Contact: Eugene W. Grant
Phone: (301) 336-2600
Fax: (301) 336-0029
PRESS RELEASE
Black Mayors Meet with Governor Martin O’Malley
African-American communities urge more Federal Stimulus Allocations in challenged areas.
Seat Pleasant: April 16 - On April 7th, the Maryland Black Mayors , Inc. and staff from the
national office of the National Conference of Black Mayors held a private meeting with
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown to
discuss the implementation of the Federal Stimulus Bill. The meeting provided an
opportunity for the member Mayors of the Maryland Black Mayors association to
discuss with the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Governor’s cabinet on topics including
funding priorities, current stimulus funding levels, and planned allocation of stimulus
funding. The Governor and his staff listened intently to the requests and issues facing
each of our members. The Maryland Black Mayors had four specific issues that were of
greatest concern to our members. These issues include:
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Real Commitment to the Legacy Leadership Municipal Government Program
Increased funding in Transportation Dollars Allotment to Prince George’s County
Increased funding to WMATA to avert the elimination of bus service
Support in the Creation of a statewide Community Development Corporation
Of particular concern was the lack of funding that was allocated for Prince George’s
County transportation priority projects. Each of the Mayors had an opportunity to
express our concerns on the level of funding committed to Prince George’s County
and we are working in concert with county officials to ensure that the needs of the
county are met. Each of the department secretaries provided direct answers to our
questions and pledged to provide additional support and assistance to facilitate the
implementation of stimulus projects in our communities.
FOR RELEASE 12PM. EST, APRIL 16, 2009
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BLACK MAYORS MEET WITH MARYLAND GOVERNOR O’MALLEY
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According to Mayor Eugene W. Grant, President of the Maryland Black Mayors
Association, “The meeting with Governor O’Malley is the first of many meetings that we
will have with the Governor and his staff to ensure that the member cities of the
Maryland Black Mayor’s, Inc. receive the maximum benefit from the stimulus bill. Upon
receipt of this funding we will work collectively to ensure that the allocated funding is
used expeditiously to stimulate job growth and improve the state of the economy for
all communities in the Great State of Maryland.”
During the meeting, Mayor Grant also received a pledge of support from the
Governor for the Maryland Black Mayor’s, Inc. along with the National Conference
of Black Mayors to establish a statewide Community Development Corporation
(CDC). The National Conference of Black Mayors national office will work directly
with the Maryland Chapter to establish this statewide CDC to facilitate community
development projects in communities governed by the member Mayors of the
Maryland Black Mayors association. This statewide CDC will work with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development and the state of Maryland
Housing and Community Development to secure funding to conduct development
projects throughout the State of Maryland. The primary focus of this CDC will be to
spur economic development in communities of color that has endured persistent
poverty and poor economic statues even before the global economic crisis
occurred. These areas are particularly devastated now and the Maryland Black
Mayor’s, Inc. is committed to improving the economic status in these communities
throughout the State of Maryland.
The Maryland Black Mayors, Inc. is a private, non political, non partisan, non profit
corporation; representing over 700,000 citizens and residents and managing over
$2.2 billion annually. MBM, Inc. was created to promote and develop program
models designed to improve educational, economic, health and social levels
within the respective jurisdictions of its members; promote efficient and responsive
government within all of the jurisdictions served by the membership, through studies
of special or peculiar problems of common concern; and through the creation,
implementation, development and maintenance of social, educational, economic
and other programs and projects designed ultimately to enhance the quality of life
for residents of the affected municipalities.
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