Looking Ahead to Maryland 2050: Living in Our Environment

Abstracts

Panel I: Global Drivers and their Local Influences

Economic Growth

Dan Nees, Environmental Finance Center

Abstract
The pressures and issues facing local and state governments in Maryland have become increasingly complex. In the past, local governments focused almost exclusively on providing the services and resources necessary for maintaining quality of life in their communities.  For years the focus was on issues such as ensuring public safety, educating children, and providing adequate public services.  Though providing these community services is still primarily a local responsibility, a number of complex social, environmental, and fiscal pressures are now impacting communities across the state.  As a result, the needs of local governments have changed, and the corresponding need for University-based research and outreach programs and services has also changed.

Speaker information
Mr. Nees has been with the Environmental Finance Center for six years, and assumed the role of Director in January 2005.  Dan has assisted communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and Mid-Atlantic region in their efforts to implement and finance environmental and sustainable development initiatives.  His work has focused on developing and building coalitions of diverse interests groups and directing them towards common financing and implementation goals.  Additional experience includes serving as Project Manager of Corporate Programs at The Nature Conservancy and Manager of Alternative Marketing at U.S. News and World Report.  Mr. Nees holds a B.A. in Economics, a Master of Environmental Policy, and a Master of Business Administration, all from the University of Maryland, College Park.