baltimore County that most defines our quality of life—working farms, open space, rivers, streams and creeks. More than two-thirds of Baltimore County’s land is north of the URDL and includes over 200 miles of tidal shoreline.
North County is not just scenic; these communities and assets are the foundation of our environmental sustainability. This land is the source of our drinking water and much of the drinking water for Baltimore City. Protecting and conserving these resources is not only a legacy we are obligated to steward for future generations, but it is vital for public health and wellness of our community and our region.
The URDL was an early form of smart growth and preserving it remains one of the most important commitments we can make. The question is not whether development pressure will come—it is whether we will protect what makes North County “us,” or allow short-term decisions to erode a long-term treasure.
For too long, decisions outside the URDL have been made piecemeal—on-demand, ad-hoc and often political rather than strategic. This approach risks degrading the very open spaces that sustain our environment, our identity, and our health.
Our Mission
Our farmland and open spaces are the scenic foundation of a rural heritage and an economic driver that keeps us rooted. For decades the caretakers of this land have fought to preserve and we will support their efforts wholeheartedly.
As such, we will expand the existing division of agriculture into a full-fledged County Department of Agriculture with the clear mandate to safeguard farmland, preserve open space, uphold the URDL, protect our water quality and steward North County’s rural character for future generations.
Just as important, residents outside the URDL deserve a stronger voice. The Department of Agriculture will foster and support community organizations that can partner with the local stewards and the reformed planning department to ensure that investments, smart growth initiatives and energy projects remain centered with preservation as the guiding principle.
To that end, upon establishing the Department of Agriculture, its Director or their designee will be appointed an ex officio member of the County Planning Board ensuring the voices, priorities and needs of North County are involved in every planning decision for the County.
That said, there are opportunities to enhance the community and economy of the North County without compromising the region. First of all, we can do more to beautify the York Road corridor, shore up our road infrastructure and create North County as a destination for natural beauty, history and agriculture. Additionally, there are possibilities for multi-use facilities for recreation and community activities that can boost opportunity for young people and athletes in the county while also opening doors for sustainable economic growth in the region.
Another critical action for the people of the North County is improving access and transportation. We should invest in a North County Loop Circulator so that residents without cars can more easily access the town centers in Phoenix, Spark, Hereford and South of the URDL. Especially important is creating these kinds of services for seniors and our disabled neighbors.
Equally as important, there are very few programs that serve the homeless community north of Towson. We must do better by investing and partnering with local organizations and expanding the county’s efforts into these northern areas. Our housing crisis takes many forms, but our communities suffer when our people are unsheltered. We will do more.
North County does not need to choose between exploitation and neglect. With responsible planning and vigilant stewardship, it can remain the natural heart of Baltimore County where farms, forests and watersheds define who we are and what we leave behind.