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The Blessing and Curse of living in Baltimore City: Using Project Management
THE BLESSING AND CURSE OF LIVING IN BALTIMORE: USING PROJECT MANAGEMENT TO TRANSFORM THE CITY
Born and raised in BaltiTeresa Dangerfield, PMP more is a blessing and a Project Manager curse. We are blessed to U.S. Federal Government have witnessed the city’s transformation. Some of our childhood memories include playing games on the sidewalks, going to neighbor’s houses to get frozen cups, attending free camps, taking pony rides, going to the recreation center, enjoying Keri Rantin, PMP the marching bands, particProject Manager ipating in block parties, and U.S. Federal Government watching movies in the church parking lot. As the years passed, we have watched the demolition of the projects, the improvements of the Inner Harbor, enhancements to major hospitals, growth of mega churches, and the decline of city neighborhoods.
From our view, the improvements in Baltimore were necessary and would add value to some neighborhoods and to Baltimoreans. These areas are thriving, they are showcased, and crime is down. However, there are other neighborhoods in Baltimore that are continually plagued with low income families, abandoned homes, poverty, poor living conditions, and high crime rates. These areas are the forgotten neighborhoods in Baltimore. In the forgotten neighborhoods, the education system has declined, houses are not maintained, kids are raising kids, jobs are not available, and after school programs do not exist. Baltimoreans are oppressed, depressed, and stressed because of the poor conditions of the neighborhoods. We are cursed to have witnessed the neighborhood where we grew up in and many other neighborhoods change to slums. The people who live in these communities are not all bad, some have become afraid, some have turned their backs on crime, and then others are the criminals. A plan is needed to balance the opportunities and reduce crime in Baltimore. The opportunities that were provided to the growth of hospitals, mega churches and the Inner Harbor should be extended to Baltimore neighborhoods that were forgotten in city makeovers. Stakeholders are a critical asset to long lasting change. A comprehensive stakeholder analysis that carefully identifies influential stakeholders who will play a major role in changing this narrative is needed to achieve this goal. A project management tool that can be used is the Power/Interest grid or Power/Influence to determine influential stakeholders. A leader who cares for all the neighborhoods in Baltimore is key to change and remains one of the most influential stakeholders in this process. This leader should have the support of other stakeholders who should constitute a good support system filled with people of integrity and obtain the necessary financial backing to execute a plan to transform forgotten neigh
borhoods in Baltimore. Baltimore should also adopt a comprehensive source selection analysis that carefully selects contractors who not only invest in declining neighborhoods but are vested in the overall betterment of the city. The plan should create opportunities for residents to become home owners, and to re-open safe havens for kids. In addition, Baltimore neighborhoods should be cleaned, education improved, guns banned, and employment opportunities should be made available with second chances given to convicted felons. More importantly, the people of Baltimore should be valued and respected. Financing is the biggest driver to start the transformation process. Baltimore should reallocate funds to the transformation project and the city government should request funds from the federal and state government, investors, and through philanthropic donations. It is imperative to mention that external funding comes with certain requirements and the city authorities must play their part in meeting the stated requirements. In turn, the funds can be used to demolish and rebuild neighborhoods with blocks of abandoned homes. The new homes should be affordable and sold to low income families who reside in undeveloped areas in Baltimore. The city and state government should offer loans and low-income subsidy opportunities to Baltimoreans. Additionally, Baltimore should reinstitute the one-dollar home buying program. This program can be used as a source of finance for low income families that live in the forgotten neighborhoods. The one-dollar home buying program should consist of the homes in the neighborhoods that have vacant houses that need some improvements. Low-income Baltimoreans should be given a stipend from the city and state government to make improvements to homes purchased. People who live in neighborhoods that consist of homeowners have the mindset to protect their investment. Implementing the home buying program in the forgotten neighborhoods will provide opportunities for Baltimoreans growth and it will drive down criminal activities. Improved neighborhoods will attract more businesses, new development of schools, and investments. The coordination of stakeholder involvement, procurement, cost management which will increase opportunities and decrease crime in our great city.
