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A Message from the Director

The Unmet Potential of Urban Planning It has always surprised me that we don’t get more value from our investment in planning for cities. In September 2017 after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, Texas, Paul Krugman wrote a column in the New York Times entitled “Why Can’t We Get Cities Right?” He was contrasting cities in the United States that substantially permit most anything to be built anywhere, from those that won’t let much of anything get built anywhere. Nowhere in his column did Krugman reference city planning as part of the solution. Probably not surprising, but how could it be that this is so often the case? We have come to expect so little of this practice when it comes to solving our biggest urban challenges. I don’t think it needs to be this way. Every city invests in planning, so why not make the investment more valuable? The way we currently plan for cities in the United States started 100 years ago. The technique is essentially the same. It’s worth reconsidering this technique and seeking more effective alternatives. It’s possible as a result we can achieve much more when it comes to housing affordability, mobility, environmental stewardship and achieving development we can afford. We already know what we get from continuing to practice as we are. On Monday, November 24, I was confirmed by the Baltimore City Council as Mayor Scott’s appointment to Planning Director. When I spoke to Chair Schleifer and the Legislative Investigations Committee of Council he Chairs, I spoke about this potential for the Planning Department. I look forward to working with the dedicated, talented team in the Planning Department to act on this potential. .  Thank you,  Tim Keane, Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Planning News

B'More Fresh December Tabling Schedule

Environmental Offset Grants Program NOW OPEN!!

The Office of Sustainability's 2026 Environmental Offset Grants Program is now open! To learn more about the grants, please visit the Baltimore Civic Fund's website: https://www.baltimorecivicfund.org/environmental-offset-grant-program. If you have questions about the grants or the application process, check out either of the two sessions below. Both sessions are great opportunities to ask questions directly to our grants team.

Register for the Dec. 4 Info Session:

https://ow.ly/LAAu50XypR4

Register for the Dec. 18 Application Work Session:

https://ow.ly/HL6X50XypR5

We look forward to supporting Baltimore’s organizations in developing projects that restore natural systems, expand tree canopy, protect habitat, and advance environmental justice in our city!

Learn more about the Capital Improvement Program in New CIP 101 Sessions - January 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 January session will be held at the Enoch Pratt - Central Library Branch (400 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201) on Wednesday, January 7th, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.

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

Agency CIP Presentation Schedule Available Now

The process to develop the Capital Improvement Program starts with agencies, so one of the best ways to get involved is to engage directly with agencies.  This can take many forms.  Agencies frequently engage the public in planning processes to identify priorities. Agencies also engage stakeholders through plans focused on particular neighborhoods, such as INSPIRE plans and LINCs plans. 

In addition to engaging stakeholders through planning processes, agencies value input from residents about failing infrastructure, whether through 311 or direct outreach. Residents can also work directly with agency representatives on particular project ideas. Once agencies have submitted their capital requests there is an extensive process of public hearings related to the development of the capital budget. The Planning Commission, Board of Estimates, and City Council votes all include opportunity for public comment. Stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in these hearings. Stakeholders can also communicate support for a particular project or priority by sending a letter to the Planning Commission, care of the Director of Planning. 

The process kicks off in the fall each year. See the table below for the schedule of agency presentations.

Resident Food Equity Advisor (RFEA) Kickoff

Our Food Policy and Planning Division was excited to launch the 5th cohort of Resident Food Equity Advisors (RFEA)!

RFEA is a paid, six-month program where Baltimore City residents collaborate with the Department of Planning to help shape future food policy and planning efforts. This year, in partnership with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, they are working with 14 residents who were selected through an application and interview process.

They held their first meeting on November 19th, and are looking forward to working together to improve Baltimore City’s food system in meaningful ways.

For more information, you can visit https://planning.baltimorecity.gov/resident-food-equity-advisors

Celebrating the Legacy of Eric Holcomb: A CHAP Director's Retirement

The Baltimore City preservation community recently gathered to honor former Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) Director, Eric Holcomb, as he celebrated his retirement after years of dedicated service to the city.

The special celebration brought together Eric's family, friends, former colleagues, and current/former CHAP Commissioners to recognize his significant contributions to the preservation of Baltimore's rich architectural heritage.

A Champion for Preservation

During his tenure, Eric Holcomb was a steadfast advocate for Baltimore's historic districts and landmarks. His leadership helped guide CHAP's efforts in reviewing development projects, designating new historic properties, and ensuring that changes to the city's historic fabric were done responsibly and thoughtfully. He navigated complex preservation issues with a balance of expertise, diplomacy, and a deep commitment to the city's unique character.

