Planning News
Join the Clean Community Challenge!
  Do you want to beautify your local street, alleys, or greenspaces? Neighborhoods currently participating in the Baltimore City Clean Corps Program are eligible to propose a cleaning or beautification project to receive $1,500 through the Clean Community Challenge.
Drawing inspiration from the AFRO Clean Block competitions of the past, this program is meant to support resident efforts to make their neighborhoods more healthy, vibrant and beautiful. AFRO Clean Block was a beautification contest between neighborhoods in Baltimore City that began in 1934, ran by the AFRO newspaper. Similarly, the Clean Community Challenge ignites friendly competition between participants to make the greatest impact in your neighborhood. Winners will be announced at the end of the summer based on criteria such as number of participating volunteers and trash bags collected.
Submit a project for your neighborhood now! Interest forms are due April 25th.
Download the interest form on our website!
Annual Sustainability Open House Coming in June!
Calling all community organization leaders: please take a moment to review and update your entries in the City's Community Association Directory (search/update tab). The Community Association Directory is a tool for residents, agencies, and other interested groups to connect with neighborhood organizations, business associations, and community development corporations. The public listing includes the names of organizational leadership, phone numbers, service boundaries, and, where offered, a schedule of public meetings or other information such as election schedules, bylaws, and areas of interest. Community associations are required to update their entries annually or as changes occur. Registration in the Directory benefits your organization by improving your visibility and ensuring your inclusion in opportunities for resources, such as dumpster days and eligibility for certain grants. Updating the Directory will ensure that City agencies, City Council, residents, and partner organizations have your most current contact information for communication about zoning, development, neighborhood resources, and more. Please review and update your entry in the Directory by no later than March 1, 2025. Please reach out with any questions or for assistance. Thank you!
Baltimore City Planning Districts
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In January, the Baltimore Planning Academy Alumni Committee hosted their first event! The meet and greet mixer was open to graduates of the Fall 2024 cohort and members of the upcoming Spring 2025 cohort. |
Community Planners in our Community Planning and Revitalization (CPR) Division are assigned to geographic areas (planning districts) and work closely with other City agencies, private citizens, neighborhood and community-based organizations, and non-profits to ensure that sound planning principles are the basis for neighborhood planning efforts. Find your community planner above!
Baltimore Embraces Understanding: Celebrating Autism Awareness Month
 April is Autism Awareness Month, and right here in Baltimore, it's a time to foster understanding and celebrate our autistic community! Let's move beyond simple awareness and actively work towards a city where every individual feels valued and included. Here are some ways to meaningfully participate:
- Learn Locally: Seek out information from Baltimore-based autism organizations and listen to the experiences of autistic individuals in our city.
- Support Local Groups: Consider donating to or volunteering with Baltimore-area organizations run by and for autistic individuals.
- Check for Local Events: Keep an eye out for local events happening this month to raise awareness and celebrate out autistic neighbors.
- Advocate for Inclusion: Think about how you can promote understanding and acceptance in your workplace, school and neighborhood. This could mean supporting sensory-friendly initiatives or simply being more understanding of different communication styles.
Let's make Baltimore a city that truly embraces neurodiversity, not just in April, but every day. By working together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.
Public Meeting on Pimlico Racecourse Redevelopment: May 1
Join the Pimlico Community Advisory Board, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racing Operating Authority, and the Maryland Stadium Authority to learn about the plans for the Pimlico Racecourse Redevelopment. Space is limited! Please click here to RSVP for the meeting which will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Zamoiski Auditorium at Sinai Hospital, 2401 W. Belvedere Ave.
The Netherlands Comes to Park Heights
 Last week, Baltimore City welcomed a delegation of city planners, community organizers, artists, and architects from Rotterdam and Amsterdam, Netherlands, as part of the Sister Cities Cultural Exchange Program. They learned a brief history of our urban development and efforts that community members have led to resist, to organize, and to strengthen neighborhoods.
With planners from Baltimore’s Department of Planning, the Dutch visited community-led development in Johnston Square, Cherry Hill, Upton, and of course Park Heights! We discussed the work in the Major Redevelopment Area such as the new Park Heights Library, NHP Foundation/Henson buildings and houses, CHAI and PHR buildings, as well as partnerships to rehab vacants for homeownership. The team visited with Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm to learn about their work and vision for urban agriculture in Baltimore. The Farmers gave us great insight into their work, and they really inspired the Dutch to look at urban agriculture as more than food security, but as an opportunity to create strong community ties.
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