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A Message from the Director

Unlocking Baltimore's Potential: Decisive Action on Housing Options At their hearing on October 30 the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of CITY COUNCIL BILL #25-0066/ ZONING – HOUSING OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITY.  Here is a portion of my remarks to the Commission on this bill:  Most cities in this country made new zoning rules in the middle 20th century that assumed from then on, we would have predominantly two types of housing: single family homes and big apartment buildings.  That was 1971 in Baltimore’s case.  Those new rules also prescribed that everyone in the city would drive a car for every trip they take.   For most cities, especially older ones like Baltimore, these rules were not at all like the cities they regulated.   Since 2017 Baltimore has been taking steps to reform its zoning to more closely resemble the city it is. This bill is an important part of that process.  As Eric Tiso, DOP’s Land Use and Urban Design Division Chief,  has outlined, this amendment to our zoning ordinance would permit more than just one dwelling unit on each parcel of residentially zoned land – up to four residences.  It says that to do this you must have at least 750 square feet for each dwelling within the building to ensure we have a variety of unit sizes.   To get to 4 dwellings, therefore, the building would need to be at least 3,000 square feet.  It does not require more than one dwelling on each parcel of land – it makes this an option.    Residents of Baltimore have varied perspectives on this amendment you are considering today.  I think we should acknowledge these important differences of opinion.   Everyone that I have spoken to on this topic has clearly had the best in mind for the city and their neighborhood.  I would suggest that everyone is proposing how they truly feel zoning should be used to further a healthier city.  It’s also true that we have for a long period of time relied heavily on zoning in unrealistic and unhelpful ways.   Albeit well-intentioned ways.  Zoning has become so cumbersome it favors experts like experienced developers, builders and their consultants.  And we need all these experts, but we should also be making rules that more residents can use to build wealth and stay in Baltimore.  I suggest this bill moves us a step further in that direction.  Thank you,  Tim Keane, Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Planning News

Food Policy and Planning Division Community Outreach

The Food Policy and Planning Division is thrilled to share a major milestone from our community outreach efforts during the third quarter of 2025. In that timeframe, our team tabled at 38 events across Baltimore City, ranging from visits to Department of Social Services Offices and Community Action Partnership (CAP) Centers to back-to-school celebrations and family fun days.

Through these efforts, we connected directly with 1,300 event attendees. At these events, we shared information about B’more Fresh, guiding attendees on how to sign up and start saving on fresh produce. Many were excited to discover this way to access healthy food. Helping Baltimoreans learn about available resources has been very rewarding. We look forward to continuing these meaningful opportunities to share resources throughout the community. Thank you to everyone who has connected us with community partners and supported our efforts to increase access to healthy, wholesome food across Baltimore City.

Big Wins for Baltimore Greenway Trails Network

Department of Planning has been awarded two grants for the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network. These funds will be used towards acquisition of an unused railroad right-of-way along Haven Street in east Baltimore. This corridor will be developed into a world-class all-ages shared-use path facility providing residents and visitors with safe, off-street connections to places they want to go: work, school, and recreation. The Department of Planning is thankful for our partners at the state and federal level, as well as our colleagues in DOT, BCRP, and the Mayor’s Office in working to deliver this important infrastructure that will provide benefits in economic development, public health, safety, and sustainability.

National Park Service – Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program - $1,375,000  

Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Greenspace Equity Program - $733,000

Learn more about the Capital Improvement Program in New CIP 101 Sessions - November Session

Join us to learn about the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and its budget. Each year, the City plans spending on infrastructure and development, and we want to make sure residents know about this work, so that you all can help inform it moving forward. The CIP 101 sessions will cover the basics of what the CIP is, an overview of the budget, and allow time for questions. We are holding one session in each planning district and encourage you to attend! The October session will be held at the Enoch Pratt-Waverly Branch (400 E 33rd St, Baltimore, MD 21216) on Monday, November 10th, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.

If you can't make the November session, take a look at the schedule below to find the session you can attend! 

Fall 2025 Planning Academy Wrap Up

Last month, we wrapped up the Fall 2025 Planning Academy with an in-person session! Over 30 of our neighbors, joined us for a final session to learn about community planning and to celebrate the completion of their six-week program! We were joined by our new Director, Tim Keane, and several other planning staff and Planning Academy Alumni.

We look forward to keeping this group engaged in planning discussions and look forward to our Spring 2026 Cohort! Keep an eye out for the next round of applications this summer.

Check out what Clean Corps was up to all Summer 2025!!

Click the image below to check out the new video about Clean Corp's work throughout Summer 2025!!

Food Policy and Planning Division Accepts Award at Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Global Forum

Culture of Clean Challenge!! 

Enter for your chance to win $500!!

Big Win For Our Downtown Planner!

City Support For Residents During Federal Shutdown

Baltimore City has allocated over $4 million to help furloughed federal workers and those whose SNAP benefits have been delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Visit this webpage to view resources for food, housing & utility assistance, child care, and more. 

This Thanksgiving, the 53 Families Foundation and The Salvation Army of Central Maryland are hosting a free dinner for the community! Bring your family to enjoy a warm meal and celebrate together. 

