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Dear Friends:
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On Tuesday, I took the oath of office for an elected four year term as Baltimore’s 49th Mayor. I want to thank all those who attended (in the rain). Together, we laid out an ambitious goal to grow the City by 10,000 families over ten years by focusing on and investing in the “fundamental rights” of Baltimore’s families and businesses and by encouraging a renewed sense of urgency and increased civic engagement. I wanted to share the text of my remarks with you and ask that you join the cause to fight for a growing city.
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I come before you today with the strongest sense of humility and the most committed sense of service.
We come together because we believe that throughout history, strong and creative cities have been at the center of every great society. We believe Baltimore can grow again. We believe by working together, by fighting for this greater purpose, and by taking on the tough decisions now, we can achieve this noble yet difficult goal.
Today, Baltimore renews its spirit of self-determination. State and federal government will not do the hard work for us—in fact, sometimes they will make it harder. It is now in our hands to build a future that sustains us and where our children inherit a City that is stronger than we found it.
We are not strangers to the challenges we must overcome to grow our population—safer neighborhoods, better education, and more job opportunities. Nor should we act as strangers to one another when, in reality, we are all in this together; we all want the same for our City. From today forward, there’s no "us versus them"—there is just us: one city with one future.
Our number-one goal in the next ten years must be to grow Baltimore—strengthen our neighborhoods, create new jobs, and attract new people. This means we must do something that is counter-intuitive—grow our city at the very same time that the economy is forcing us to reduce the expense of government.
Think about it—dynamic growth at a time of fewer resources. That's a tough job, and government alone will not get this job done. To grow Baltimore in a time of economic uncertainty, we must use every resource that we possess as a people—government, business, our schools, our communities, our families—indeed, our culture.
Together, we can succeed in this new mission. But apart and divided, we will surely fail.
Because we must succeed, we reject the tired, old rhetoric that government cannot and should not help—that it is easier to just give up. We can also agree that spending more on a government program and solving a problem are not necessarily the same.
The path to growing our city is a complex web of individual actions and collective sacrifice, a steely resolve to demand better, and a potent sense of urgency to act now, knowing that the yield of these labors is not-at-all immediate, but is, by far, the most important.
This is a new way of thinking for some of us. It will require a great leap forward in renewed faith and trust, but this is how we begin together to grow Baltimore again—and we can get to work right now.
I see a city of hopeful and progressive people who reject the politics of small versus big government and instead choose the promise of a stronger society—this is our future together.
I see a city willing to make contributions and sacrifices to adapt to a changing economic normal; confronting old fears and the forces that peddle them; and choosing what's best in the long run—this is our future together.
I see a city where over the span of a decade, ten thousand more families choose to live in Baltimore; where more businesses choose to invest, and we are made stronger because of it—this is our future together.
Yes, we can grow Baltimore again. It is not only an aspiration but a necessity for simple survival. A shrinking city is a place unable to meet even the most basic needs of its people—basic rights that everyone should expect. Join the cause for growing our city and you are joining the cause to fight for the rights of a stronger society—
- The right for families to feel safe and secure in our neighborhoods and homes, because it has always been a duty of government to invest in public safety and enforce laws, while it is the parents’ solemn duty to teach our kids to respect them.
- The right for children to receive a good public education in quality school buildings, because, as I learned from my father, public education is the great equalizer of opportunity and the way up and out of poverty; it is the most prudent investment in our future.
- The right for families to walk on clean streets and in well-maintained parks and green spaces, because we believe each person must take responsibility for the home, while government and the community are collectively accountable for our public spaces.
- The right for neighborhoods and businesses to have public improvements in order to grow and create jobs, because these infrastructure investments must be safe and move people and goods to provide a foundation for prosperity.
The sad truth is that too many good families and businesses left our city because our government and our society, together, worked too slowly to achieve these rights or spent scarce resources on other things—all while the property taxes intended to pay for them became a greater burden.
If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. Here is the absolute truth, to get Baltimore growing again, it is more important than ever for each of us to make tough choices.
We must focus on the fundamentals and do them well or face the prospect of trying to do everything—most of it poorly.
Government alone cannot deliver each and every one of these rights. These are rights that we must demand for our own families, neighborhoods, and businesses rights that government must honor and cherish and that everyone must agree to pitch in and do their part to protect.
There is no greater example of this than the individual and collective actions of my parents’ generation and the great generation of civil rights leaders. Unwilling to wait for government to give them the right to vote, to live where they wanted, or to receive an education, men and women took to the streets.
For them “the word ‘wait’ almost always meant ‘never.’” Their sense of urgency and collective sacrifice for a greater purpose empowered individuals like my father to become a mathematician and my mother to become a physician. We must now draw on that example of collective action and individual determination as we fight for the fundamental rights of Baltimore’s future.
"Citizenship is not a transaction" where you pay taxes, sit back, and expect everything to just get better on its own. Citizenship is an opportunity and a duty in which everyone contributes to and benefits from a greater good. Everyone has responsibilities in the home, at church, in the neighborhood, at school, at work, and even online through social media. We must demand accountability from government and from each other. When we come together with a collective spirit of urgency, our people and businesses, empowered by self-determination, will transform our city.
We will focus our efforts to pay for these rights and resolve to make tough calls to keep Baltimore on track to a better and stronger future. We won't allow loud special interests to shout down these priorities at the expense of the greater good. And we won't give in or abandon the rights of the quiet family. We will do all of this to grow our city again, and we will never give up.
With great suspicion of the status quo, we will work to methodically tear down barriers and overcome the obstacles to getting Baltimore growing again. Our healthy skepticism of government will not obscure or diminish real progress reducing crime and improving our schools. We will demand accountability from everyone, individuals and organizations alike, both public and private. By demanding accountability, we will restore hope and defeat our own cynicism.
When something is wrong, in the government or in the community—we will say so.
When something is broken—we will fix it.
When something works—we show we believe in it by making it stronger.
In these difficult economic times, we will be both tough and creative. We will do things differently, smarter, and together. That means investing more in what’s important by reducing spending on the less important—and having the courage to acknowledge the difference.
In the end, we understand the nobility and necessity of this cause. A shrinking city simply cannot stand, but a growing city is the center of a creative and stronger society. This work is the urgent work before us. It begins in earnest today—right now, Baltimore. We can make it happen.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
WJZ
WJZ
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore City Youth Commission
The Mayor and the City Council are seeking young people between the ages of 14 to 25 to serve as Youth Commissioners on the Baltimore City Youth Commission. The purpose of the commission is to allow youth the opportunity to provide advice, recommendations, and information to the Mayor, the City Council, and municipal agencies. Voting members of the Youth Commission will serve a term that expires at the end of the Mayor’s term, and will continue to serve until a successor is appointed. All Youth Commissioners must be residents of Baltimore City. For more information, contact youth@baltimorecity.gov or 443-984-3587. Rawlings Conservatory Volunteer Opportunities
Baltimore's Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is looking for volunteers to help with special events, as well as to help throughout the year. Take the opportunity to work as a greeter, provide tours of the conservatory, help with plant care, or assist during the Conservatory's busy special events. The Conservatory's annual poinsettia display is coming up, and volunteers are needed to set up, clean up, and work the event. For more information or to volunteer, call 410-396-0008 or email conservatoryvolunteering@gmail.com. Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar
Shop for the region's freshest produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday through December 18 from 7:00 am until sell out, approximately noon. For more information the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com. Holiday Festival of Trains
November 25-December 31, 10:00 am-4:00 pm (11:00 am on Sundays)
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street
Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday display of toy and model train layouts. Santa arrives by locomotive to the Roundhouse at 10:30 am on November 25. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities take place with Santa through December 21, and with Frosty the Snowman through December 31. It’s a train load of fun that's become an annual holiday tradition! For more information, visit www.borail.org. Cylburn Poinsettia & Greens Sale
December 9-11, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Find a variety of poinsettias in pink, red, white, and novelty colors, all grown in the Cylburn Greenhouse. Balsam wreaths, pine ropes, and other greens will be available for purchase to suit your holiday decorating needs. For more information, visit www.cylburnassociation.org. Holiday Poinsettia Show Sneak Peek Nite
Friday, December 9, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park
Enjoy a magical start to your holiday season. Join friends of the Conservatory for light refreshments and a firsthand viewing of the show. If you have never seen the Conservatory at night, do not miss this special evening! Tickets are only $20, and all proceeds directly benefit the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Garden. For more info, call 410-396-0008. Tickets can be purchased at www.druidhillpark.org. Recognizing Remington
Saturday, December 10, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Meet 27, 127 W. 27th Street
Join the Greater Remington Improvement Association and Wide Angle to celebrate Remington photographers, view their exhibitions, and to thank volunteers in the community. For more information, visit www.griaonline.org. Holidays on Harford
Saturday, December 10, All Day
Harford Road
Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street presents the 4th annual Holidays on Harford. Get into the holiday spirit with family and friends! Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Harford Road merchants. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, and shop at local retail stores and galleries. Santa and his elf helper will arrive in a motorcycle sidecar at noon, and the day ends with a community campfire. For details and a complete list of activities, visit www.BmoreMainStreet.com/HoH. Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Baltimore Reads Book Bank, 501 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore Reads will hold its second annual holiday fair for kids and their families. This festive day features a visit from Santa, story time, and gift giveaways for kids. Kids who attend will also be invited to take home free books from the Book Bank. Lunch and other refreshments will be served. Receive information on volunteering and community service projects for teenagers, as well as information on classes and other Baltimore Reads activities. For directions or additional information, visit www.baltimorereads.org or call 410-752-3595. Poinsettia Tour
Saturday, December 10, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
2501 Madison Avenue
During this annual poinsettia tour, visit the historic homes of the Upper Eutaw Madison area in Baltimore's Reservoir Hill. Get a glimpse of the past through some of the city's most beautiful homes. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.druidcafe.com or email poinsettiatour2011@gmail.com. Christmas Cookie Tour
Sunday, December 11, 11:30 pm-5:00 pm
Union Square, 1401 Hollins Street
Union Square residents usher in the holiday season by inviting you to tour twenty-five of Baltimore's splendidly restored Victorian-era homes. Holiday decorations provide a festive backdrop as you munch on freshly-baked cookies, sip hot cider, and meet the friendliest folks in Baltimore. Tickets are $20 ($15 when you order early online). For more information, visit www.union-square.us/cookietour. Financial Fitness Series: Tax Credits and Tax Planning Tips
Tuesday, December 13, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Enoch Pratt Library, 400 Cathedral Street
Attend this workshop and find out what tax credits are available to maximize your refund. All it takes is a little knowledge and planning. Explore how to use exemptions and deductions, manage your withholdings throughout the year, and take advantage of tax credits. For more information, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org. Mayor's FY2013 Budget Workshop
Wednesday, December 14, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
American Brewery Building, 1701 N. Gay Street
The Mayor’s Budget Workshops provide an opportunity for citizens to help Mayor Rawlings-Blake with the tough decisions faced in closing a $50 million budget gap. The workshop will begin with a presentation and Q&A. Participants will then complete a realistic budget balancing exercise, deciding which services to cut and which ones to protect. The workshop will conclude with participants making recommendations to the Mayor about how to craft a budget that keeps the City moving forward at a time of unprecedented fiscal stress. For more information or assistance, call 410-396-4735.
Let It Snow
Sunday, December 18, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Harbor East, 800 Block Aliceanna Street
There’s nothing like city sidewalks for the holidays. Browse for holiday gifts and discover the art of ice sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick. Specially made “snow” will thrill visitors throughout the day. Shoppers can receive three hours of free parking with same-day receipts totaling $100 and a voucher from a Harbor East merchant. For a complete list of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and promotions, visit www.harboreast.com. Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, December 22, 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Church, Charles Street and Franklin Street
This annual celebration includes songs, poetry, drama, a symbolic extinguishing of the old year’s fire and lighting of the new, turning the Wheel of the Year, and giving thanks for blessings. Seasonal sweets will be available for tasting. The event will also include blessing of newborn babes. For more information, email solstice@firstunitarian.net or call 410-252-6074. Kwanzaa Family Day
Wednesday, December 28, 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive
Inspired by the "Hand Held: Personal Arts from Africa" exhibition, this celebration of community and family features a special performance by Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company and fascinating stories brought to life by actress Maria Broom. Children and families can create their own African textiles and hand-held treasures! For more information, visit www.artbma.org/calendar/families.html. 
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