New Initiatives for 2025

The new year provides us with an opportunity to discuss a number of new initiatives the Department is undertaking this year.

 First, if you haven’t been able to watch the agency presentations on their capital budgets, you can view the recordings on our website.  Staff will present recommendations for the FY26-31 Capital Improvement Program to the Planning Commission on Thursday, February 27^th at 1PM.  See our website for details.

Furthermore, we will begin to roll out the new rezoning process outlined in the Comprehensive Plan (Include link).  To begin with, we are working with the new Council on a number of “clean-up” amendments to the Code – amendments that we think are non-controversial but add to the ease of navigating the zoning process.

 The Comprehensive Plan recommended a new land use map and an annual review of zoning changes to be looked at together to better understand the combination of the various rezoning proposals introduced each year.  We believe this will enable the Council, and the public, to better evaluate the cumulative impact of the changes, and provide a more transparent process to accommodate the City’s change and growth. 

 Stay tuned to this newsletter for more information.

Chris Ryer, Director
City of Baltimore Department of Planning

What area of the city do you serve?  

My work serves the entire city of Baltimore. For example, the Green Healthy Smart Challenge (GHSC) is a funding award program that can provide financial support to any public school in the school district working with students to establish greening and sustainability projects at the school. The GHSC, similar to other projects I lead, aims to support all of Baltimore to ensure that the city is building equitable access to nature holistically.

How long have you been with DOP? 

I started working for the Office of Sustainability, under the Department of Planning, in May of 2024.

 What inspired you to pursue a career in city planning? 

I have always expressed interest in climate and weather. Throughout high school and undergraduate college, I was determined to become a meteorologist; however, as time went on, I uncovered a passion for engaging with local communities to advance the environmental justice movement. Working with the Office of Sustainability to enhance people's understanding of climate change and disaster preparedness planning allows me to tap into my original interests of weather and climate while also serving as an advocate for environmental justice.

What are your favorite ways to engage with the community? 

Through my role, I engage with the community virtually many times throughout the year; however, my favorite way of engaging with the community is by speaking at local events that educate youth and adults about the work the Office of Sustainability conducts and inform people of how they can contribute to that work.  

How do you promote equity as a City Planner? 

Much of my work relates to the Baltimore Connecting Children to Nature (BCCN) initiative. BCCN is a network of local organizations and governmental agencies focused on creating an environment in Baltimore that encourages children to feel safe in exploring the outdoors. We aim to create this environment through programs, policies, plans, partnerships, and more.

My work, specifically, focused on supporting youth's development of professional skills, knowledge of green careers, and awareness of environment justice initiatives in Baltimore City. So far, I have promoted equity not only by providing GHSC funding to local schools, but also by expanding our Youth Sustainability Leadership internship program from 5 interns to 10-14 interns to ensure as many districts in the city have the opportunity to be represented in the internship program. In addition, I have emphasized the need for gaining stakeholder input into the future work of BCCN to ensure that our efforts to address inequitable access to nature matches the needs and desires of local community leaders.

What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a City Planner? 

For anyone interested in becoming a Community Engagement Coordinator, I recommend staying flexible while maintaining a balance between adaptability and discipline. In this role, priorities can change quickly, requiring you to pivot and adapt while staying focused on long-term goals. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as you’ll work with a variety of people, including community members, government agencies, and partner organizations. Being a good listener and understanding different perspectives will help you build trust and create meaningful connections.

What actions do you feel are important for residents to take to engage more with city planners and DOP?  

I believe it’s important for residents to recognize the historical relationship between government officials and communities—both the challenges and the impact those relationships have had. More importantly, residents should reflect on how these relationships have made them feel, both in the past and today. By openly discussing these experiences and their lasting effects, residents can help shape new dynamics built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. Engaging in public meetings, providing feedback on planning initiatives, and advocating for their community’s needs are key actions that can foster meaningful partnerships with city planners and the Department of Planning (DOP). Building these relationships takes time, but by staying informed, involved, and persistent, residents can play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable city.