Planning News
Billie Holiday/Katherine Johnson INSPIRE Plan Meeting
 Join us on January 7, 2026 at Katherine Johnson Global Academy (1101 Braddish Avenue) for a Public Meeting for the Billie Holiday/Katherine Johnson INSPIRE Plan. WE look forward to your input!
INSPIRE focuses on the neighborhoods surrounding each newly renovated “21st Century School” in order to develop a community plan that builds off of the investment in the schools. INSPIRE Plans include:
- Primary Walking Routes – City investments in sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps on a number of streets to improve pedestrian access to the school.
- Recommendations Report – A list of recommendations to improve quality of life in the neighborhoods around the schools, some to be implemented by City agencies and others to be led by community organizations.
- Community Project – Capital funding of $100,000 per school for a community selected project(s) that benefit the residents and school community.
For more information about INSPIRE: https://planning.baltimorecity.gov/planning-inspire
  
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!
Maryland Heritage Area Program FY2027 Grant Round Open
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program FY2027 Grant round is open! Non-profit or government organizations located in a Maryland Heritage Area may apply for funding for a capital or non-capital heritage-related project that creates and/or enhances publicly accessible place-based experiences related to tourism, community enhancement, and/or sustainability. Check out the boundaries for the Baltimore National Heritage Area to confirm if your site is eligible and join MHAA staff in one of their upcoming virtual Q&A sessions. All applicants are required to submit an initial Intent to Apply (ITA) form which is due by 11:59pm on February 2, 2026. Full applications are due in the grants portal by 11:59pm on March 31, 2026. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/MHAA_GrantProgram. A recorded webinar is also available for you to learn more about this grant opportunity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNInNDwA3mY.
B'More Fresh Visits DSS
 B’more Fresh is an Online SNAP program that provides Baltimore City SNAP recipients with a $30 fruit and vegetable voucher, plus delivery coverage, for each month in which they spend $5 in SNAP benefits at Amazon or Safeway. Vouchers will be available monthly through 2026.
In June of 2025, B’more Fresh began visiting Baltimore City Department of Social Services (DSS) offices to spread the word about the program and Online SNAP. Our first visit of 2026 will be this Friday, January 9. The information for this visit is as follows:
Friday, January 9, Northeast Regional DSS Office Visit
- Time: 10am - 3pm
- Location: 2000 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21213
We encourage SNAP recipients living in Baltimore City to visit! We will be able to assist with using Online SNAP, signing up for B’more Fresh, and learning more about food resources. Please stay tuned for upcoming events with B’more Fresh and the Department of Social Services!
FY27-32 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Agency Briefing Schedule
To guide the City in making necessary physical improvements, the City Charter requires the Planning Commission to annually recommend a six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the Board of Estimates. The Department of Planning works with participating city agencies to solicit project requests, prioritize projects for funding, and prepare the six-year plan. We invite you to attend an information session to learn more about the CIP. The next information session will be held January 7 at 6pm at the Central Library.
Project Requests
The process of preparing the Capital Improvement Program begins with soliciting project requests from agencies. Agency project requests for FY27-32 are now available for review on our CIP Reports and Resources page. Agencies will present these requests to Planning Commission on January 8 and 15. You can attend in person, online, and/or submit written testimony. Check out our Get Involved page for additional details.
January 8, 2025
9:00 am: Finance and Planning Overview
10:15 am: Department of General Services
11:30 am: Department of Public Works (Solid Waste)
1:30 pm: Department of Public Works (Water, Wastewater, Stormwater)
2:45 pm: Baltimore City Information Technology (BCIT)
January 15, 2025
10:00 am: Baltimore Development Corporation
11:15 am: Department of Transportation
1:15 pm: Department of Housing and Community Development
2:30 pm: Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Prioritize Projects for Funding
Once agencies have submitted their capital requests, we begin the process of prioritizing projects for funding. The Planning Commission will host a work session on February 26 to review draft recommendations for the FY27-32 Capital Improvement Program. Check out our Get Involved page to learn more.
We look forward to engaging with you on the development of the FY27-32 Capital Improvement Program over the next few months. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Leah Dubots at leah.dubots@baltimorecity.gov.
Clean Corps Baltimore: A Record Year for Our Neighborhoods!
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The results are in, and 2025 was a landmark year for Clean Corps Baltimore! Our dedicated crews have been on the ground every day, transforming vacant spaces and keeping our streets beautiful. Thanks to the hard work of our members and community partners, we achieved incredible service milestones this year:
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4,543 Vacant lot and mowing services
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4,887 Alley cleaning services
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4,328 Street cleaning services
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1,838 Tree pit and sidewalk services
Beyond our daily operations, Clean Corps was proud to play a central role in the Charm City Cleanup Initiative. This citywide effort brought together agencies and neighbors to tackle "A New Culture of Clean," with our teams providing proactive maintenance in the neighborhoods with the highest need. From supporting block-level beautification projects to assisting with the annual Fall Cleanup, we are committed to making Baltimore a cleaner, healthier place for everyone.
