Planning News
CHAP Participates in Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Architectural Salvage Program (Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project)
On May 29, the CHAP division participated in the ribbon-cutting for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project’s Salvage Program. Over the past couple of years, architectural materials such as marble stoops, fireplace mantels, windows and doors, clawfoot tubs, and appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, and A/C units were carefully removed from rowhouses that were demolished in the Midtown Edmondson neighborhood for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project. These materials are now available to residents and rehabbers in the Midtown Edmondson or Greater Rosemont Historic Districts for FREE! Check if you are eligible here.
At the ceremony, Luigi Rossa, Amtrak Assistant Vice President for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program acknowledged the deeper meaning of the salvage program, stating that, “It’s not just about the reuse of salvaged materials, it’s about the human aspect… it’s a way of showing respect.”
The salvage program is just one of almost a dozen measures to mitigate the adverse effects of this federal project to the historic communities in West Baltimore, which is required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The mitigation requirements were collaboratively developed in 2016 by many stakeholders, including community representatives from the impacted neighborhoods, CHAP and DOP staff, and several historic preservation nonprofit organizations. Another upcoming mitigation measure will be a Preservation Grant Fund for building stabilization, repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of buildings located within a defined boundary near the Frederick Douglass Tunnel.
Councilmember John Bullock represents the communities that will be most impacted by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project, and serves on the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation. At the event, he stated that “There are so many opportunities moving forward, but I am just so happy that we’re not going to forget the past, that we are not going to throw away this historic legacy that is in our communities. This is a wonderful expression of how we maintain the history of our communities and also build for the future. I’m looking forward to seeing folks who are going to revitalize neighborhoods, revamp houses and use some of these beautiful salvaged materials.”
WBAL covered the event, watch the story HERE.
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Annual Sustainability Open House Coming in June!
 Join us this summer for an exciting afternoon at the Carroll Park Rec Center as we celebrate the incredible sustainability efforts taking place across Baltimore.
📅 Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Carroll Park Rec Center (1802 Bayard St., 21223)
This event will be guided by the framework of Baltimore's Sustainability Plan with a focus on building community partnerships, showcasing local resilience initiatives, and promoting environmental literacy for all.
Come by for interactive sustainability displays, free giveaways, free food, and much more! Tickets are free!
REGISTER HERE
2024 B'More Fresh Reach & Impact Report Available Now!
Baltimore City's Food Policy & Planning Division is excited to share our 2024 B'More Fresh Reach and Impact Report. The report highlights the impact of Online SNAP and our B'More Fresh nutrition incentive program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through December 2026. In 2024, B'More Fresh supported 11,700 shoppers, with more than $200,000 in produce vouchers redeemed. The report outlines key data, accomplishments, challenges, and our 2025 priorities.
THE YEAR AHEAD
As we reflect on the growth in B'More Fresh participation over the past year and look ahead, we are implementing strategies to boost awareness and support for both Online SNAP and B'More Fresh. These strategies include:
- Strengthen partnerships with the Maryland Department of Human Services, Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Amazon, and Safeway to increase Online SNAP participation and redemption of B'More Fresh.
- Implement focused outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about delivery fee coverage and assess how this subsidy impacts Online SNAP participation and fruit and vegetable purchasing.
- Prioritize vulnerable populations, including older adults, in Online SNAP outreach and implementation strategies to promote equitable access and use.
JOIN US
We appreciate the support of our partners and stakeholders in expanding outreach for this innovative program. We hope the use of this program highlights the efficacy of Online SNAP for Baltimore City residents, and that we can use redemption data to improve food access efforts in Baltimore City. Please join us in celebrating the success of this pilot program, while also looking ahead to bolster its potential through 2026 and beyond.
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Celebrating Caribbean Roots: A Vibrant Thread in Baltimore's Tapestry
As June unfurls, so does the vibrant celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month! This annual observance is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of Caribbean Americans to our nation. And right here in Baltimore, the spirit of the Caribbean thrives, adding unique flavors and textures to our city's dynamic identity.
Baltimore has long been a welcoming home for people from all corners of the globe, and the Caribbean community has played an integral role in shaping our city's social, economic, and cultural landscape. From the bustling markets that offer exotic spices and produce to the lively festivals that fill our streets with the infectious rhythms of calypso, reggae, and soca, the influence of the Caribbean is palpable.