Event Details: 

· Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 

· Time: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. 

· Location: Baltimore Convention Center · Cost: Free! “Free reservations required, use the following link or QR code below” 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-53-families-thanksgiving-dinner-event-tickets-1636931118039?aff=erelexpmlt 

Founded by former Ravens player Jameel McClain, the 53 Families Foundation brings people together to support those in need. Join Jameel, other NFL alumni, and community volunteers for a special evening of food and friendship. 

Spread the word to anyone who would enjoy a warm, welcoming meal this Thanksgiving. Let's make it a memorable night! For more information, visit 53familiesfoundation.org  

Planner Chat: Imani Jasper

1. What area of the city do you serve? East Baltimore (North Ave to the Canton Waterfront and 83 to Bayview). 2. How long have you been with DOP? 1,411 days and counting or 3.8 years. 3. What inspired you to pursue a career in city planning? In high school I had the opportunity to attend a summer camp hosted at the University of Michigan through the Telluride Institute (nerd camp). While there we had an activity where we were challenged to change the layout of a fictional city to help alleviate some of the problems facing the city. I thought this was the coolest thing ever and asked the camp counselors if this could be a job. They said yes and then reminded me that they were Urban Planning students and had told me that 48 hours previously. Ever since then I’ve been fascinated by city planning.  4. What are your favorite ways to engage with the community? This is my least millennial trait, but I love an out of the blue phone calls with a niche question. I get to learn a lot about their concerns and their community and get to meet people outside of community association meetings (that are still really fun). 5. How do you promote equity as a City Planner? I promote equity as a City Planner by making sure that neighborhoods in my district that have been excluded from the development process in the past or underinvested in have the procedural understanding of how planning processes work and making sure they are made aware of issues that impact their neighborhood. 6. What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a City Planner? Learn how to have hard conversations! There’s a lot of technical knowledge in planning, and there are a lot of formal presentations in planning but the best planners I’ve ever worked with know how to have the hard conversations in addition to those other skills. Being able to hear frustrations and heartbreak from people in your planning area is a big part of the job and that way planners know what we need to focus more on. We can’t always say yes to what people want or the requests we receive but it’s important to me that the conversation doesn’t end with a no. You have to keep pushing forward to find out what else is possible, what else can we do here? If we can’t get A, how can we get B? 7. What actions do you feel are important for residents to take to engage more with city planners and DOP? I think it's important for residents to subscribe to The Compass and any other newsletter City agencies send out. I want residents and staff to both be proactive about sharing and seeking information. Much of the engagement we get is specific to one issue, but we’d love to chat about broader topics in planning as well.

2025 Veteran's Day Parade

It’s almost time for the 2025 Baltimore City Veterans Day Parade!  Bring the family and come cheer on our beloved Veterans, marching bands and JROTC cadets from our City Schools and General Ellis, a Morgan graduate and one of only six African Americans ever to hold the rank of Four Star General.  Line up on Charles Street or Baltimore Street to watch the parade and show our Veterans how much they are appreciated.

November marks National Native American Heritage Month, a vital opportunity for the Baltimore City Department of Planning to join the city in honoring the diverse cultures, rich histories, and enduring contributions of Native American and Alaskan Native peoples.

Baltimore's connection to Indigenous history runs deep. We stand on the traditional and contemporary homelands of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. Furthermore, Baltimore is home to a significant urban Indigenous community, including a large population of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as well as people from the Cherokee and many other nations, who migrated here in the mid-20th century, particularly settling in the East Baltimore neighborhood affectionately known as "the reservation."

Recognizing a Living Legacy

Native American Heritage Month is more than a historical observance; it is a time to acknowledge the living presence and resilience of the Indigenous community in Baltimore and across the country.

The enduring contributions of Native Americans have shaped our nation's history, culture, and landscapes. From their deep, sustainable knowledge of the natural world—a wisdom invaluable to our planning and environmental efforts—to their cultural innovations in art, governance, and community building, their legacy enriches our city's fabric.

Engaging with Our Community

The Department of Planning encourages all city employees and residents to participate in local events to learn, reflect, and engage directly with the Indigenous community.

A key resource and cultural hub in the city is the Baltimore American Indian Center (BAIC). Since its founding in 1968, the BAIC has provided essential support, community, and cultural programs for the city’s urban Native population.

Key ways to celebrate and learn this month include:

• Attend the Pow Wow: The annual Baltimore American Indian Center Pow Wow is a vibrant, inter-tribal celebration featuring traditional and contemporary music, drumming, dancing, authentic crafts from Native vendors, and delicious Native food.

• Support Local Institutions: Visit the Baltimore American Indian Center & Heritage Museum to explore exhibits that share the history and culture of the local Native community, including the story of the East Baltimore "reservation."

• Deepen Your Knowledge: Seek out educational programs, documentaries, and books on Native history and contemporary issues from Indigenous perspectives. Consider researching the ancestral lands and languages of the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples of this region.

A Call for Continued Partnership

As planners for the city, recognizing the profound historical and contemporary connection to Native communities is essential for informed and equitable decision-making. We are committed to fostering continued respect, dialogue, and partnership with local Indigenous organizations and individuals.

