Email Signup

We've made subscribing to our emails much easier! If you would like to receive more specific emails from the Department of Planning, check out the eblast categories beyond The Compass to ensure you're on the list!

A Message from the Director

Partnership Matters At the Department of Planning, we know that partnership across government and Baltimore communities is critical to our work. As we prepare for budget season, we will address both the capital and operating budgets. Planning leads efforts to finalize the City's capital budget. In the weeks ahead, the City Council will evaluate our agency and budget to ensure we are meeting the needs of City residents. Insight from the public and fellow city agencies, in partnership, have greatly enriched our work. In addition to finalizing the City's budget, we are also nearing the final phases of updating the City's comprehensive plan. There will be opportunities throughout the spring/summer 2024 for the public to evaluate plan drafts via public meetings and online submissions. Again, without the partnership of government and community stakeholders, the Our Baltimore Comprehensive Plan would have never come to fruition. Thank you for helping us move this work forward. While partnership can be challenging, it is an essential part of ensuring we are meeting the needs and aspirations of Baltimore's diverse population. We are better public servants through partnership. In service, Chris Ryer, Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Planning News

Commission on Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) Turns 60! FREE Enoch Pratt Kick-Off Event on May 8, 2024

Ever wonder why Baltimore has so many beautiful buildings and architecturally diverse neighborhoods? In part, it is due to 60 years of the efforts of the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, known as “CHAP”, in designating sites, buildings, landscapes, and neighborhoods as historic landmarks and districts.

Join us at the Wheeler Auditorium at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch for a kick-off event to celebrate CHAP's 60th Anniversary. Eric Holcomb, Executive Director of the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation and author, will give a lecture, A Conversation with the Past: Historic Preservation in Baltimore, about the history and role of local historic preservation in this great city. We will end the lecture with a celebration honoring historic preservation leaders.

This is a FREE event, but please reserve your ticket through Eventbrite HERE.

This is the first event of several to celebrate CHAP's 60th Anniversary; other events will be announced soon!

In Memoriam

Honoring the Legacy of Baltimore Civil Rights Icon and Former CHAP Commissioner Dr. Helena Hicks

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, we lost a giant in Civil Rights and Historic Preservation.  Dr. Helena Hicks, a Civil rights leader, family and children advocate, and an ardent historic preservationist, served on the Baltimore City Commission for historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) in the early 2000s.  She was not only an outspoken Commissioner that helped guide CHAP through difficult issues, she spent time with all staff, sharing her wisdom and insights that led to a deeper understanding of Baltimore’s history.  We are saddened that we lost a friend. Learn more about her tremendous legacy  HERE.

2024 Cohort of Resident Food Equity Advisors

“The Food Policy and Planning (FPP) Division oversees the Resident Food Equity Advisors (RFEA) program. RFEAs are cohorts of Baltimore City residents that are compensated for their time and work to collectively drive equitable food policies through an inclusive, collaborative process. Each cohort has a focused issue in need of resident input and guidance.

On April 10, 2024, FPP hosted the final RFEA meeting for the 2023 -2024 cohort. Over the last six months, FPP team members and 14 advisors delved into critical issues such as online SNAP accessibility, food access, and digital equity. They then synthesized their invaluable insights into actionable recommendations for Baltimore City. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each advisor for their unwavering commitment, and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City for their partnership. We look forward to the positive impact that their insights will continue to generate in our community.”

National Recognition for Sustainability Planning

The American Planning Association or APA recognizes organizations through their Awards for Excellence in Sustainability - honoring projects, policies, plans, and people who show leadership and inspiration in sustainability planning and implementation.   On Sunday, April 14th at the 2024 National Planning Conference in Minneapolis, MN, Baltimore's 2024 Climate Action Plan update was recognized by APA’s Sustainable Communities Division, under the Environment, Climate, & Energy category for meeting excellence in sustainability. We thank the thousands of Baltimore City residents, communities, and stakeholders for your support in updating our 2024 CAP and share in this honor with the entire city! See the official announcement here and check out the Climate Action Plan Update here.

SAVE THE DATE & Attend the 2024 Sustainability Open House in South Baltimore! Register HERE. 

Employment Opportunities

Community Development Grants Specialist (Pimlico), Operations Officer II  (closes 5/5/24)

The Grants Specialist position involves developing, administering, and monitoring Pimlico Local Impact Aid spending plans and the Northwest Neighborhood Grant Program, as well as providing support to Pimlico Community Development Authority, the appointed local advisory body to provide oversight and input on the annual spending plans.  

Reimagine Middle Branch Program Manager, Grant Service Specialist IV (closes 5/5/24)
The Baltimore City Office of Sustainability is recruiting for a Reimagine Middle Branch Program Manager to significantly enhance the implementation of projects and programs identified within the Reimagine Middle Branch (“RMB”) Plan. This position and many aspects of the RMB Plan are financed by the Casino Local Impact Fund program, for community development purposes that benefit South Baltimore.

Clean Corps Program Manager, Baltimore Corps
The Department of Planning is searching for a Clean Corps Program Manager to support the underinvested neighborhoods for the initiative, which includes building trust with the neighborhood leaders, the Department of Public Works, and other city agencies and other stakeholders. The Program Manager will conduct on-site visits to strengthen connections and monitor the work under the grant agreement. 

Read more about each position.

Upcoming Commission Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Hearing
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 1 p.m.

This meeting will be conducted in-person only. We are still working to perfect a remote video conference option in a “hybrid” meeting format, but it is not available for this meeting. Check the Planning Commission agenda page for updates and participation instructions.

You may submit written testimony to Eric Tiso no later than 4 p.m. on May 7, 2024.

Meeting materials will be online for public review as they become available.

CHAP Hearing
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1 p.m.

The hearing will be held in the Phoebe Stanton Boardroom at 417 East Fayette Street, 8th Floor.
The agenda is available here.

Special Joint Planning/Sustainability Commission Hearing:

"Our Baltimore" Comprehensive Plan Update

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 6 p.m.

The Baltimore Planning and Sustainability Commissions will hold a special evening public hearing at Unity Hall (1505 Eutaw Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217) on the latest draft of the Our Baltimore Comprehensive Plan update.