Tributes and Well Wishes

Attendees shared heartfelt anecdotes and praised Eric's professionalism, collaborative spirit, and unwavering passion for history. Colleagues spoke highly of his mentorship and guidance, while Commissioners lauded his dedication to upholding CHAP's mission. The outpouring of gratitude underscored the positive impact Eric had on both the physical landscape and the professional community of Baltimore.

We wish Eric Holcomb a long, happy, and fulfilling retirement! His legacy will continue to shape how Baltimore values and protects its invaluable architectural history for generations to come.

The Black-Eyed Susan Initiative: Storytelling to Validate Baltimore’s Future

Culture of Clean Challenge!! 

Enter for your chance to win $500!!

Planner Chat: Nick Chupein

1. What area of the city do you serve? I wear a couple different hats within the Department of Planning’s Community Planning and Revitalization division.  I am the community planner for the Central Southwest District, which covers 7 dynamic neighborhoods just west of downtown. I am also the City’s Greenway Trails Planner, where I work on implementing  the Baltimore Greenway Trails Network initiative citywide, alongside folks from our sister agencies DOT and BCRP and the Mayor’s office. Additionally, because I have a background in architecture and construction, I sometimes help out the Land Use and Urban Design team with some of our design review processes. 2. How long have you been with DOP? I started at DOP in summer of 2023, so I recently completed my second year and I still feel like I learn something new every day. 3. What inspired you to pursue a career in city planning? I have been interested in geography and cities since I was a kid. During the pandemic, after spending several years launching and running a small construction business, I decided to pivot my career towards city planning and enrolled in the city and regional planning program at Morgan State. I had become frustrated with some of the processes and risks that are intrinsic in owning a business and trying to rehab property, and I wanted to think bigger than individual homes and focus on neighborhood improvement. Around that same time, during the protests after George Floyd was killed, I was also inspired to look at root causes of inequity and focus my work on community development. Planning was a natural choice to work at the neighborhood scale to make our city more livable, walkable, safe, healthy, and inviting.  4. What are your favorite ways to engage with the community? The best part of the job is a site visit with residents and stakeholders to see an interesting historic or important community asset. I enjoy looking for opportunities to build upon a neighborhood’s strengths and plug gaps that need a creative approach through collaboration. 5. How do you promote equity as a City Planner? One of the important roles of the community planning division is to try to increase access to information about polices and procedures. I take pride in talking to residents about planning, zoning, transportation, and development in plain language that folks can understand. If people are better educated about the system, they are better equipped to speak up and add their voices to the conversation. 6. What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a City Planner? The most important quality that makes a good planner is curiosity about your place and environment. Ask questions, such as “What makes a neighborhood great?” “What are the barriers to improving my community and who has the most to gain from investment?” “Who is already doing the work in service to their community?” And then read as much as you can (local news, planning- and community-related books and journals, online discussion groups about urbanism, etc.) to try and answer these questions. Often, the answers lie at the intersection of equity, access, investment, and information.   You don’t need a particular background to work in planning, we have folks on our team who come from the fields of design, history, activism, housing and construction, community organizing, and non-profit work. 7. What actions do you feel are important for residents to take to engage more with city planners and DOP? Don’t be shy about reaching out to your community planner with questions. Most of us like nerding out over our area of focus and every conversation we have helps us to learn about the needs, concerns, and desires held by residents. The only way to solve problems is to talk about them, and each small interaction helps to inform a community-based vision that we try to support. Like some of the other district planners, I have a monthly newsletter that highlights some of the work and events going on in and around the Central Southwest district and I encourage anyone to join my mailing list to be better informed.

As the year draws to a close and the crisp winter air settles over Charm City, the Baltimore City Department of Planning extends its warmest wishes to all our residents, partners, and stakeholders. December is a time for reflection, gratitude, and—most importantly—celebration.

Baltimore is a city rich in cultural diversity, and this month brings a beautiful array of traditions and holidays to our neighborhoods. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere of the season and the promise of a New Year, we hope this time brings you peace, joy, and a strong sense of connection with your community.

Looking Back and Moving Forward: Planning Updates

At the Department of Planning, our mission is to create a more equitable, resilient, and thriving Baltimore for everyone. As we wrap up the year, we want to share a few highlights of the progress made and look ahead to the new year:

• "Our Baltimore" Comprehensive Plan: We continue to ground our work in the vision set forth by the City's Comprehensive Plan. This document is our roadmap, ensuring that strategic investments, land use policies, and community planning efforts are aligned with the collective aspirations of all Baltimoreans.

