BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, March 5, 2025) -- Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released a framework for a comprehensive overhaul of Baltimore’s permitting and approval processes. Over the next several weeks, the administration will release a comprehensive report entitled the Bmore FAST (Facilitating Approvals and Streamlining Timelines) Report which will detail dozens of recommendations to modernize Baltimore’s permit and approval processes for development in the City of Baltimore. As part of the reform effort, Mayor Scott announced his intent to form the Bmore FAST Advisory Group, which will bring together diverse stakeholders to guide implementation of these critical reforms.
“Baltimore stands at a historic crossroads with our $3 billion investment plan to transform vacant properties over the next 15 years and significant amounts of investment pouring into every corner of our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “To maximize this unprecedented opportunity, we must ensure our development processes don't become roadblocks to progress. The Bmore FAST initiative provides a clear roadmap for making Baltimore's development processes more efficient while maintaining our commitment to safety and community interests.”
The reform effort is based on a comprehensive review of Baltimore’s development approval process and aims to coordinate across all city agencies involved in development approvals to identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements that can ensure continuous progress in this area.
“The recommendations in this framework represent more than just administrative changes—they're about creating the conditions for Baltimore's renaissance,” said Deputy Mayor Justin Williams. “By streamlining our development processes and removing unnecessary barriers, we can help meet the demand for housing, support small business growth, and create jobs across all neighborhoods.”
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of running city operations more effectively and efficiently,” said Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach. “By modernizing our development processes, we’re leveraging city services to directly contribute to Mayor Scott’s vision of growing Baltimore. Streamlined development approvals are essential to attracting investment and creating vibrant, thriving neighborhoods across our city.”
This initiative complements the broader restructuring efforts being undertaken by Mayor Scott to accelerate his administration's government modernization agenda to improve agency operations and deliver higher quality services to Baltimore residents and businesses.
"Homeowners, business leaders and community members have all been clear that we need a more efficient and transparent permitting process in Baltimore City," said City Council President Zeke Cohen. "Our City Council has worked closely with these stakeholders to find real solutions that can help power the growth our City needs and our residents deserve. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Mayor Scott’s administration and the BMore Fast initiative to make these goals a reality for every zip code and community."
Among the key recommendations in the framework are two cornerstone initiatives:
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Creation of “Director of Permitting and Development Services” Position: This new position in the Mayor’s Office will provide centralized coordination across all agencies involved in development approvals. The position will help foster a culture of facilitation across city agencies, where staff at all levels understand they are contributing directly to Baltimore’s renaissance.
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Bmore FAST Advisory Group: This diverse body will bring together developers, contractors, architects, lenders, community development experts, and small business representatives to provide practical insights and guide implementation. This stakeholder engagement will ensure reforms address the full spectrum of development needs.
These permit and approval reform efforts are designed to improve the development process across the board, unlocking additional economic potential by cutting project delays and removing artificial barriers to ensure development is happening equitably across all communities in Baltimore. In addition to making it easier to create more housing options at all price points and revitalizing neighborhood commercial corridors, the reforms will help fuel the Mayor’s cornerstone vision to end vacants in Baltimore by making it easier to transform tens of thousands of vacant properties and lots into homes, businesses, and usable space.
The Bmore FAST Framework outlines reforms across four key areas:
