Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board
Whereas, Baltimore County has 847,000 residents—the third largest population in Maryland; and
Whereas, Baltimore County has one of the most well-educated workforces with a bachelor’s degree attainment nearly 10 percent higher than the national average; and
Whereas, Baltimore County is home to 21,344 diverse businesses spanning across nine different industries with a total workforce of 374,646; and
Whereas, Baltimore County government is an economic engine for the region, employing more than 8,000 employees, and spending approximately $3.6 billion annually in operating expenses; and
Whereas, Baltimore County is a AAA-bond-rated County because of strong partnerships, infrastructure investment and sound fiscal management; and
Whereas, a key recommendation outlined in the 2019 Baltimore County Government Transition Board Report is to establish an Economic Development Commission; and
Whereas, it is important to engage with a diverse group of business leaders and employers in shaping Baltimore County’s Economic Development strategies;
Now, therefore, it is this 21 day of February 2020, by the County Executive of Baltimore County, Maryland, ordered that the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board shall be created and charged as follows:
Section I: Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board
Purpose. The Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board (hereinafter, the “Board”) will provide input, as an advisory body to the Administration on topics such as economic development, workforce development, tourism, arts and culture, and other aspects of the County’s economy. Additionally, the Advisory Board will serve as a collaborative forum for partnerships between public and private elements of the local economy to be identified and developed. The Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board shall perform the following duties:
Offer guidance to the Administration on specific initiatives of economic development, job creation, and quality of life goals of the county.
Provide input in creating a comprehensive, data-informed, long-term strategy with goals and metrics that tie together economic development, workforce development, tourism, arts and culture, and other aspects of the County’s economy.
Explore potential marketing strategies to better position Baltimore County in an effort to attract and retain businesses.
Explore models across the country for effective public/private partnerships.
Consider regional approaches to workforce and economic development.
Membership. The County Executive shall appoint members who provide expertise in varying industries, geography and experiences. The County Executive shall appoint members to the Board who are representative of the county’s diversity.
Terms. Members will serve a two-year term, beginning on February 25, 2020. A member may not serve more than two full, consecutive terms.
The terms of appointed members are staggered as required by the terms in effect for members of the Board on February 25, 2020.
At the end of a term, a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
Quorum. A majority of members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and an affirmative vote of the majority of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action.
Chair. The Chair of the Board shall be selected by the County Executive.
Compensation. A member of the Board:
May not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but
Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses necessarily incurred, if approved by the Board and provided for in the county operating budget
Meetings. The Board shall meet at quarterly as well as at the request of the Chair as frequently as required to perform its duties.
Section II: Staff Assistance
Staff assistance shall be provided by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development.
Section III: Effective Date
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately according to its terms.