Family-friendly Baltimore is poised to grow

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's goal of attracting 10,000 new families to the city is laudable ("The mayor's mission," Dec. 11). Making families a crucial part of her inaugural address and upcoming initiatives will help Baltimore become a more vibrant community where families can thrive.

By allotting resources to improve public schools, libraries and other family services, Baltimore's future as a family-friendly destination as a place to reside, not just visit, will be secured.

Baltimore has a lot to offer families: World-class cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods and schools, and safe, open green spaces. Raising children in such an urban setting provides them with a great foundation for becoming compassionate, well-educated world citizens.

Judy O'Brien, Baltimore

The writer is president of Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance.