Baltimore County New American Task Force Introduces its Immigrant Integration Inclusion Plan

TOWSON, MD - Baltimore County New Americans Task Force today released Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan, a first-of-its kind blueprint which aims to builds upon the strengths of immigrants and will focus County government’s efforts to support efforts for integration and inclusion while helping address the social and economic challenges Baltimore County's New American community faces.

“Diversity is our strength in Baltimore County, and we’re proud to welcome new residents from around the world who are eager to share their values, build new connections, and use their talents to make our communities a more vibrant place to call home,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I am grateful to the New American Task Force members and our partner organizations for their incredible work and we look forward to using this plan as a guide to continue ensuring that Baltimore County remains a place where diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity thrive.”

Olszewski established the New Americans Task Force in June 2023 to build positive relationships and connect with Baltimore County’s rapidly growing immigrant community – which current represents approximately 12 percent of Baltimore County’s population – and to share research on policies, practices, and services that impact immigrant health, well-being, economic success and safety.

The New Americans Task Force consists of over 35 public, private and nonprofit stakeholders and was charged with developing the New American integration and inclusion plan issued today in order to further efforts to make Baltimore County a place of welcome, economic opportunity, community well-being, and inclusion.

Over the past 10 months, the Task Force facilitated focus groups throughout the County, distributed surveys in five languages, identified barriers facing immigrants and their efforts to health care, education, recreation, public assistance, workforce development, business resources or other critical services. Technical support and research were provided by Welcoming America and the American Immigration Council as part of Gateways for Growth.

“We recognize that the work of creating a welcoming place is never finished, and we look forward to continuing to find new ways to empower and support immigrant community members who call Baltimore County home,” said Baltimore County Chief of Immigrant Affairs Giuliana Valencia-Banks. “The Task Force's recommendations are the first steps Baltimore County can take to create strategic policies, programs, and partnerships to help our new neighbors thrive.

The Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan released today provides recommendations are in five primary categories:

• Community and civic engagement
• Equitable access
• Economic development and entrepreneurship
• Connected, safe and healthy communities
• Education

“The Baltimore County Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan came together thanks to a committed group of individuals, service providers, County partners, key stakeholders and advocates who dedicated time, resources and expertise because they recognized the value of working together to address the unique challenges and barriers New Americans face and the importance of creating a more welcoming and accepting community for our new neighbors,” said T. Rowe Price Diversity Acquisition Program Manager and New Americans Task Force Chair Helany J. Sinkler. “We are looking forward to unveiling the plan both to signal our thoughtful approach centered on supporting New Americans and to capitalize on the momentum we have to implement the recommendations outlined in our plan. The work is just beginning!”

Recommendations include:

• Establishing a cabinet-level Office of New Americans to coordinate County agencies’ efforts;
• Developing and implementing a language-access strategy to provide equitable access to services and resources;
• Expanding access to financial resources for New American business owners and employees to achieve economic stability leading to sustainable living wages;
• Implementing comprehensive language access policies across Baltimore County’s Health and Human Services; and
• Developing an online hub that offers a single landing page with information about all levels of education and educational opportunities within Baltimore County.

These recommendations lay groundwork for creating a Baltimore County that is more welcoming and inclusive of all Baltimore County residents.

We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Baltimore County’s strategic welcoming plan, which puts forth recommendations to ensure that the entire region can invest in its immigrant community as one part of the puzzle to ensure sustainable population and economic growth,” said Molly Hilligoss, Network Director, Welcoming America.

“From revitalizing neighborhoods and boosting local business corridors, to growing the city’s tax base and helping sustain jobs across the skills spectrum, immigrants are integral neighbors in Baltimore County,” added Rich André, Director, State & Local Initiatives, American Immigration Council.

This new report builds on the Olszewski administration’s efforts to advance issues of equity and inclusion in Baltimore County, including establishing Baltimore County’s first-ever Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and codifying the office into law and creating Baltimore County’s first dedicated Chief of Immigration Affairs.

Olszewski recently proposed FY25 budget provides funding to bolster Baltimore County’s immigrant affairs outreach efforts and provides additional funding for language access.

The Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan, is available here.

More information about the New Americans Task force is available found here.