The Maryland General Assembly should respond quickly and strategically to Gov.-elect Larry Hogan's pledge to strengthen Baltimore and make it more of an economic engine for Maryland. Together the governor and legislature can make the most out of divided government to take Baltimore's renaissance to the next level.
State legislators should begin by ensuring that Mr. Hogan understands the full extent of the city's recent progress, evidenced by a reversal of 60 years of decline in the city's population and school enrollment, a booming downtown rental market, $23 billion in current downtown projects, an improving high school graduation rate, reduced teen pregnancy and an influx of young, creative people taking risks and starting new enterprises.
Action in Annapolis can bolster that progress, and we believe that the more populist legislature can find common ground on a range of issues with the governor-elect, who brings a focus on lower taxes and a stronger economy.
In the education arena, an improved charter school law could firm up 36 highly popular charter schools in Baltimore and allow these innovative schools to offer families new educational options. Respected national operators like KIPP have made it clear that they will not expand in Maryland until they have the freedom to excel that they enjoy in other states.
Strong schools offer a direct route out of poverty for our most challenged youth and help Baltimore retain more young families who have made homes in our downtown neighborhoods. Baltimore's best public schools, both charter and traditional, have long waiting lists with people clamoring to stay in the city. Let's encourage more of these schools and give them the autonomy to excel.
The governor and General Assembly can further leverage city, state, federal, philanthropic and business investments in the "Judy Centers" that have helped propel kindergarten readiness in Baltimore City from 28 percent in 2002 to 76 percent in 2013 by coordinating the delivery of comprehensive "wrap-around" services to underserved children and their families. A challenge grant from the Sherman Family Foundation has spurred support from a growing list of individual, business and philanthropic partners that promises to double the number of centers in Baltimore by next summer. These centers have already proven their value: an impressive 91 percent of children who received a prior year of experience in a Judy Center were ready for kindergarten.
Let's also take more action to undo incentives for affluent Marylanders to relocate to states with lower taxes. Last year's successful "re-coupling" of the estate tax with the federal rate and the "Endow Maryland" tax credit bill that rewards investments in community endowments enjoyed support on both sides of the aisle. These may well help retain the wealth and generosity of our most successful residents, but additional bipartisan reforms to burdensome estate and capital gains taxes may be needed.
The legislature should also make the case for the Red Line east-west transit artery. Business and community leaders agree that Baltimore needs a better and more-coordinated mass transit system. Every thriving city has a robust mass transit system, and regions with comprehensive transit systems are thriving in states with both Republican and Democratic leadership. Dallas recently added 4.7 miles to what was already the most extensive light rail network in the country, and Salt Lake City has built 140 miles of commuter rail, light rail and streetcar lines since 1994.
The General Assembly should also explain clearly the need for the proposed State Center mixed-use development near Mt. Vernon. The success of the Inner Harbor development and Harbor East suggest that a public-private State Center project could be a major economic development engine.
We urge the General Assembly and incoming governor to cooperate on new strategies to address Baltimore's challenges. Let's build on successful private-sector models for neighborhood redevelopment, consider market-based approaches to environmental regulation and bring private-sector initiative and accountability to public-sector activity.
Finally, as they balance the state budget for the long term, we urge the Democratic majority in the legislature and the new Republican governor to recognize just how much potential Baltimore City has to fuel statewide growth. Smart state investments are needed to maintain and expand the city's economic comeback.
With a vision of Baltimore boasting a growing economy where all have the opportunity to thrive, our leaders in the executive and legislative branches can set the stage for a growing and prosperous Maryland.
Laura Gamble is PNC Regional President for Greater Maryland. Thomas Bozzuto is Chairman and CEO of The Bozzuto Group. Thomas E. Wilcox is president of the Baltimore Community Foundation. All are trustees of The Baltimore Community Foundation and can be reached at TWilcox@bcf.org.