Pittman and Friends Podcast

Each year I report directly to our residents on what I perceive the state of our county to be. Are we managing our finances responsibly, facilitating future economic prosperity for all, managing growth and development in accordance with Plan2040? Are we contributing positively to the social determinants of good health, things like housing, transportation, parks, public safety, and education?These are important questions, and I’ll answer them. Tune in this week to hear my answers and about the work we are doing to make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

What happens when a mural sparks a political journey? This week on Pittman and Friends, City of Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley joins to share his unconventional path from small business owner to public servant. Buckley shares his story about how a mural on his restaurant wall led to legal action and ignited his run for mayor. We also reflect on our shared frustrations with government inefficiencies and how those experiences drove us into the realm of politics.Facing a budget crisis, Annapolis took steps, including raising taxes to stabilize finances, and ultimately achieved a coveted AAA bond rating. Gavin also shares his insights from travels to the Netherlands and Sweden, and his inspiration for urban resilience and sustainable transportation. These experiences are shaping a vision for a forward-thinking Annapolis, underscored by innovative multimodal transport and electrification efforts that aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate flooding challenges at the City Dock.In this episode, we also discuss the vital role of public water access and the responsibility political leaders have to ensure sustainable growth. Through cooperation among city, county, and state officials, City Dock aims to protect our natural resources and enhance our community for future generations. If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

Leah Paley, Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, shares her compelling journey from AmeriCorps to leading one of the most crucial community resources in the county. Learn how the food bank is operating after 40 years of service with a $5 million annual budget, all while innovatively sourcing food through community food drives, strategic retail partnerships, and purchasing fresh proteins and produce. As the holiday season nears, hear how the food bank is addressing increased food assistance demands through vital community involvement and fundraising efforts.In this episode, we also uncover the ambitious plans for the food bank's expansion and relocation to a new facility. This move will not only support operational growth but also aim to reduce their environmental impact. Together with the county's food council, the food bank is setting the stage for innovative policy changes to tackle food insecurity. Stay connected with us for more engaging discussions and learn how you can contribute to making a difference.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV

Curious about how design can honor history and inspire the future? Listen this week as Cecily Bedwell from Design Collective shares the vision behind the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park Draft Master Plan. We dive into the site's complex legacy, the role of Antonia Hylton's book Madness, and how community input is guiding this innovative idea and shaping this transformative project.From plans for a museum and racial healing spaces to a contemplative "Path of Reverence" and a potential university satellite campus, this episode explores how history, community, and design come together to reimagine Crownsville as a place of nature and healing at the center of Anne Arundel County.If you like the stories and insights in Pittman and Friends, be sure to follow the County Executive on social media and sign up for his Weekly Letter using the links below. Weekly Letter: https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman/pittmans-pen/weekly-letterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACoExecX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AACoExecInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AACoExec/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArundelTV