Crosswalks: Smart Growth in Real Places

This is David Jenkins, your host for Crosswalks, Smart Growth, Stronger Communities, podcast and videos, now available on YouTube, YouTube Music, and Substack. This is a good summary of the County’s required update to the 2026 Comp Plan, including What is a Comprehensive Plan, 2016 Plan background and the timeline for preparation/approval, and the critical public engagement process. References: 2026 Charles County Comprehensive Plan Update, May 2025Charles Cou...

After completing a rewarding four-year term on the La Plata Town Council, I’m excited to rebrand and expand the La Plata Ward 4 Update podcast and YouTube channel. Page 2 - The new platform, Crosswalks: Smart Growth, Stronger Communities, will bring fresh stories, expert conversations, and thoughtful insights on the issues that shape how we grow and live — planning, transportation, housing, economic and community development, and more. Crosswalks focuses on how La Plata, Charles County, and S...

Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views of the Town of La Plata. This is the fourth in a series of podcasts about the Town Council’s review of the FY 2026 Operating, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and Enterprise Funds (water, sewer, sanitation, stormwater management) proposed budgets. This episode is about the Town Council’s discussion of the proposed Capital Budget The sources for this podcast/video are materials provided to the Town Council...

This is a quick video providing clarification and context about campaign finances from questions and comments from recent La Plata Town Council candidate forums. When filing as a candidate, a Certificate of Nomination, Financial Disclosure Statement, is required and includes: Schedule A – Real Property Interests Schedule B – Interests in Corporations and Partnerships Schedule C – Interests in Non-Corporate Business Entities Doing Business with the Town...

What is Ex Parte Communications? When decision-making processes (e.g., in local government) give the appearance, real or imagined, of being one-sided or prejudiced, and therefore, full due process is not provided to the public. This is important to ensure impartiality and fairness by the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals as they review projects for consistency with the Town Ordinance, the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, and other requirements. To ensure our consideration &...