Baltimore Regional Water Governance Model Workgroup

BOARD INFORMATION

The Baltimore Regional Water Governance Model Work Group was established by the Maryland General Assembly to study the regional water governance model approach for the management, protection, and operation of water and wastewater in the Baltimore region. The workgroup will review the 2023 report presented to the General Assembly by a prior taskforce, who evaluated the water and wastewater operations of Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

That report offered several options for governing models to address short- and long-term issues. The task force believed "Option E" – a Special District/Authority, could address many of the long-term regional concerns cited throughout the study, but did not have the time to fully investigate. This legislation and current workgroup’s mission is the result of the recommendation to explore the possibility and viability of a regional governing authority. 

Public comment can be sent to watergovernance@baltimorecity.gov

Note: Public testimony must be provided in-person. Written testimony may also be submitted to watergovernance@baltimorecity.gov and will be shared with work group members. The work group does not accept virtual testimony.

MEMBERSHIP

Position Member Name Title
Chair Bill Henry Baltimore City Comptroller
Member Antoinette Ryan Johnson President, City Union of Baltimore
Member Patrick Moran President, AFSCME Council 3
Member Kishia L. Powell General Manager/CEO, Washington Suburban Sanity Commission (WSSC) Water
Member Kelly Baxter Water/Wastewater Treatment Practice Leader, Mott MacDonald
Member Matthew Garbark Director, Baltimore City Department of Public Works
Member Matthew Carpenter Deputy Director, Baltimore County Office of Budget & Finance
Member Michael Swygert Chief – Metropolitan District Financing and Petitions, Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation
Member Mary Washington Senator District 43
Member Dana Stein Delegate District 11B, Vice-Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee
Member Karen Henry Director, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works
Member Adam Ortiz Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment
Member Karen Dettmer Director of Water Resources US, Ramboll

MEETINGS

Meetings Presentations Videos Meeting Files
Task Force Meeting #1
  • January 7 2026 – 6PM
  • Baltimore City Council Chambers
    • 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 400
      Baltimore, MD 21202
 Presentation Meeting #1 Video Agenda

RESOURCES

2026 Workgroup Timeline | Mission Statement | 2023 Report