* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember McCray
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Soil Conservation in Baltimore City
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Department of Planning, Department of Public Works, Department of Recreation and Parks, Office of Sustainability, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Control Board to address their current roles in soil conservation and urban agriculture and servicing Baltimore City's farmers.
body
Recitals
Urban agriculture is growing exponentially across the country, especially within Baltimore City. It is a multifaceted approach to enhancing sustainability and benefitting our local environment. Urban agriculture ranges from home and community gardens to controlled environmental agriculture and aquaculture; from beekeeping to composting; from cultivating fresh produce to educating the community on farm-to-table and sustainability practices. It actively helps our communities fight against the looming impacts of climate change and food insecurity. It has also proven to be a perfect medium for bringing the members of our communities closer and empowering our constituents to be the changemakers of tomorrow, who will create a greener future. From educational workshops to community grants, many of our City agencies have programs and initiatives positioned to help our urban farmers execute this critical work.
The heart of soil conservation is combating soil erosion. Urban agriculture is dependent on soil conservation. Keeping our soil healthy and nutrient dense is critical to preserving our environment and empowering our trees, plants, and crops to flourish. Article 7 of the Baltimore City Code commits the Department of Public Works to helping establish concept plans to combat soil erosion and employ sediment control. One of the most well-known soil conservation techniques is planting trees. The Department of Recreation and Parks has been committed to doing this through their partnership with TreeBaltimore, planting thousands of new trees annually.
From Bliss Gardens in Northeast Baltimore to Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm in Northwest Baltimore, we continue to see the innovation and determination of our urban farmers. As Baltimore City continues to take meaningful steps towards battling climate change and uplifting urban agriculture, we need a better understanding of our City agencies’ current roles in soil conservation.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council of invites representatives from the Department of Planning, Department of Public Works, Department of Recreation and Parks, Office of Sustainability, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Control Board to address their current roles in soil conservation and urban agriculture and servicing Baltimore City’s farmers.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of the Department of Planning, the Director of the Department of Public Works, the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Director of the Office of Sustainability, the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Director of the Department of Transportation, the Director of the Environmental Control Board, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.