Check out our Clean Corps Progress Dashboard to see the daily impact of our crews and view before-and-after photos of your neighborhood’s transformation!
Empowering Resident Voices
 The Food Policy and Planning Division convened its second Resident Food Equity Advisors meeting for the 2025-2026 cohort on December 17. Justin Walker, Department of Planning Land Use Planner, and Claudet Miranda Zambrano, Senior Anti-Hunger Program Associate at Maryland Hunger Solutions, led informative presentations, highlighting how residents can use their voices to influence the legislative process by providing testimony in support of or in opposition to proposed bills. Justin focused on Baltimore City legislation, while Claudet discussed state-level advocacy. The sentiment that “there is no better witness than people with lived experience” arose during the meeting, reinforcing the power of resident voices in shaping policy outcomes. We look forward to seeing advisors apply these insights to advance local and state food policy.
Congratulations to David Perry: Culture of Clean Challenge Winner!!!
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Congratulations to David Perry for winning the Culture of Clean Challenge! The Culture of Clean Challenge is a campaign advocating for clean streets, clean neighborhoods and a clean city. Thank you David for your commitment to cultivating a beautiful Baltimore. It is the responsibility of each one of us to act as good stewards of our city, together we can create the neighborhoods that we feel comfortable in and proud to call home. Again, thank you David for being an advocate for a better Baltimore!
See the winning video HERE
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Central Baltimore Partnership to Host Community Info Session
 To attend, please use the link below to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfi6Uk5JZX5WS1ok93JQaq_by05j6ZFplTJOEDmogzxF7VM7A/viewform
As we enter 2026, the Baltimore Department of Planning is looking ahead with a clear focus on the future of our city’s built and social environment. The start of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on our shared goals and reinforce the principles that guide our work: equity, sustainability, and community-driven growth.
A Vision for Urban Excellence
Urban planning is the art of balancing a city’s rich history with its future potential. Our mission this year is to ensure that Baltimore continues to evolve as a place where innovation meets tradition. We are dedicated to creating a landscape that supports diverse needs—from modernizing our infrastructure to enhancing the natural beauty of our shared spaces.
By focusing on high-quality design and thoughtful land use, we aim to foster an environment where every neighborhood can flourish and every resident feels a sense of belonging.
Our Strategic Commitments for 2026
In the coming year, our department will remain focused on several core pillars that define a healthy, modern city:
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Equity-Based Growth: Ensuring that development benefits all residents and that investment is distributed thoughtfully across the city.
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Environmental Stewardship: Implementing forward-thinking strategies to build a more resilient and sustainable urban ecosystem.
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Operational Excellence: Improving our internal processes to better serve the public, making it easier for neighbors and partners to engage with city services.
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Preservation of Character: Celebrating the unique architectural and cultural identity that defines our city while making room for necessary progress.
The Power of Collaborative Planning
At its heart, planning is about people. No map or policy is as valuable as the lived experience of the residents who walk our streets every day. This year, we are renewing our commitment to transparent and inclusive engagement.
Our goal is to meet residents where they are, providing clear information and meaningful opportunities for input. When we plan together, we create a city that isn’t just functional, but a true reflection of the people who call it home.
Looking Toward the Future
The work we do today lays the groundwork for the Baltimore of tomorrow. As we move through 2026, the Department of Planning remains a steadfast partner in the effort to build a city that is safer, greener, and more prosperous for all.
We look forward to another year of collaboration, vision, and progress.
Sip and Savor: Celebrate National Hot Tea Month
Vanilla-Honey Earl Grey Latte
Since it is National Hot Tea Month, why not go beyond the basic bag-and-water routine? This elevated version of a "London Fog" is creamy, fragrant, and easy to make at home. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of luxury to a cold January morning.
Ingredients
- 1–2 bags of high-quality Earl Grey tea (the bergamot oil adds a beautiful citrus note)
- 1/2 cup Boiling water
- 1/2 cup Milk of your choice (Oat milk or whole milk work beautifully for foam)
- 1 tsp Honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- Optional: A dried lavender bud or a dusting of nutmeg for the top
Instructions
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Concentrate the Brew: Place the tea bags in your mug and pour in only 1/2 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for a full 5 minutes. You want a very strong "tea concentrate" so the flavor doesn't get lost when you add the milk.
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Sweeten & Flavor: Remove the tea bags (don't squeeze them, or the tea may become bitter). Stir in the honey and vanilla extract while the water is still hot.
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Heat the Milk: While the tea steeps, heat your milk in a small saucepan or microwave until steaming but not boiling ($approx. 150°F$).
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Create the Foam: For that café feel, whisk the hot milk vigorously for 30 seconds with a handheld frother (or shake it in a sealed mason jar) until it doubles in volume.
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The Pour: Slowly pour the frothy milk into your tea concentrate. Use a spoon to hold back the foam until the mug is nearly full, then dollop the foam on top.
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The Finish: Garnish with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or lavender.
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