MANAGING BALTIMORE'S INNER HARBOR OPERATIONS:
The Need for Direct Day-to-Day Authority and Empowerment

Report from the Greater Baltimore Committee's
Inner Harbor Management Task Force

SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Prior to reaching a consensus on the recommendations to be forwarded for consideration, the GBC task force agreed upon three basic tenets that need to be incorporated into any management structure to be adopted.

First, it is critical that a single individual or entity must be given clear authority over the management and operation of the harbor. Without question, the presence of a single person or entity assigned to the day-to-day management and operation tasks of the harbor is critical for its success. It is essential that cabinet officials, department heads, city employees, opinion makers, business community, developers, harbor stakeholders and the general public clearly recognize who is in charge of the harbor. Although responsibilities may still remain among multiple agencies within city government, it is imperative that one person/entity is recognized as the point person for all harbor issues.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, is the need for empowerment by the Mayor of real and visible authority for the direction of harbor management and operation activities to that single individual or entity. Recognizing that multi-departmental responsibilities may still exist, the Mayor needs to notify, educate and instruct department heads that the "harbor manager" acts with significant authority directly from the Mayor's office. Without that type of empowerment and direction given by the Mayor, it is unlikely that the cooperative spirit and requisite respect will be afforded to the person/entity empowered to serve as the key contact on harbor activities.

Finally, it is essential that there be a coordinated land-based and marine-based effort. Activities in the harbor are not independent or isolated from those that occur on the land and vice versa. Both are vital activities that are directly connected to each other and must be addressed outside of a vacuum.