Many Baltimoreans of Caribbean descent have contributed immensely to various sectors, including healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Their resilience, strong family values, and vibrant cultural traditions have enriched our neighborhoods and fostered a deeper understanding of the diverse human experience.
This month, we encourage you to explore the many ways Caribbean heritage is celebrated in Baltimore. Seek out local Caribbean restaurants and savor authentic dishes like jerk chicken, roti, or ackee and saltfish. Discover Caribbean-owned businesses and support their contributions to our local economy. Keep an eye out for cultural events, music performances, and community gatherings that showcase the lively spirit of the islands.
The Baltimore City Department of Planning is proud to acknowledge and celebrate the deep connections between our city and the Caribbean. This month serves as a reminder of the beautiful mosaic that is Baltimore, a city made richer and more vibrant by the invaluable contributions of all its communities. Happy Caribbean American Heritage Month!
DOP Food Policy & Planning Division featured on WBAL
We are thrilled to share some exciting news! The Baltimore City Department of Planning's Food Policy and Planning Division was recently highlighted on WBAL for their incredible work addressing food access and equity in our city! Their dedication to building a more resilient and equitable food system for all Baltimoreans is truly making a difference, and we couldn't be prouder. If you missed the stories, you can catch up on WBAL's website or using the links below. Congratulations to the entire Food Policy and Planning Division on this well-deserved recognition! Your hard work is inspiring and vital to the health and well-being of our communities.
Follow the Food Policy and Planning Division directly on their socials!!
@BMoreFoodPolicy (FB and IG)
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Planner Chat: Yewande Akinuowo
What area of the city do you serve?
I serve Baltimore City, with a particular focus on Healthy Food Priority Areas, which are communities that face systemic barriers to accessing healthy food. These areas are defined by the following criteria:
- The nearest supermarket is more than ¼ mile away
- Median household income is at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Over 30% of households lack access to a personal vehicle
- Food retailers in the area have low average scores on the Healthy Food Availability Index (HFAI)
Some of the neighborhoods I focus on include, but are not limited to, Broadway East, Oliver, and Edmondson Village.
How long have you been with DOP?
I’ve been with the Department of Planning for 4 years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in city planning?
My journey began with a personal end; I struggled with weight and healthy eating growing up. This led me to study nutrition and dietetics to learn how to eat more healthily. It wasn’t until I left home for college that I realized just how much the environment you live in shapes your health outcomes. Access, affordability, and neighborhood design all play a role. That realization inspired me to pursue a master’s in public health with a concentration in health equity. Along the way, I became interested in issues like redlining, socioeconomic status, and environmental justice. All of which pointed me toward a career in city planning/food access.
What are your favorite ways to engage with the community?
As a foodie, I love connecting with people through food. My favorite forms of engagement are cooking demonstrations, community nutrition education, and conversations about people’s personal and cultural food stories. These moments offer joy, trust-building, and are a natural entry point into deeper discussions about health, access, and equity.
How do you promote equity as a City Planner?
For me, promoting equity means thinking holistically about how our programs and policies impact residents, especially those historically excluded from decision-making. I make it a point to ask, is this truly accessible? That means considering factors like literacy, affordability, neighborhood infrastructure, and cultural relevance.
What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a City Planner?
Get involved early and often. Show up in the spaces that align with your passions! Volunteer, attend public meetings, and build relationships. By the time you formally enter the field, you’ll already have a strong network and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within your area of interest.
What actions do you feel are important for residents to take to engage more with city planners and DOP?
Reaching out. Call or email your local planner or agency. I’ve had many conversations with residents who took the initiative to share concerns or ideas. For those specifically interested in food policy, joining Baltimore’s Food Policy Action Coalition (Food PAC) is a great way to stay informed, contribute ideas, and help shape the City's food system.
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Baltimore's Broadband Access Initiative RFP: Now Open!
 Baltimore City is seeking a qualified internet provider to deliver affordable, high-speed internet to over 4,100 public housing units.
What we are looking for:
- 250+ Mbps speeds with no data caps
- Plans ranging from $0 to $50/month
- Full installation and maintenance
- Support for digital adoption
- Community impact through local hiring, partnerships with small businesses, and serving underserved areas.
The City has already laid the fiber; we just need the right partner to connect it and serve the community!
Key Dates:
Virtual Info Session: June 5, 2025
Proposals Due: July 2, 2025
To submit your proposal, visit:
https://technology.baltimorecity.gov/broadband-and-digital-equity
Future Farmers of Thought: Welcoming Morehead-Cain Scholars to Baltimore's Urban Agriculture Initiative
 Elizabeth Alene, Sofia Fleury, Aryah Oztanir, Lauryn Cooper
The Baltimore City Department of Planning is thrilled to announce the arrival of four bright minds from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill! This summer, we are privileged to host four Morehead-Cain Scholars who will be working closely with our Food Policy and Planning Division on our groundbreaking Urban Agriculture Initiative.
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarships in the United States, recognizing students for their leadership, moral force of character, academic achievement, and physical vigor. These exceptional individuals bring a wealth of talent and fresh perspectives, and we are excited to see the impact they will have on our efforts to foster a more resilient and equitable food system in Baltimore.
Our Urban Agriculture Initiative is at the forefront of transforming vacant lots into vibrant community gardens, fostering local food production, and empowering residents through access to fresh, healthy produce. The work of these scholars will be instrumental in advancing these goals. They will be engaged in a variety of projects, from researching best practices in urban farm development and policy to assisting with community outreach and program evaluation. Their insights and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen our strategies for building a thriving urban agriculture ecosystem across the city.
Please join us in extending a warm Baltimore welcome to our Morehead-Cain Scholars! We look forward to their contributions and the innovative ideas they will bring to the table as we continue to cultivate a greener, healthier future for all Baltimoreans.
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Employment Opportunities
 Current Opportunities:
Clean Corps Lead Liaison (Closes August 20)
The Clean Corps Lead Liaison is responsible for conducting routine neighborhood inspections to identify maintenance needs, ensure work quality, and uphold safety standards. This role involves creating detailed work orders, maintaining accurate records, coordinating with field crews, and providing first-line review to ensure efficient service delivery. This position also serves as a liaison between management and staff, supports customer service efforts by responding to resident concerns, and ensures compliance with organizational and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct routine field inspections of neighborhoods to assess conditions, identify issues, and prioritize needs. Evaluate the quality of previous work completed by crews to ensure it meets organizational standards. Document deficiencies, hazards, or violations in the field using mobile apps, tablets, or inspection forms.
- Create detailed work orders based on field observations. This includes describing the issue clearly, specifying location using GPS, maps, or addresses, and assigning priority levels. Including, estimating labor, time, and material requirements (if applicable). Submit work orders to the appropriate crews, departments, or contractors for resolution.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, work orders issued, and jobs completed. Generate and submit daily or weekly reports summarizing field activities, issues found, and progress made. Take photos or videos for documentation and before/after comparisons.
- Provide crew coordination and support to program managers. Act as a liaison between field crews and management. Clarify work order details with crew leads. Communicate any on-the-ground conditions or changes. Reassign or reprioritize tasks as needed. Follow up with crews to ensure timely completion of work orders.
- As a liaison the incumbent will serve as a first line liaison responsible for scheduling, directing, training, and support personnel performing the work. Reviews crews’ written reports for accuracy and completeness. Ensures crews maintain proper care of uniforms, equipment, and supplies. Ensure personnel report for duty on time and that shifts are staffed appropriately.
- Ensure all field conditions and work meet safety standards and municipal or company regulations. Report unsafe conditions or urgent issues to emergencies or specialized teams. Provide customer service. Occasionally respond to complaints or service requests from residents. Provide updates to residents applicable. Performs other related work as required.
Watershed Planning Analyst, Contract (Closes July 23)
The Baltimore City Department of Planning, Office of Sustainability, is seeking a qualified individual to fill a contractual role to facilitate the creation of two Watershed Master Plans for Baltimore City. The Watershed Master Plans will cover the Baltimore Harbor and Gwynn Falls 8-digit watersheds in alignment with the City’s mission to holistically address flooding. These plans will serve as a guide to decision-making for current and future land use and development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as lead author and contribute to production of the Baltimore Harbor and Gwynn Falls Watershed Master Plans.
- Conduct public outreach through information and education activities to familiarize partners, stakeholders, and citizens with the watershed planning process.
- Create a watershed inventory through gathering data related to physical and natural features, land use and population characteristics, waterbody conditions, pollutant sources, and waterbody monitoring data.
- Examine existing data quality and identify any gaps.
- Coordinate input from residents, stakeholders, technical experts and public agencies to establish measurable targets and indicators to assess progress.
- Develop an implementation plan that turns goals and objectives into specific tasks including a timeline and agencies/organizations responsible for implementing the activity.
Find more City opportunities at the link below.
Employment Opportunities
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