Let us use National Native American Heritage Month to reaffirm our commitment to learning from, honoring, and supporting the vibrant and integral Native American community in Baltimore.

Simple & Satisfying: Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This wholesome, budget-friendly stew is a fall favorite, providing deep savory flavor without the high cost or long cooking time of a meat stew.

Ingredients List

Produce:

• 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped

• 2 large Carrots, diced

• 2 Celery Stalks, diced

• 4 cloves Garlic, minced

Pantry & Liquids:

• 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils, rinsed well

• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained

• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste

• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (low-sodium preferred)

Seasoning & Fats:

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme

• 2 Dried Bay Leaves

• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for that deep, rich flavor!)

• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery (known as mirepoix). Sauté for 7–8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Build Flavor: Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step "toasts" the spices and deepens the flavor of the tomato paste.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaves, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine.

4. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. The stew will thicken nicely as it cooks.

5. Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and season generously with salt and pepper. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water.

Tips for Boosting Flavor & Budget

• Herb Pop: Stir in a handful of fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

• Acidity: A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the very end brightens all the savory notes.

• Serve With: Serve with a side of toasted bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan).

DOP November Birthdays!

Employment Opportunities

Current Opportunities:

Management Support Technician (Closes November 15)

This role provides comprehensive fiscal and administrative support for the department. Responsibilities include processing purchase requisitions, invoices, and journal entries in Workday; managing P-Card transactions; and assisting with travel and expense reporting. The position coordinates Board of Estimates (BOE) submissions by drafting memos, tracking approvals, and serving as a liaison with internal staff and other departments. It also supports technology needs in collaboration with BCIT, overseeing equipment upgrades and purchases. In addition, the role assists with grant administration by setting up new awards, tracking expenditures, submitting invoices, and ensuring accurate cost allocations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the department’s fiscal processes, including initiating purchase requisitions, entering invoices into Workday, and performing corrective journal entries to maintain accurate financial records.
• Coordinate and maintain documentation for P-Card transactions, including collecting receipts and reconciling transactions.
• Assist with travel and expense report requests and other fiscal processes as needed.
• Coordinate Board of Estimates (BOE) submissions by:
• Tracking and routing items for internal approvals and signatures.
• Collaborating with other departments prior to agenda inclusion.
• Submitting items using the BOE online tool in coordination with program managers.
• Drafting capital transfer memos and responding to BOE clerk inquiries in a timely manner.
• Provide support for other contracts and BOE-related needs as they arise.
• Manage technology needs in coordination with BCIT, including equipment upgrades, refreshes, and swaps, as well as office and event supply purchases.
• Administer grant-related processes, including:

1. Setting up new awards and drafting BOE memos for grant approvals.
2. Closing out grants in the ERP system and requesting new grant accounts from the Department of Finance.
3. Ensuring accurate costing allocations for all grant-funded positions.
4. Reviewing grant expenditures and performing corrective journal entries as necessary.
5. Submitting customer invoices for reimbursable grants in coordination with program managers.
6. Drafting budget amendments for new grants and supporting fiscal reporting requirements from grant sponsors.
7. Participate in special projects and other administrative tasks as assigned by the Administrative Team.

Find more City opportunities at the link below.

Employment Opportunities

Upcoming Commission Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, November 20th

Briefing Session: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm; Regular Session 1:00 pm

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  We will be offering a virtual component for this meeting. As this is a new option, and we are still adjusting our equipment, if your participation is critical, we recommend attending in-person. A recording of the meeting will be available on our Department’s YouTube channel "Baltimore City Planning" a few days after the meeting.

You may join by computer or smartphone at: https://bmore.webex.com/bmore/j.php?MTID=m40a8b34374f3b523b68c6cec1fe1ef40

Webinar number: 2342 806 9993

Event password: Planning (75266464 when dialing from a phone).   

You may join by telephone at: +1-408-418-9388 or 1-646-992-2010. 

https://pc.baltimorecity.gov/PC-agendas-minutes for updates and participation instructions.

You may submit written testimony to Eric Tiso no later than 4 p.m. on November 18th, 2025.

 Click here for language translation instructions.

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

Commission on Sustainability September Meeting
Wednesday, November 19th, 4pm to 6pm

Join the Commission on Sustainability each month to learn about initiatives, projects and programs intended to make the city more sustainable, more equitable and more climate resilient! During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Commission will focus on the theme of Environmental Justice. This month's topic is Uplifting Climate Justice.

To attend virtually:

Please click HERE to join the meeting or copy and paste the URL into your browser.
Meeting URL: https://bmore.webex.com/bmore/j.php?MTID=m0be747a511f48aa0e91cf2d1d925b1e1
Meeting ID: 179 867 0534
Password: Livegreen

To join by phone:
Please dial the number below and enter the access code.
Phone Number: 408-418-9388
Access code: 179 867 0534

REGISTER HERE

Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP) Commission Hearing

Wednesday, November 12th

Briefing Session 12pm-1pm; Regular Session 1pm