Objective 1.0– Develop and implement 5 year Regional Strategy that compliments the local comprehensive strategies of Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s Counties.

Strategy 1.01 The Regional Economic Strategy Committee will review and revise the 1999 Southern Maryland Regional Strategy. Review to include recommendations from the January 2002 Regional Priority Goals and the 2005 Regional Economic Diversification study.

Measurable Outcomes

1.01a Updating of the regional strategic plan for action by the Board and full Council. The plan supports the comprehensive economic development visions of Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s counties and that will further engage and enable economic growth and vitality for the Southern Maryland region.

Strategy 1.02 Seek additional funding sources to align and enhance local economic development through regional initiatives.

Measurable Outcomes

1.02a Research and compete for annual grant opportunities available through entities such as USDA Rural Development, the MD Department of Housing & Community Development, the Office of Economic Adjustment, etc.

1.02b Solicit funding support from local businesses and other community organizations in support of specific events or the delivery of specific services.

Objective 1.1- Active community engagement and involvement with local businesses, community stakeholders and government to ensure alignment of economic development initiatives.

Strategy 1.10 Provide leadership and support for the planning and implementation of regional workforce development strategies and solutions that support our current and emerging industry needs, the initiatives of our local counties and the employability of our laborforce.

Measurable Outcomes

1.10a Identify strategies and solutions for the development of a comprehensive regional workforce development strategy to include the research, coordination and development of an implementation plan which, if approved by the Council, would result in the reformation of a Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board

1.10b Participate with and support initiatives of our area educational institutions and state organizations with employment and training priorities, providing opportunity for industry dialogue and workforce planning

Strategy 1.11 Regional resource coordination through the implementation of technology, workgroups, data gathering and dissemination, and the creation of more efficient processes.

Measurable Outcomes

1.11a Act as a resource for regional data through the enhancement and expansion of the content and utilization of the Tri-County Council website, resource materials, information and data

1.11b Form workgroups to identify opportunities where regional coordination would aid in more efficient processes for businesses within the region

1.11c Develop and disseminate quarterly newsletter

1.11d Update, if feasible and dependent on stakeholder participation, the annual Southern Maryland Growth Report in coordination with the Daily Record

Strategy 1.12 Participate with and support the work of the Southern Maryland Economic Development Association and its individual member organizations, i.e. chambers, College of Southern Maryland, DBED.

Measurable Outcomes

1.12a Attend SMEDA meetings, participating in working committees and activities

1.12b Support, assist in planning, and attend events hosted by partner agencies

Strategy 1.20 Develop a technical advisory group to aid the Council in the data gathering and needs analysis of our growing small, minority, and women owned business community.

Measurable Outcomes

1.20a Obtain a planning grant to support the development of a regional needs assessment of the status and condition of small, minority and women owned business start-up, growth and decline. Assessment results will determine existing needs and best practices for the development of a comprehensive and inclusive economic development strategy to support these employer sectors.

Strategy 1.21 Participate with and support the work of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative and Maryland Broadband Coordination Board in the implementation of high speed broadband access throughout rural Maryland.

Measurable Outcomes

1.21a Participate in the regular meetings of the MdBC and Maryland Broadband Coordination Board

1.21b Work cooperatively with the MdBC staff and potential members to promote and advance support for the broadband initiative

Objective 1.3 - Continue working relationship with the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Southern Maryland Regional Office.

Strategy 1.31 Work cooperatively with Steve Wall, Regional Manager, with DBED Assistant Secretary for Maryland Rural Regions, with Assistant Secretary for Small Business and other DBED leadership to promote and advance State support of county and regional economic development goals.

Measurable Outcomes

1.31a Respond to lease matters with DBED’s Southern Maryland Regional Office and assist as requested or coordinate business retention activities including referral and business visitation with Steve Wall. Ongoing contact and coordination with Steve Wall, other new regional staff and DBED central office leadership regarding regional meetings/events and data/trends.

Strategy 2.01: Work with the Regional Infrastructure Advisory Committee to update the regional transportation needs inventory.

Measurable Outcomes

2.01a Provide technical and administrative support to the Committee.

2.01b Reviewed County transportation needs and identified top regional priorities, regionally significant projects, County projects of regional significance, and multi-jurisdiction projects.

2.01c Regional transportation needs and priorities approved by the Executive Board and Council.

2.01d Forwarded approved regional priority list to the Secretary of Transportation for consideration.

2.01e Participate in Secretary of Transportation’s annual road tour of Southern Maryland counties.

2.01f Continue to participate in planning activities for funded projects, including U.S. 301 Waldorf Bypass, Governor Harry Nice Bridge, and Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge/MD 4.

2.01g Establish committee to coordinate planning and implementation of a regional trail and bikeway system.

2.01h Work with local, state and federal elected and appointed officials to advocate for funding for prioritized Southern Maryland projects and support transportation planning to achieve the same.

Strategy 2.02: Work with the Commission to Study Southern Maryland Transportation Needs to identify regional multi-modal transportation problems and solutions as mandated by SB 281.