• Neighborhood Improvement Projects: We are proud of the progress made on several neighborhood plans and the continuing work of the INSPIRE program, which leverages school investments to drive community revitalization. These efforts are about creating safe, walkable, and opportunity-rich environments for our families.

• Food Policy and Planning Division: Our FPP Division has seen over $212,000 in voucher redemptions for their B'More Fresh Program, and their Food Rx program was selected for a Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Special Mention Award in the Sustainable Diets and Nutrition category.
• Planning continues to convene its Planning Academy and can count nearly 500 alumni among its ranks. Alumni are serving on Planning Commission, City Council, and leading dynamic projects from Johnston Square and Baybrook to Harlem Park and Park Heights.
• Following several years of study, robust community engagement with over a dozen neighborhoods, and seven public hearings, the enabling legislation allowing for the creation of Conservation Districts was passed, with an effective date of September 2026. The creation of conservation districts will allow for the creation of historic districts with more limited design review requirements than local historic districts. Property owners in conservation districts will be eligible for the Historic Tax Credit for Historic Rehabilitations and Restorations (aka the CHAP Tax Credit).

Advancing Strategic Leadership

As we look toward the New Year, the Department of Planning is energized by the focused leadership of Director Tim Keane.

We are dedicated to solidifying the Department as the city’s planning expert, providing essential technical guidance, policy oversight, and a clear, forward-thinking vision for Baltimore’s physical development.

Director Keane's leadership will be concentrated on three critical areas:

1. Curating regulations and development processes that most quickly enable the building we need in Baltimore,
2. Planning and design at every scale, from the whole city to individual blocks, the public realm and public spaces, and
3. Delivering on the community’s plans by implementing what is envisioned at every scale.

We look forward to working collaboratively with you to achieve these goals and shape a beautiful, prosperous future for Baltimore.

Celebrating All the Lights of the Season

December is a time when the many lights of Baltimore truly shine. We encourage you to safely enjoy the cultural activities and traditions taking place across the city:

• Explore Local Markets: Check out local craft marketplaces and business districts to support our local entrepreneurs and find unique holiday gifts.

• Enjoy the Festive City: Take advantage of the seasonal activities downtown and in your own neighborhood, which offer fun and community engagement for all ages.

• Community Traditions: We encourage you to participate in and appreciate the variety of celebrations—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—that reflect the diverse tapestry of our city.

Please Note: City offices will observe holiday closures for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Please check the Baltimore City website for adjusted schedules for City services, including trash and recycling collection.

Our Commitment to You

The Department of Planning remains committed to a transparent, engaged, and equitable planning process. We value your input and partnership as we work together to build a future where every neighborhood in Baltimore can flourish.

From all of us at the Baltimore City Department of Planning, we wish you and yours a very safe, warm, and happy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year!

Cozy Comfort: Luxurious Dark Hot Chocolate

As the weather cools down and the holiday season draws near, there is no better way to find comfort than wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Forget the packets—this recipe uses real melted dark chocolate for a velvety, rich, and truly decadent experience. We've included simple instructions for a non-alcoholic treat, plus suggestions on how to easily turn it into a warming adult indulgence for those chilly evenings. Get ready to stir up some liquid bliss!

Ingredients

• 2 cups Milk (Whole milk or half-and-half recommended for richness)

• 3 oz Dark Chocolate (High-quality, 60-75% cacao, roughly chopped or chipped)

• 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (To intensify the chocolate flavor)

• 1-2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (Adjust to your preferred sweetness)

• 1/2 tsp  Vanilla Extract

• A small pinch of Salt (To balance and enhance the chocolate)

Instructions

1. Warm the Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture until it is hot and steaming, but do not allow it to boil.

2. Melt the Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan. Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the liquid is smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.

3. Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Serve: Pour into mugs and garnish as desired (e.g., whipped cream, marshmallows).

Adult Option: Spiked Hot Chocolate

To make this a warming adult drink, add your preferred spirit or liqueur directly to each mug of hot cocoa. 

Suggested Spiking (Per Serving)

DOP December Birthdays!

Employment Opportunities

Current Opportunities:

No Current Opportunities.

Find more City opportunities at the link below.

Employment Opportunities

Upcoming Commission Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, December 11th

Briefing Session: 12:30 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=mff086fcb83e9f2204f3fe94b9026ddf9

Webinar number: 2331 894 3372

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, December 17th, 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 Energy Justice Networking.

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, December 9th

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