The Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 475: Sustainable Communities Act of 2010. The Act was passed to increase economic, transportation, and housing choices, as well as to improve environmental quality and health outcomes, among other locally identified goals. Municipalities are required to become an approved Sustainable Community to be considered for certain State funds.

In May 2012, the Maryland Smart Growth Subcabinet approved the City’s Sustainable Community Action Plan and designated Bowie as a Sustainable Community. Under this program, the City has designated six sites as target areas for development and revitalization: Old Town Bowie, Pointer Ridge, Melford, West Bowie Village, Bowie Main Street, and Bowie Regional Center.

The plan was updated and renewed in 2020. The current plan can be viewed here.