Ronald Kreitner is executive director of WestSide Renaissance Inc., a non-profit organization solely focused on fostering the rebirth of Downtown Baltimore's Westside He was director of the Maryland Office of Planning from 1989 to 2000.

The redevelopment - and transformation - of 28 blocks on Downtown Baltimore's Westside is an unprecedented effort. And it's well underway. You can see evidence of the changes everywhere. The commitment, the work, the energy and synergy continues to grow and infuse new enthusiasm into the whole city.

I believe this monumental effort is succeeding because it has all the right ingredients: history and experience; involved leadership including top business executives, political leaders, and key institutional figures; a driving force in major participating institutions; the support of government; and the infusion of private and public funds.