Hagerstown council outlines strategic-plan priorities on DEIA, public safety, social services, arts and green space

The Mayor and City Council of Hagerstown on Jan. 28 reviewed a draft strategic plan that emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; public-safety ordinances and community policing; stronger oversight of treatment centers and sober homes; investment in youth programs; and civic-pride initiatives including arts and green-space projects. Scott, a city staff member who presented the draft, said, "We'll bring this back next week at work session" to finalize the document for publication.

The discussion opened with a focus on DEI objectives: establishing a formal DEI program, increasing Spanish-language services and materials for Spanish-speaking residents, expanding youth involvement in city decision-making through the youth council, and adding accessibility as an explicit goal—referred to in the meeting as DEIA. Councilmembers also urged inclusive vendor-selection language for city bids and noted that DEI training has been provided to staff and is part of orientation for new hires.

Under public safety, councilmembers asked for review of ordinances and community-policing efforts to be included in the plan. On social issues the council discussed strengthening oversight of treatment centers and sober homes—stakeholders had identified a perceived gap that allows some programs to open without fire marshal or local government oversight—and exploring allocation of opioid restitution funds. Councilmember Burnett called for continuing to "invest in the MB program" and asked staff to coordinate with state lobbyists to secure resources for programs addressing gang activity, juvenile crime and drug issues.

Councilmembers proposed civic-pride and engagement steps such as monthly departmental highlights, reconstituting a historical-recognition program at Memorial Park to add names to the monument there, neighborhood cleanups, town-hall meetings, expansion of the Citizens Academy to reach younger residents, and continued investment in public art. The council also discussed green-space strategies, including community gardens, hydroponics, identifying vacant properties among the roughly "30 something plus" lots identified for tax sale as potential garden sites, and partnering with neighborhood groups for upkeep. One councilmember raised the possibility of revisiting acquisition of a Park Circle property that currently holds several declining trailers to convert the site back to green space if ownership and funding permit.

The council directed staff to compile the items into a consolidated list for review next week; if members approve the final draft it will be published and shared with department directors. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that was seconded and the session ended by voice vote.