December, 2013

A Message from the Director…

I am pleased to announce the recent launch of a strategic planning process for economic growth that is championed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake and led by the Baltimore Development Corporation with support from the Department of Planning.

The strategic plan for economic development will outline key steps for enhancing the economic and business climate, and will be integrated into the update of the City's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS.

So what should the plan include?  What can and should Baltimore do to create a bright future for all?  How can we provide more job opportunities?  What specific actions are necessary to grow our economy?  These are big and important questions, that we're hoping you can help us with. 

Join us for a Community Forum on economic development (details below) or log in to the project website to learn more, respond to a survey, and leave comments during the process.

As I've said in past editions of The Compass, we all share a stake in the future of the City. A new strategic plan  for economic development and a collective vision for the future of Baltimore's economy, will help all of us play a role in guiding development and helping ensure future growth and prosperity for all.

Thomas J. Stosur, Director

Happy Holidays

The staff here at the Department of Planning join me in wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season!

A Strategic Plan for Growing Baltimore's Economy

 On Tuesday, December 3rd, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake announced that the Baltimore Development Corportation (BDC), in partnership with the Department of Planning is launching a comprehensive strategic planning process to outline key steps for enhancing Baltimore's economy and business climate.

Creating jobs and spurring new investments in Baltimore has to be a top priority and this strategic plan will provide a clear road map for our city," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake.  "The new strategic plan will make specific recommendations for creating jobs, attracting investment,and revitalizing Baltimore's neighborhoods -- the key components of economic growth."

The strategic planning process will incorporate input from city residents, business owners, community leaders and other economic development stakeholders through a broad array of opportunities, including public forums, stakeholder interviews, targeted focus groups, and an online survey for both residents and business owners and managers. 

The strategic planning process is being assisted by a consultant team led by Angelou Economics.  Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Angelou Economics has done similar work in many top cities, including their home city of Austin, TX; New Orleans, LA; and Cincinnati, OH, where they helped develop similar strategic plans for economic growth.

"This process is the City's chance to take stock of its existing conditions, chart its future, articulate its aspirations, and then commit to focusing its resources accordingly." said Donald Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), and a member of the review committee that selected the consultant team.

We want to hear from you...

You are invited to attend one of the following community forums where the discussion will be facilitated by the Citizens Planning & Housing Association (CPHA), and will center around new ideas for growing Baltimore's economy and improving neighborhoods.  Community forums are being held on the following dates at locations throughout the City:

Tuesday, December 3rd, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Poly, 1400 W. Coldspring Lane.

Wednesday, December 4th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue.

Saturday, December 7th, from 10 am until noon, at St. Francis Church, 3617 Harford Road.

Tuesday, December 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at the University of Baltimore, Learning Commons Town Hall, 1415 Maryland Avenue.

Wednesday, December 11th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4640 Edmondson Avenue.

For more information about the forums, the strategic plan, the planning process, or to sign up for our e-mail list, please visit www.baltimore2020.com.