city life with kids is not only possible...it's amazing.
join dbfa to connect with other parents, get the scoop on schools and safety, and make your voice heard as we build a brighter future for our kids and our city.
join dbfa to connect with other parents, get the scoop on schools and safety, and make your voice heard as we build a brighter future for our kids and our city.
DBFA is an independent alliance of thousands of families committed to city living.
Our mission is to connect communities to create an "urban village" & empower families to advocate for good schools, safe streets, and great neighborhoods.
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GOOD SCHOOLS
We work at the local and state levels to support quality education. |
SAFE STREETS
We get more "feet on the street" by promoting sustainable transit & walkability |
GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS
Our events and programs create an "urban village" of connected families and supportive friendships. |
Our most pressing advocacy priority: #FixtheGap
Photos Credit: Cory Tallarico, 2017
On March 4th, nearly 1,000 parents, teachers, principals & students came together for DBFA's We March 4th rally to demand city and state leaders release a concrete plan to address the $130M shortfall facing city schools. After nine years of working to reverse the trend of middle-class flight, DBFA is finally seeing families stay in the city as they move from the stroller years to the school years. Concerns about school quality are the number one reason families cite when moving out of the city.
Speaking to the Baltimore Sun, DBFA Executive Director Elizabeth Degi Mount said, "We have finally turned the tide of couples leaving the second they decide to have kids. We cannot afford to go backward."
Mount emphasized that fixing the gap is vital to Maryland's economy. "The city is the center of business and commerce for the state. Keeping families in the city helps build the tax base, and spurs industry. For Maryland to do well, Baltimore has to do well."
DBFA is demanding Gov. Hogan provide equitable funding to City Schools, as mandated in the Maryland Constitution. A recent audit found that the state should provide $387 million more annually to the city school system than it is currently. Speaking at the rally, City Schools CEO Dr. Santelises said, "this money is an investment in the future leadership of our city, of our state, of our country and, frankly, of the world."
DBFA is deploying families to Annapolis to meet with members of the House and Senate Budget Committees later this week. Stay tuned on social media for updates by following DBFA and #FixtheGap.
Please support our ongoing advocacy to #FixtheGap by joining DBFA today.
Speaking to the Baltimore Sun, DBFA Executive Director Elizabeth Degi Mount said, "We have finally turned the tide of couples leaving the second they decide to have kids. We cannot afford to go backward."
Mount emphasized that fixing the gap is vital to Maryland's economy. "The city is the center of business and commerce for the state. Keeping families in the city helps build the tax base, and spurs industry. For Maryland to do well, Baltimore has to do well."
DBFA is demanding Gov. Hogan provide equitable funding to City Schools, as mandated in the Maryland Constitution. A recent audit found that the state should provide $387 million more annually to the city school system than it is currently. Speaking at the rally, City Schools CEO Dr. Santelises said, "this money is an investment in the future leadership of our city, of our state, of our country and, frankly, of the world."
DBFA is deploying families to Annapolis to meet with members of the House and Senate Budget Committees later this week. Stay tuned on social media for updates by following DBFA and #FixtheGap.
Please support our ongoing advocacy to #FixtheGap by joining DBFA today.
Photo credits for #FixtheGap rally, Cory Tallarico