Measurable Outcomes

2.02a Provide technical and administrative support to the Commission leading to final report completion by March of 2008.

2.02b Review and update the Southern Maryland Regional Strategy: An Action Plan for Transportation (1998).

2.02c Coordinate meetings with the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Regional Infrastructure Advisory Committee and public meetings on the Commission’s findings and recommendations.

2.02d. Provide progress reports to the Executive Board and Council.

2.02e Coordinate Commission Study with the upcoming parallel transit corridor preservation study led by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and various ongoing studies. The Maryland Transit Administration Transit Study is planned for the period of end of 2007 to end of 2009, with the mission to select a final rapid transit route to Charles County so that right of way preservation can proceed, among other goals.

Strategy 2.03 Coordinate planning with professional staff of Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties.

2.03a Quarterly Meetings are held with the Regional Planning Directors Working Group to discuss a wide diversity of regional issues and opportunities.

Strategy 2.1 Conduct a regional Geographic Information System (GIS) needs assessment.

Measurable Outcomes

2.1a Retained Towson University GIS Center as project Consultant with a September 2007 target completion date.

2.1b Designed and administered survey to Tri-County members and State agencies.

2.1c Hire a GIS/Transportation Planner by August and provide orientation and introductions.

2.1d Provide progress status reports to the Executive Board and summary presentations to the Council.

2.1e Attend cooperative forecasting meetings at the Washington Council of Governments to participate in discussions on data gathering, analysis and management. Work with County planning, Maryland Department of Planning and other programs with GIS capacity to coordinate efforts.

2.1f Respond to public agency and private sector request for data and map production.

2.1g Provide annual application for funds and quarterly reports to the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Strategy 2.2 Work with employers, transit providers, business and government to promote alternative transportation modes.

Measurable Outcomes

2.2a Provide training to transit operators

2.2b Provide assistance to commuters

2.2c Maintain rideshare database and match ride share applicants.

2.2d Promote carpool, vanpool and tele-work options to employers and employees.

2.2e Coordinate meetings with public and private sector stakeholders.

2.2f Explore alternative funding sources to sustain program.

2.2g Provide annual application for funds and quarterly reports to grantors.

Strategy 2.3 Work with government agencies, private providers and nonprofits to improve access to transportation for the elderly, disabled and low income families.

Measurable Outcomes

2.3a Coordinate meetings with providers and funding agencies.

2.3b Organize training for grant applicants and service providers.

2.3c Explore alternative funding sources to sustain program.

2.3d Provide annual application for funds and quarterly reports to grantors.

Strategy 2.4 County Transportation Planning: For a project limited to a specific county, at the request of an elected official or program director from that county, provide transportation planning assistance

Measurable Outcomes

2.4a Assist in investigation options for establishing water based passenger ferry service along the Potomac River tidewater to connect Charles County to Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. These efforts are on-going.

Objective 3.0 - Military Matters – Continue coordination and communications between and among the counties, the Council, State agencies, and our State and Federal legislative delegations to protect promote and maintain state, regional and community support for the Navy’s mission in Southern Maryland. This includes but not limited to Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) – Indian Head, Patuxent River Naval Air Station (includes Webster Field, St. Indigoes), Randle Cliffs and the Solomon’s Island Navy Recreation Center (both in Calvert County). These activities all support regional and state activities as contained in HB 888, enacted in June 2003, now known as The Maryland Military Installation Strategic Planning Council. This effort is in response to Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) 2005. In 2007 and 2008, these efforts continue in support the Governor O’Malley Administration’s BRAC Sub-Cabinet.

Strategy 3.01. BRAC is everyday in Southern Maryland through steadfast communication and cooperation between regional alliances.

Measurable Outcomes

3.01a Provide a regional perspective at alliances Board meetings and take to the Executive Board and Council for consideration regional action items 3.01b Support and participate in Boards activities of the Southern Maryland Naval Alliance and the Patuxent Partnership (Patuxent River Naval Air Station);

3.01c Support and participate in the Board activities of the Indian Head Defense Alliance (Naval Surface Warfare Center- Indian Head):

3.01d Serve on and support the Board activities of the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (graduate degree programs to support a highly technical workforce for the bases):

3.01e Encourage and participate in other military or federal government Department of Defense and other National Security alliances, activities or request for planning cooperation and communication.

Strategy 3.02: Support the planning and coordination efforts for BRAC and Department of Defense installation sustainability in coordination with Department of Business and Economic Development and the Governor O’Malley BRAC Sub-cabinet.

Measurable Outcomes

3.02a Provide regional support to the Military and Federal Facilities Office to maintain the vitality of all naval installations in Southern Maryland. This includes update as necessary the Southern Maryland Military Facilities Economic Impact Analysis, released May 2003

3.02b Provide regional support for the Lt. Governor Brown’s BRAC Sub-cabinet by responding to request, attending meetings, assisting in tours and follow-up actions, and discussions with the Executive Board and Council on information, infrastructure or other action items.

