MACo launched a new educational program for its members on July 13 with a symposium focusing on public private partnerships in county government. Attendees had the opportunity to hear four presentations about successful partnership programs spanning the areas of solar energy, tourism, and continuing education. In addition, attendees were able to hear about privatization efforts being considered by one county as part of their effort to reduce their structural deficit.
The MACo Public Private Partnership Symposium, offered at no charge to attendees, was held at the new Center for Agriculture and Farm Park in Baltimore County. Attendees were welcomed by the County’s new Economic Development Director, Daniel Gunderson, who cited the new Center is an example of a public private partnership. The Center provides support services for the agricultural community as well as serving as an educational resource center and field destination for school children and adults. Mr. Gunderson cited the importance of such partnerships to provide innovative solutions to problems within local government.
The first presenter was Mr. Rick Towle, the Director of the Talbot County Department of Parks & Recreation, who discussed the Talbot County Community Center – Project Sunburst partnership. Mr. Towle reviewed the collaborative process to develop, construct and implement the solar energy project as well as lessons learned.
The second presentation given by Ms. Arlisa Anderson, Senior Project Analyst for the Baltimore Development Corporation, and Ms. Kathy Robertson, the Director of the Westside Initiative for the Baltimore Development Corporation focused on the Baltimore City Convention Center Hotel, The Hilton Baltimore.
Mr. George Payne, the 2011 President of the Maryland Community College Association for Continuing Education & Training was the third presenter and discussed the ‘Skills2Compete-Maryland’ and ways to partner with Maryland’s community colleges.
MD Community College Association for Continuing Education and Training Presentation
The fourth presentation was given by Ms. Tina Benjamin, the Chief of Staff for the Montgomery County Economic Development Department. Ms. Benjamin provided an overview of the nuts and bolts process of putting together successful partnerships using several county projects as the backdrop.
Montgomery County Presentation
Following an in depth question and answer session with the four presenters, attendees heard from Blaine Young, President of the Frederick County Board of Commissioners about a proposal that would establish a public private partnership to consolidate certain services within Frederick County government.
MACo’s Executive Director, Michael Sanderson closed the symposium by thanking presenters and attendees for their participation.
There is a short 4 question evaluation for attendees to complete. Just click here to complete the evaluation.
