Friends & Neighbors,
It’s hard for me to believe it has been this long, but five years ago yesterday I was thrilled to win my first election in the Democratic Primary to be a member of the House of Delegates. Thank you for your support then – and now! I feel honored to have the chance to do the important work of championing policies to breakdown barriers, create opportunity, and make government work for all our residents. As we enter the first days of summer, I wanted to let you know what I’ve been doing since the end of session and share some fun events happening in our communities! Keep in touch!
Building community, breaking down invisible barriers between neighborhoods and connecting people to resources are important parts of my job, and that is what I try to do at my annual Free Community Picnic every year. Residents from around the district, City, and state, come join me and other elected leaders and non-profit partners to enjoy a beautiful park and enjoy a late spring day!
This year’s picnic was a huge success! Over 400 adults and children joined me, Congressman Cummings, Senator Cardin, Mayor Young, Council President Scott, Senator Bill Ferguson, Delegate Luke Clippinger, and Councilmembers Sneed and Cohen for some delicious bbq, ice cream and to meet great partners like RetroFit Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership, City Schools, and more!
Check out the Picnic pictures here
Plan to join me for the Picnic next year on Sunday, May 31, 2020!
When I ran for office, I didn’t run just to hold the job – I ran to do a job. Although session is over, the work certainly is not. My nights have been filled since session ended in April with visits to community association meetings and events, where I’ve discussed the work we did and the continuing work we have to do. I’ve shared my End of Session Report as well – which you can find on my website here.
I passed and supported many bills during session that will help make Maryland a leader in housing, environmental stewardship, criminal justice reform, economic development, and reducing prescription drug costs. I was pleased that the Governor allowed most of my bills to pass into law. Unfortunately, when it comes to implementing equitable mobility solutions, Governor Hogan is continuing to hold our state and city back by vetoing HB 1281, Bikeways Funding & Transit Planning. I was proud to sponsor this bill and pass it with bipartisan support and will be working with my partners to try to override the veto next January! You can read my full response to Governor Hogan’s veto here.
I am also happy to have been appointed to the AELR Committee so I can review regulations prior to their implementation – if you have any concerns about new or pending regulations, please let me know!
And, as I continue to advocate for solutions to our state’s mobility & traffic problems, please continue to speak up! Thanks to all those advocating for transit and bike and pedestrian options. Share your thoughts on the Central Maryland Transit Plan here.
In addition to attending community meetings all around District 46, I have also been busy going to community and advocacy events!
- We’ve had two successful playground builds in District 46 with KaBoom – one in Westport and one in Brooklyn! I am looking forward to doing more of this work. #PlayMatters
- I joined the Maryland Municipal League to speak with fellow legislators about our districts and how we can support municipalities around Maryland.
- I walked with residents from Otterbein/Sharp Leadenhall & Washington Hill/Upper Fells/Perkins Homes on two separate public safety walks – we are working to plan more walks this summer and fall!
- Loved speaking with eighth graders from Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School about state government earlier this month.
- I gave opening remarks at the first conference of the Maryland Counselors for Social Justice
- Shared the honor of being recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Maryland Daily Record.
- I’m working with Disability Rights Maryland and joined them at the League for People with Disabilities for a discussion on MTA mobility services
- I’ve also been working on plans relating to the Middle Branch Park competition – three internationally-recognized firms are competing for the right to design and reimagine the entire Middle Branch waterfront – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime possibility and I’m committed to seeing the design happen and be implemented! Check out the potential plans here.
Sign up for Baltimore’s Planning Academy! Applications are now open: https://planning.baltimorecity.gov/planning-academy
June 29th– Historic Fort Henry’s 4th Annual 1-mile Walk/Run -Admission is FREE for 10 year olds and younger and $15 for 16 and older. Fort McHenry opens at 9 a.m.
Baltimore Greenway Trails Network is offering outdoor tours:
July 4th – Waterfront Concert at Middle Branch Park
July 9th- Pedestrian Safety and Bus Service Design- Join us at Impact Hub for a technical presentation on Pedestrian Safety and Bus Service Design with Tom Hewitt, Director of Service Development at the Maryland Transit Administration.
July 10th @ 8:45- Films on the Pier, located at the very end of the Broadway Pier. Movie showing- The Princess Bride (classic!!)
July 11th- Canton Waterfront Park First Thursday Festival– It’s Free Music on the Waterfront! Music Starts at 5:30 pm, and admission is free.
July 11th – Flicks on the Hill Premier and Party – Sound of Music!
July 12th- Baltimore Data Day- Baltimore Data Day is an annual workshop to help communities expand their capacity to use technology and data to advance their goals
July 14th– Bike and Brunch Tour – 11-mile ride along the southern portion of the trail network
July 16th- Charm City Circulator Quarterly Meeting– Please join us at our quarterly meetings as we inform the community on the Charm City Circulator’s service updates.
July 18th @ 8:30 pm – Bayview Community Association Movie Night @ Joseph Lee Recreation Center, 5900 E. Pratt Street, 21224 showing- Captain Marvel
July 20th– Kayak and Canoe Tour of the Middle Branch River with Baltimore Rec & Parks- The tour will explore the Middle Branch waterfront beginning at the RecNParks Boathouse circling around to South Point – Port Covington.
July 20th- Inaugural Highlandtown Crab Feast-1st ever Highlandtown Crab Feast benefiting the Highlandtown Community Association
And make sure to check out the concert series at Riverside Park and Patterson Park!
At the end of the day, I am here to serve the residents of District 46! That means, if you live in District 46 and you have a problem – I’d like to do all I can to help. You can email me at brooke.lierman@house.state.md.us and my legislative director, Kimberly Shiloh, and I will help figure out how to solve the issues you’re confronting. Also, the 2020 legislative session will be here before we know it! Get in touch with me if you have ideas for legislation next year that can help move our communities, city and state forward.
Five years after one of the most exciting days I my life – June 24, 2014 – I am eternally grateful to all of you for placing your trust in me in this important role. I continue to try to do my best each and every day to build a better Baltimore and a better Maryland.
Have a great summer and keep in touch!
My best,
Brooke