A Message from the Director

In 2023, Department of Planning staff provided critical professional support to a host of important projects like INSPIRE plans around 21st Century Schools, Neighborhood Plans, preserving Baltimore's incredible historic architecture, combatting climate change, connecting residents to healthy food, and preparing for an update of the City's comprehensive plan. We are grateful to work in partnership with colleagues across City government, residents, businesses, nonprofits, faith houses, and other stakeholders to move our City forward. Thank you for your feedback, advocacy and passion for Baltimore. Looking towards 2024, we continue to prioritize public engagement and equity in all aspects of our work program. In service and gratitude,

Chris Ryer, Director

City of Baltimore Department of Planning

In Memoriam: Joyce E. Leviton

This year, former longtime community planning director Joyce E. Leviton passed away. In addition to her storied career at the Department of Planning, Joyce was a founder of Live Baltimore which works to both attract new and retain legacy residents. Aside from Joyce's tremendous contributions identifying and developing agency talent, she was extremely active in local civic life and eventually concluded her career working for U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.

So many staff members have memories of her passion, encouragement and mentorship. It has been noted that Joyce did not simply love Baltimore. She was Baltimore. From current staff and alumni Department of Planning staff, there is a deep well of gratitude for the life and legacy of Joyce E. Leviton. 

We invite you to review this beautiful Baltimore Sun tribute to a life well-lived HERE.

Planning News

Baltimore Clean Corps Dashboard

Funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), Clean Corps is a multi-agency project, led by the Baltimore City Department of Planning as part of the  Baltimore Green Network. Clean Corps works with five Baltimore-based nonprofits in partnership with 16 neighborhoods to clean and maintain community-selected vacant lots biweekly, alleys weekly, and public trash cans daily until January 25, 2025. 

All five nonprofits have hired unemployed or underemployed Baltimore City residents to clean and maintain community-selected sites, including maintaining vacant lots, alleys, and trash receptacles in partnership with the 16 neighborhoods’ associations and residents. Monitor the real-time progress of Clean Corps crew at this LINK 

Clean Corps Crew Member Saves Woman from Fire

Baltimore Planning Academy Fall 2023 Cohort Graduates

First launched in 2018, the Baltimore Planning Academy has trained over 300 Baltimore City residents on the basics of zoning, land use, development, community planning and municipal budgeting. The most recent cohort graduated this fall and a new cohort will be trained in spring 2024. Congratulations to our newest Planning Academy alumni!

Fall 2023 graduation picture.

Harborplace Proposal Considered Before Planning Commission

December 21, 2023, the Baltimore Planning Commission unanimously recommended bills to advance a proposed development of the Inner Harbor's famed Harborplace. These bills would expand the development area, allow for mixed use/parking, and remove maximum height limits for buildings on the site. The bills will next before the City Council for consideration. Robust testimony in both support 

To learn more about the current Harborplace redevelopment proposal, please read HERE.

Upcoming Commission Meetings & Events

January 4, 2024-

Urban Design & Architectural Advisory Panel (UDAAP)

TIME: TBA

 Tune into the UDAAP panel in-person or via livestream. The final agenda and log-in credentials will be updated at this LINK

January 9, 2024- 

Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP)

1:30 PM

Since 1964, CHAP has enhanced and promoted the culture and economy of Baltimore through the preservation of buildings, sites and neighborhoods. CHAP meets on the second Tuesday of each month. 

Information and an agenda for the meeting are available HERE