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A Message from the Director

Moving Decisively for Baltimore Thank you to the people of Baltimore and, particularly, the Department of Planning for the genuinely warm welcome I've received. Before arriving, I'd heard about the many skilled, dedicated public servants working here, and I've encountered plenty since starting at the end of September. I'm optimistic that I can help clarify the potential of this unique city and make our internal systems more functional so that residents receive better service every day. In my experience, having someone new join the team from another place can be extraordinarily helpful in finding solutions that might be hiding in plain sight. I'd like to emphasize two core beliefs in this first message: Seek the Best, Always: We must constantly strive for the best in everything we do for Baltimore, from the smallest details to the biggest projects. Achieving this requires an open mind, creativity, and inclusive decision-making. Crucially, seeking the best doesn't mean taking more time. Act Decisively and Urgently: We owe it to Baltimore residents to act with urgency. The faster we move, the sooner all residents will benefit from improved service and a more vibrant, livable city. There is no reason to wait. There has been so much inclusive and successful planning in Baltimore; I am excited to help lead the department as we move into the phase of action and implementation. Thank you,  Tim Keane, Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Planning News

Who is Tim Keane?

Tim Keane is the new Director of the Baltimore City Department of Planning, appointed to lead the department at a critical juncture for the city. A nationally recognized city planner, Keane has previously led planning departments in a diverse range of metropolitan areas: Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Boise, Idaho; Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In his prior roles, Keane's departments were responsible for a comprehensive scope of city development, including: Planning and Design Development Services and Housing Transportation Planning Sustainability Every other aspect of the city’s physical development His leadership has focused on creating frameworks for growth, promoting equitable development, and implementing strategies like citywide rezoning to increase affordable housing. Keane's approach to his work, which centers on focusing on people to design cities correctly, was outlined in an article published in Scientific American in 2024. He holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Furthermore, he was a Knight Fellow in Community Building at the University of Miami School of Architecture. This video on Planning Directors features an interview with him where he discusses the role of a planning director.

Learn more about the Capital Improvement Program in New CIP 101 Sessions - October 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-Walbrook Branch (3203 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216) on Monday, October 27th, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.

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

Check out the 2025 Produce Box Distribution Site Visit Report

The Food Policy and Planning Division is excited to share the 2025 Produce Box Distribution Site Visit Report, which demonstrates the ongoing impact of the Produce Box Distribution Program. Since 2020, the program has provided over a million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in Healthy Food Priority Areas. Supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the program distributes locally sourced produce boxes each week through trusted community sites. Site visits in 2023-2024 highlighted the program’s role in improving access to produce and building community relationships while also identifying opportunities to strengthen and sustain this initiative.

Available Now: Interview with Former Director, Chris Ryer

Chris Ryer played a pivotal role in shaping Baltimore's landscape, from neighborhood revitalization efforts to major city-wide plans. In this conversation, he shares insights on leadership, collaboration, and his proudest achievements at the Department of Planning.

Planner Chat: Marie Anderson

1. What area of the city do you serve? I serve 56 beautiful neighborhood statistical areas bordered roughly from the city county line to the north, I-83 to the west, North Avenue to the south, and Loch Raven Boulevard to the East. 2. How long have you been with DOP? I just celebrated my 3 years in June. 3. What inspired you to pursue a career in city planning? Previously I was focused on place-based community development at a local higher ed institution focused on the neighborhoods adjacent to York Road from Northern Parkway to 39th Street for 10 years.  A lot of my work dealt with civic capacity building and working with citizen-led organizations to advocate for additional resources and services from government, non-profits, and philanthropy.  I wanted to see how to pull the levers from the inside of City government and Planning takes the most comprehensive approach to thinking holistically about neighborhoods and communities.  I think of myself as a community organizer always, just this time, I'm organizing inside of government to influence and impact neighborhoods positively. 4. What are your favorite ways to engage with the community? I have a couple favorites: 1) I think my favorite way to engage is my educating residents to support self-advocacy efforts.  This might look like presentations or Q&As on how to craft good testimony for a hearing, processes dealing with development or legislation, how to advocate effectively for funds through the Capital Improvement Program, or clarifying zoning or zoning code lingo.  Residents can always reach out to me to ask me to come to association meetings or if I'm getting a lot of questions about a particular subject, sometimes I'll host info sessions. Last year I did one about "Intro to Zoning." 2) Just enjoying the neighborhoods in my Planning District!  I also live in my District and love the many amazing events and activities that are always happening.  I send out a weekly roundup of upcoming events each week, you'll likely catch me at one of them each week.  Sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h7nf51 5. How do you promote equity as a City Planner? I have some of the wealthiest and whitest neighborhoods in the entire City in my District.  I also have 60% of all vacant building notices in the entire Planning District concentrated within two neighborhoods.  These two neighborhoods are both Impact Investment Areas and where I spend the majority of my time organizing with other City agencies for investment and cross agency coordination.  Neighborhoods with higher income residents sometimes have paid staff to communicate and advocate for their needs, even neighborhoods who don't have paid staff but have retired professionals or individuals with more flexible work scheduled are able to organize and advocate for themselves effectively.  It's my responsibility as a Planner to utilize my time effectively to support neighborhoods who have the highest needs to ensure all City residents are able to receive quality services that each individual taxpayer deserves.  The majority of the neighborhoods in the Northern Planning District are considered "Middle Neighborhoods," not the wealthiest and not the poorest, but the critical backbone of support for functioning of the entire City of Baltimore. Additionally, I sit on the Equity in Planning Committee and review our policies and practices internal to the Department to ensure we're practicing what we preach 6. What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a City Planner? Get involved in your local association, dream up something big for your neighborhood, bring one of these ideas for neighborhood improvement to fruition — all the steps — even if it takes years (it often does), be relentless, gather your neighbors towards a shared cause, share responsibility talk to your electeds, build relationships with agency reps, read the local newspaper diligently and critically.  This is essentially the daily work of a Planner.  Also, for a little light reading, the Zoning Code is always great bedtime reading. 7. What actions do you feel are important for residents to take to engage more with city planners and DOP? 1) Reach out!  We're real people, we care deeply.  City government employees, especially the ones who call Baltimore City home, are some of the best folks I know who care most and are the biggest advocates for the City.  2) When we ask for your opinion, give it!  We wouldn't be asking if we didn't want it. 3) Invite us to the fun stuff, not just neighborhood association meetings, especially if hot dogs or snowballs are involved.  4)   Sitting in on a Planning Commission hearing is always a cool exercise in public engagement and learning the process of how things happen, even if there's nothing in your neighborhood on the agenda.

Doors Open Baltimore is October 25th

Baltimore Architecture Foundation’s city-wide celebration of architecture, “Doors Open Baltimore,” draws thousands of participants to explore Baltimore neighborhoods, engage with cultural sites, and change perceptions of Baltimore for the better. It is an annual celebration of civic pride and a way for buildings, which normally recede into the background of our everyday lives, to take center stage. This year, Open House day is October 25, while tours will occur EVERY weekend in October leading up to the open house day! On October 25, 46 buildings across the city are open for drop-in exploration TOTALLY FREE!

Doors Open Baltimore is for everyone – regardless of age, race, gender, ability, education, or architectural expertise. Come be an explorer in your own city!

Find the full list of participating sites here!

October is here, and the Baltimore City Department of Planning (DOP) is excited to join communities across the nation in celebrating National Community Planning Month! This annual observance highlights the vital role that planning and planners play in creating great communities with a high quality of life.

The theme for National Community Planning Month this year is "Civic Engagement." This focus underscores the necessity of engaging the public, elected officials, and key leaders in discussions that shape the future of our city. In Baltimore, we know that the best planning comes from the ground up—from the residents who live, work, and dream in our neighborhoods every day. Follow us on our social media channels (@baltplan) as we share stories about the work we are doing in this city!

Our Commitment to Community-Driven Planning

Here at the DOP, our work is driven by the belief that inclusive and equitable planning leads to a stronger, more resilient Baltimore. Our efforts, like the ongoing development of our new Comprehensive Plan, Our Baltimore, are built on listening sessions, public workshops, and continuous dialogue with our diverse communities.

This month, we especially want to shine a spotlight on the numerous ways you can engage with us:

• Small Area Plans: Our Community Planning and Revitalization division is actively working on Small Area Plans, which provide detailed, area-specific recommendations that build on the broader goals of Our Baltimore. Your local knowledge is critical to their success!

• INSPIRE Program: We continue to partner with residents around our 21st Century Schools to develop INSPIRE plans that prioritize community projects and improvements around our educational hubs.

• Baltimore Food Policy Initiative: Our Food Policy & Planning division works to build a more resilient and equitable food system, and welcomes public input on strategies to address food access and equity across the city.

• Pre-Development Meetings & Site Plan Review: We encourage all residents and community associations to participate in the development review process, ensuring that new projects align with community visions and city regulations.

