Staff Report

R-20-10

R E S O L U T I O N

OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOWIE, MARYLAND
ENDORSING THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS GREATER WASHINGTON 2050 COMPACT

WHEREAS, the City of Bowie recognizes and values its status as part of the economically vibrant and socially diverse National Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, the City of Bowie takes part in regional planning and activities through its participation in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments; and

WHEREAS, in January 2008, COG established the Greater Washington 2050 Coalition, a public-private advisory panel, consisting of local government officials, representatives of the Region's business and environmental sectors, and members of the public representing numerous and diverse civic interests, to help shape the Region; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition sought to leverage existing regional and local vision plans and reach regional agreement on local actions that can help achieve common regional goals; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition examined how other regions have approached similar efforts, sponsored a workshop on future economic, environmental, and demographic trends and changes that could affect the National Capital Region, and commissioned and published a survey of public opinion on regional matters in 2008 and 2009; and

WHEREAS, after almost two years of work, the Coalition unanimously approved its final report, Region Forward - A Comprehensive Guide for Regional Planning and Measuring Progress in the 21st Century, which includes nine regional goals in four themes of accessibility, sustainability, prosperity, and livability; and establishes regional performance targets and indicators to measure required progress toward goals; and

WHEREAS, the COG Board approved the Region Forward report in January 2010, and recommended that local governments execute a voluntary regional compact incorporating these regional goals, and commit to consider regional implications in their local decisions and actions; and

WHEREAS, the City of Bowie's policy body, after review and consideration of these goals and their potential benefit to the Region and to the residents and businesses of Bowie, believes that adoption of the voluntary Greater Washington 2050 Compact to be in the public interest of the City of Bowie.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Bowie, Maryland, that:

1. The City of Bowie hereby endorses the voluntary Greater Washington 2050 Compact and, within Bowie's legal, financial, and political limitations, commits to follow the principles and goals therein in its decisions and actions.

2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to sign the voluntary Greater Washington 2050 Compact on behalf of the City of Bowie.

3. Staff of the City of Bowie is hereby directed to familiarize itself with the voluntary Greater Washington 2050 Compact and to alert the Bowie City Council on significant regional implications of proposed decisions and actions.

INTRODUCED AND PASSED by the Council of the City of Bowie, Maryland, at a Regular Meeting on April 5, 2010.

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G. Frederick Robinson, Mayor
Attest:

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Pamela A. Fleming, City Clerk