3.02c Provide Southern Maryland regional cooperation and assistance on base encroachment and other alliance major findings. Provide assistance to alliance and base members to other regions of Maryland and Virginia impacted by greater flight missions and other matters as requested by partners.

Objective 4.0: Regional Advocacy - Be an effective advocate for the Region’s Strategic Goals in the Maryland General Assembly and our elected Federal delegation.

Strategy 4.01 Plan, conduct and follow-up on results of monthly Executive Board meetings

Strategy 4.02 Plan, conduct and follow-up on quarterly Council membership meetings

Strategy 4.03 Provide annual and as requested presentation to the three Boards of County Commissioners on regional matters which involve individual or all counties. Meet with individual elected representatives and their appointed leadership to assist with communication and coordination on regional matters.

Strategy 4.04 Attend biweekly Southern Maryland Delegation meetings during the General Assembly session (January-April) and Rural Maryland Caucus meetings as requested. Provide planning and review assistance, as requested, on legislative matters during session and the interim. Meet with individual representatives and their staff to assist with communication and coordination on regional matters.

Strategy 4.05 Maintain contact and coordination as necessary with Federal delegation regarding military facilities, transportation, economic development and other regional issues. Meet with individual representatives or their staff to assist, as requested, on regional, statewide or federal matters.

Measurable Results

Report meetings and status for all of above strategies to plan, implement and advocate for regional matters.

Objective 5.0 Provide Administrative Support of and professional planning for and other expertise to advance the agricultural, natural resources, and heritage resources of the Southern Maryland region.

Strategy 5.01 Advance the mission for coordinated heritage area enhancements through the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium* and other regional and statewide heritage related organizations.

5.01a Provide administrative and professional support and house the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium Office and staff.  Serve as Treasurer for the Consortium. *Objectives, strategies and measurable results are developed and reported independently under the authority of the Heritage Area Authority staffed by the Maryland Department of Planning

5.01b Provide professional archaeological, historic preservation, museum services, historical and management expertise and assistance to history museums, natural resource preserves, heritage trails and other organizations involved in the advancement of local, regional and statewide heritage related plans and objectives.

5.01c Assist National Park Service and other organization involved in statewide and regional heritage preservation and tourism opportunities such as the Captain John Smith National Historic Water Trail, proposed War of 1812 Heritage Trail, Civil War 150th Celebrations, and other anniversary or special opportunities.

Strategy 5.02 Advance regional natural and environmental resources planning and preservation.

Measurable Outcomes

5.2a Represent Southern Maryland on the Patuxent River Commission. Assist other departments, organizations and elected officials on natural resource matters as requested. Some known measurable results will include:

5.2b Serve at monthly meetings of the Patuxent River Commission to advance the mission of the Commission to make the river sustainability and environmental improvements a model for the Bay basin. 5.2c Assist with the planning of the Annual Patuxent River Summit in Solomons to assist in meeting the goals of the Commission and the region.

5.2d Advise and assist elected local, state and federal officials on environmental policy, planning or other request for regional information and staff involvement.

Strategy 5.03 House and provide financial and personnel support services to the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission*

*Strategies* The Commission has primary responsibility for implementation of the Agriculture Commission’s mission and objectives through a separate funding source of the Cigarette Restitution Fund. The Commission allocates a portion of funds to the Council for administrative support of their activities.

Measurable Outcomes

5.03a Meet regularly with Christine Bergmark, Executive Director, attend Commission meetings, arrange for Commission staff to report to the Council and Executive Board for action and status reports, and encourage and facilitate communication, cooperation and continuation of the programs of the Commission.

Strategy 5.04 Rural Regional Planning: Work cooperatively with the other four Tri-County Councils and with the members of the Rural Maryland Council to plan, promote and cooperate on the diversity of regional matters affecting the 18 counties of rural Maryland to develop consensus and cooperation on matters of regional, statewide and federal importance.

Measurable Outcomes:

5.04a Attend quarterly meetings of the Rural Maryland Council, serve on Committees to advance planning and coordination, testify with other members of the Council to the Legislator and Administration and work with elected officials on research on legislative matters, help state departments on regional analysis of rural issues, and assist in fund raising, planning and implementing annual summit.

5.04b Meet with Tri-County Council directors on a regular basis at MEDA, MACO, Maryland Broadband Cooperative Board and other opportunities to communicate and coordinate tri-county regional planning council matters. Provide technical assistance and advice and attend, when requested, other Council meetings to share expertise on specific matters.

Strategy 5.05 Work with Maryland Department of Planning, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment and other state programs not discussed specifically above as requested to advance or assist in planning and analysis of matters affecting rural regions in Maryland.

Measurable Outcomes

5.05a Work with Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Geological Survey in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on advancing regional and statewide ground and drinking water studies to meet goals of updating and amending county comprehensive plans in 2007-2009 period.

5.05b Provide similar coordinating and cooperating regional planning and analysis work as requested or required.