Get Engaged This Month!

To celebrate National Community Planning Month, we encourage every Baltimorean to get involved:

1. Review and Update Your Community Association Directory Listing: Ensure your neighborhood organization's contact information is current so the DOP and other City agencies can keep you informed about development, zoning changes, and grant opportunities.

2. Learn About Our Baltimore: Dive into the draft Comprehensive Plan and share your feedback as we work to finalize this guiding document for the next decade of equitable neighborhood development.

3. Connect with Your Community Planner: Do you know who your Community Planner is? Reach out to your assigned planner to discuss projects and priorities in your area.

Planning is a collective effort. It's about taking a long-term, comprehensive vision for our future and translating it into tangible policies and projects today. Thank you for helping us make Baltimore safer, more resilient, and more prosperous for all!

That's a great idea! Since it's a popular time for fall flavors, here is a recipe for Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Swirl Brownies, which combines a rich chocolate brownie with a creamy, spiced pumpkin layer.

3-Ingredient No-Bake Pumpkin Fluff

Are you craving the comforting, spiced flavors of fall but short on time? You don't need a baking sheet or a preheated oven to enjoy the taste of pumpkin pie this season! Get ready to welcome a new, incredibly easy favorite to your kitchen with this 3-Ingredient No-Bake Pumpkin Fluff. This recipe takes just five minutes to mix together, transforming simple ingredients—pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding, and whipped topping—into a light, creamy, and irresistible dessert that's perfect for a quick snack, a party dip, or a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can of 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree (Make sure it is not pumpkin pie filling).

• 1 (3.4 oz or 5.1 oz) box of Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (You will only use the dry powder).

• 1 (8 oz) tub of Frozen Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip), thawed.

(Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor!)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the entire can of pumpkin puree, the dry instant vanilla pudding mix, and the thawed whipped topping.

2. Mix: Stir or beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and all ingredients are fully combined.

3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the pudding to set and the fluff to firm up.

4. Serve: Serve chilled as a dip with gingersnap cookies, graham crackers, or apple slices, or spoon into small glasses as a mousse.

DOP October Birthdays!

Employment Opportunities

Current Opportunities:

City Planner Supervisor (Closes 10/14/2025)

The Historical and Architectural Preservation Division (CHAP) is seeking a qualified City Planner Supervisor to oversee staff, manage complex preservation programs, and lead the division's historic designation initiatives.

Working as a leader within the Historical and Architectural Preservation Division, the City Planner Supervisor provides supervision and professional development to CHAP staff across their core functions, including design review, communications, and historical research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide supervision to the CHAP staff with their workloads that consist of design review, communications and outreach, and historical research, and support their professional development. 

• Manage the Baltimore City Rehabilitation and Restoration Tax Credit Program. This includes records maintenance, review of projects for compliance with the CHAP design guidelines, collaboration with the Department of Finance and Law Department, development of policy and and regulations, outreach and education with applicants, developers, and realtors about the program in a variety of formats.

• Provide oversight for historic district designation processes. This will include a leadership role in the establishment of the new conservation district program and the development of processes, rules & regulations, and outreach. 

• Conduct design review and issue Authorizations to Proceeds for properties located in local historic districts or Landmarks to ensure that they meet the Baltimore City historic preservation design guidelines. Design review also includes working with code enforcement officers to address violations.

• Work with city, state, and federal agencies regarding historic preservation issues, manage meetings with stakeholders, and represent the department’s position at community meetings and in public hearings.

• Conduct historical research for designations, neighborhood plans, etc. and collaborate with a team of Planners to provide historic preservation expertise to proposed development plan projects and department-wide initiatives/activities such as area master plans, comprehensive and strategic plans, urban renewal plans, zoning reports, and planned unit developments.

• Contribute to special projects such as displays, walking tours, seminars, discussion groups, and exhibits about Baltimore City history and historic preservation.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, historic preservation, architecture, architectural history, or history, and five years of experience in the historic preservation field or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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, October 9th

Briefing Session: 12:45 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=m8621ea8971c921caab54bef1476d69da

Webinar number: 2336 552 7602

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 October 7, 2025.

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

Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, October 30th

Briefing Session: 12:45 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=m8621ea8971c921caab54bef1476d69da

Webinar number: 2336 552 7602

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 October 28, 2025.

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

Commission on Sustainability September Meeting
Wednesday, October 15th, 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 Protecting Vulnerable Populations.

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

Tuesday, October 14th

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