2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan

The 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update is just getting started, and we’re grateful to everyone who has participated so far. Here’s a look at where we are in the process and what’s coming next:

• April 25, 2025: We launched our Community Survey to gather input from residents about the issues and priorities that matter most. Your feedback is helping to shape the foundation of this plan.

• June 4, 2025: Staff and Consultants (Wallace Montgomery) presented the plan’s proposed timeline and process to the Talbot County Planning Commission.

• June 2025 – October 2026: The Steering Committee will begin meeting monthly to identify specific focus areas for the update.

• Public Hearings and Listening Sessions are scheduled throughout the process, including:

  • August 2025

  • November 2025

  • March 2026

  • July 2026
    (Specific dates and locations will be announced.)

Looking ahead:

• June 2026: The Steering Committee will present a final draft of the updated Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission.

• July 2026: The plan will enter the State of Maryland’s 60-day review period.

• August–September 2026: County staff will review comments from the State, make any necessary revisions, and prepare the final version for County Council review.

• October 2026: The Talbot County Council is expected to enact the 2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan.

We invite you to stay involved and continue sharing your voice as the process moves forward. For more updates and opportunities to participate, check back regularly, and sign up to receive updates(External link).

Join us on June 4^th at 10:30 am in the Bradley Meeting Room at the Talbot County Courthouse (11 N Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601) for our 2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan Kickoff Meeting.

Consultants Wallace Montgomery will be in attendance to do a presentation on the Comprehensive Planning Process and the next steps moving forward with the Comprehensive Plan Update. The agenda for the meeting can be found here: https://talbotcountymd.gov/meetings. Public Comment will be limited to questions related to the Comprehensive Plan process itself.

Additional public comment will be welcomed at future Listening Sessions and Work Sessions which will be scheduled and advertised on the 2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan page. Written comments can also be submitted to CompPlanComments@talbgov.org.

For those that cannot attend the Kickoff Meeting follow along on the live stream or watch the meeting after here: https://talbotcountymd.gov/meetings

Reminder, Comprehensive Plan Community Outreach Survey is open until June 18, 2025. /The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B83RG3X

Did you know? Talbot County is currently working on two major planning efforts, and while they’re both important, they serve different purposes:

The 2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guide for land use, growth, housing, infrastructure, and environmental planning. It’s a roadmap for how the County will develop over the next 20+ years. Learn more ➜ https://engage.talbotcountymd.gov/compplan

The Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan focuses specifically on boosting our local economy and tourism industry. It outlines short- and mid-term goals to support businesses, attract visitors, and strengthen our workforce. Learn more ➜ https://www.talbotworks.org/strategic-plan/

Both plans are informed by community input—but they tackle different parts of Talbot County’s future!

Talbot County is inviting residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to take part in shaping the County’s future by completing a new community survey. The survey is part of the County’s update to its Comprehensive Plan, a guiding document that will set priorities for growth, development, and conservation over the next two decades.

"The Comprehensive Plan belongs to the people of Talbot County," said Brennan Tarleton, Talbot County Planning Officer. "Public feedback is vital to ensure that the Plan reflects the community’s vision and addresses real needs."

The Comprehensive Plan will influence land use, housing, transportation, parks, recreation, natural resources, and more. The County is seeking input from people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape a shared vision for the future.

The survey is available online at Talbot County 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update - Community Feedback Survey and will remain open through May 23rd. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

For more information about the Comprehensive Plan process and upcoming engagement opportunities, visit 2026 Update to the Comprehensive Plan | Engage Talbot County.