Artie Harris has also shared his full Commission priorities in a video.  

Artie Harris is chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

My name is Artie Harris, and I have the honor of serving as Chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. This fiscal year, I am also proud to serve as Chair of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

As a longtime Takoma Park resident, I have enjoyed spending time in both of these great counties. Whether it’s National Harbor in Prince George’s or the Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery, our bi-county region is full of great places to gather and have fun with family, friends, and our fellow neighbors.

As I step into this role as Chair of the Commission, I am committed to advancing land use planning that uplifts and reflects the voices, experiences, and needs of everyone who calls the bi-county region home.

I am equally committed to maintaining and strengthening our world-class park system. Our parks are places for health, recreation, connection, and environmental stewardship. They belong to everyone, and we will continue to invest in them as essential public assets that enrich daily life across our communities.

That commitment is ultimately powered by the people who bring this shared vision to life. Our Commission is defined by nearly 7,200 talented and dedicated public servants who show up every day to serve you, your families, friends and loved ones. The places we treasure across our two counties did not come together by chance; they are the result of decades of thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and an award-winning regional model driven by people who care deeply about enhancing quality of life.

In my role, I will strive to lead with strong, thoughtful governance, making decisions with care, stewarding taxpayer resources responsibly, and continually looking for smarter, more efficient ways to serve the public. This includes working collaboratively with our county executives, county councils, and members of the Maryland General Assembly to deliver the highest level of service to our communities.

At the same time, we are approaching an extraordinary milestone.

In 2027, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Since our founding in 1927, we have grown and evolved to meet new challenges, and we have embraced innovation while serving generations of residents. This centennial is not only a time to reflect on our history, but also an opportunity to look ahead to consider how we continue building vibrant, resilient communities for the next century.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you throughout the year.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: our work is about people. You are what makes this region, and this Commission, so special. Whether you’ve explored our parks, participated in shaping a plan in your neighborhood, or engaged with us in your community, we are grateful to have you as part of this journey.

As we move into our next century, my commitment is this: we will meet every challenge and opportunity together, as one Commission.

Thank you for your trust and partnership.

Sincerely,

Artie L. Harris 
Chair, Montgomery County Planning Board 
Chair, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission