A Word from the BMC Chair (Metropolitan Report, v2 #1)
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Winter 2001
A Word from the Chair of the BMC
The Honorable James M. Harkins, Harford County Executive, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Chair (right) This year the Baltimore Metropolitan Council is launching the Vision 2030 initiative, which will be our major focus for the next 18 to 24 months.
Our objective will be to look 10, 20 and 30 years ahead to develop a better understanding of the complex demographic, economic, environmental and physical factors that will influence future mobility and growth.
This effort will require innovative thinking.
Vision 2030 will offer opportunities for broad participation - bringing stakeholders together in open forums to discuss the issues and share their ideas.
VISION 2030 has two major goals:
- To establish a framework for crafting a future transportation system that will enhance the region's ability to achieve its full potential.
- To develop complementary strategic initiatives to enhance livability, productivity and economic competitiveness in the region.
Former State Senator Donald Fry, now a Vice President of the Greater Baltimore Committee, will chair a committee of regional civic and business leaders to oversee the process.
Subcommittees will examine issues such as economic development, quality of life, environmental issues and land use patterns, and will report back to the oversight group.
The process will also include individual interviews with community leaders, as well as focus groups of representative citizens.
In order for this effort to be successful, we must remember that our jurisdictions depend on one another.
Many of us live in one jurisdiction but commute to work in another. We're able to choose whether we want to live in an urban, suburban or rural environment while we take advantage of the numerous job opportunities in the region.
More than two-thirds of us get our drinking water from the Baltimore City municipal water supply.
We are able to enjoy cultural and recreational activities in our own back yards, but come to Baltimore City for major sporting and cultural events.
Some of the region's jurisdictions have too much residential growth and not enough employment growth. The Greater Baltimore Alliance, which the BMC Board created in cooperation with the Greater Baltimore Committee, encourages economic growth throughout the region.
All of our jurisdictions have experienced problems in finding qualified workers to fill new and existing jobs. Qualified workers sometimes lack transportation access. These problems require regional solutions.
Vision 2030 gives us a unique opportunity to further our mutual goals, and strengthen our community for years to come.
Posted: June 7, 2001
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