On March 27, a forum of over thirty of Baltimore’s historic communities came together to launch Baltimore’s Historic Districts Council (HDCBaltimore). At that pivotal meeting, a steering committee was selected and charged with developing the mission and goals of the organization based on broad input and discussions during the forum.

The hard work of the new HDCBaltimore steering committee was presented and amended at a second community forum on May 23rd. The resulting mission statement and goals are listed at the bottom of this page. It was agreed to ask each community to formally resolve (sample resolution below) to endorse the mission and goals and to designate a representative to HDCBaltimore. A sample letter communicating that action is also provided below.

As was emphasized by many in the initial forum, the current political environment gives us a rare opportunity for a highly effective launch of HDCBaltimore and to perhaps to quickly impact key legislative matters related to protecting our historic built environment. I hope you will join with Baltimore’s other great historic communities in this new and exciting endeavor and request that you take this to your board of directors for consideration at their June meeting.

SEND AN EMAIL TO info@hdcbaltimore.org TODAY (subject: "Join") and you'll be put on our distribution list, THEN go to your communty organizion:

Resolved that the ________ (association) endorses the mission and goals of the Baltimore Historic Districts Council (HDCBaltimore) as stated below, and that the _________ (association) shall identify and designate a non-binding representative to HDCBaltimore to further support the mission of that organization.

Our community is excited to endorse the mission of the Historic District Council, and send a representative to the council. We believe that Baltimore’s many historic neighborhoods working together can help achieve a stronger, more vibrant, Baltimore, and that the council is the appropriate vehicle by which to amplify our own voice as it relates to the protection and enhancement of our historic built environment.

The Baltimore Historic Districts Council brings neighborhoods together to maintain and enhance the unique architectural characteristics and economic potential of Baltimore’s historic communities and landmarks through advocacy, education, and shaping public policy.

Goal 3: Educate the Public about the Cultural and Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation

Goal 4: Promote the Economic Benefits of Preservation and Appropriate Development

· Formally endorse the mission statement of HDC through a vote or other official action. This is necessary for the HDC to carry weight in dealing with the city and other parties.

o Once the community association endorses the mission they are granted a seat on the council.

· Designate a representative to the council who will assist in shaping the HDC’s actions and liaison with their association.. Community can decide how they wish to appoint this position/person.

Note: A voting representative on the HDC does not commit their community—they can only commit the HDC through their vote. Community associations send a member who they best believe will represent their views relating to HDC’s mission statement. It is their right to replace this representative if they believe the individual is not endorsing their general community views.

· Act on and support its mission (as above).
· Communicate HDC’s efforts and activities to all Baltimore neighborhoods