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A Message from the Director
Modernizing Baltimore Planning
It is a profound honor to continue my service to the City of Baltimore as the new Acting Director of Planning. I have dedicated the past eight years of my career to public service, previously leading the Redevelopment Strategy Planning Team for Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and before that, acting as the Urban Design Division Principal for Planning. I also bring more than a decade of private architectural practice to this role, which has shaped my commitment to delivering practical, solutions‑focused outcomes for Baltimore residents.
Mayor Scott announced key moves last month, instructing newly named leadership at Planning and DHCD to “conduct an extensive examination of the structure of our agencies, and to make recommendations about potential strategic changes that could maximize the City's resources during the next phases of Baltimore's major housing and development initiatives - including an assessment of a potential merger of the two agencies”
As we move forward into this study period, residents can be sure that Planning staff recognize this as an opportunity to build public trust and confidence in our effectiveness and our dedication to service. Our work as planners impacts Baltimore neighborhoods, and we understand that resident quality of life is a benchmark of our success. That means we must continue to improve day-to-day operations, while also identifying early wins and thinking strategically about bigger shifts. Whether streamlining development review processes, partnering with sister agencies to coordinate project delivery, or providing transparent insights to government processes, we will continue to look for ways to put people and neighborhoods first.
At the same time, Planning and DHCD will be studying how to improve coordination of Baltimore City-led planning and development efforts. This is a rare opportunity for us to reimagine an outdated mode of operating and strengthen our ability to restore value and catalyze redevelopment across the city. This is an exciting time for Baltimore, and I look forward to working alongside residents to build on the progress we have made together.
Renata Southard, Acting Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning
Planning News
A New Chapter: Welcoming Acting Director Renata Southard
The Department of Planning is proud to announce the appointment of Renata "Ren" Southard, AIA, as our new Acting Director. This transition marks a historic milestone for our agency and the City of Baltimore, as Ren becomes the first woman to lead the Department of Planning.
A Foundation in Architecture and Service
Ren joins our leadership team with a diverse professional background that bridges private practice and public service. After more than a decade as a private architect, she transitioned to city government in 2018. Her career reflects a deep commitment to the Baltimore community, evidenced by:
Multidisciplinary Leadership: She previously guided the Redevelopment Strategy Planning Team within the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Design Excellence: She served as the Principal of the Urban Design Division for the Department of Planning.
Civic Recognition: Her dedication to community-centered development was honored with the 2022 AIA Baltimore Community Architect Award.
Academic Engagement: As a resident of Baltimore, she continues to mentor the next generation of urban thinkers as an adjunct professor at Morgan State University and the University of Maryland.
Vision for a Modernized Department
Under Ren’s leadership, the Department is entering a period of strategic evaluation. Following recent directives from Mayor Scott, our team will be working closely with DHCD to examine agency structures and maximize city resources for housing and development initiatives. Our collective goal during this study period is to enhance the effectiveness of our operations while maintaining a focus on the quality of life in Baltimore neighborhoods.
This involves:
Operational Efficiency: Identifying immediate improvements to development review processes.
Inter-Agency Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with sister agencies to ensure better project delivery.
Public Transparency: Providing residents with clearer insights into government processes to build long-term trust.
Looking Forward
This transition provides a rare opportunity to rethink outdated systems and catalyze redevelopment throughout the city. We are excited to work under Ren’s guidance as we continue our mission to put people and neighborhoods at the center of every planning decision
WYPR Midday Interviews Ava Richardson, Director of the Office of Sustainability
Director of the Office of Sustainability, Ava Richardson, was interviewed on WYPR's Midday program alongside outgoing Commission on Sustainability member, Dr. Ben Zaitchik. Check out the interview using the link below.
Learn more about the Capital Improvement Program in New CIP 101 Sessions - March 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!
There will be two sessions in March (one reschedule from February due to inclement weather).
Enoch Pratt - Orleans Street Branch (1301 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231) on Monday, March 9, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.
Enoch Pratt - Hamilton Branch (5910 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21214) on Monday, March 30, from 6:00PM - 8:00PM.
If you can't make the March sessions, take a look at the schedule below to find the session you can attend!
Planning Commission Approves Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School INSPIRE Plan
On Februrary 26, the Planning Commission approved the completed Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School INSPIRE Plan for adoption by the City of Baltimore. Implementation alongside the Govans Elementary School INSPIRE Plan is to kick off later this year.
Mayor Scott Swears In 12 Members to the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability
Mayor Scott, Director Richardon, Commission Members. Photo by J.J. McQueen
On Monday, 12 members of the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability were sworn in by Mayor Scott at City Hall:
Derek Baumgardner
Philip Costa
Meredith DiIoia
Timothy Ford
Carly Hinton
Jeffrey Holland
Elisha Johnson
Dr. Terris King
Erin Reed Miller
Dr. Bernat Navarro
Councilwoman Phylicia Porter
Benjamin Roush
An additional seven members have been confirmed by City Council and are awaiting swearing in.
Resident Food Equity Advisors Continue Work with Food Policy and Planning Division
The Food Policy and Planning Division continues to work alongside the 2025-2026 Resident Food Equity Advisors cohort to obtain feedback on existing and future efforts to improve the City’s food system. The Resident Food Equity Advisors Program creates a space to hear directly from Baltimore City residents. Advisors share their lived experiences and perspectives on accessing affordable, healthy food.
The 2025-2026 cohort has had four meetings. Meeting topics have included an overview of FPP’s American Rescue Plan Act programs, city and state legislative processes, and the Food Access Chapter of the Our Baltimore Comprehensive Plan. Each meeting and each advisor has been essential in helping us understand how to best serve communities. We have been extremely happy to work with this cohort of Baltimore City residents and look forward to the rest of the program. The last two meetings of the cohort will be held in March and April.
Women’s History Month: Building the Future, Honoring the Past
As we welcome the first blossoms of March, the Baltimore Department of Planning joins the nation in celebrating Women’s History Month. This year, the celebration feels particularly poignant for our agency as we reflect on the women who have stitched together the social and physical fabric of our city—and as we look toward a future shaped by new, historic leadership.
A Legacy of Trailblazers
Baltimore has always been a city of formidable women who didn't just live in neighborhoods; they built them. From Victorine Q. Adams, the first Black woman to serve on the Baltimore City Council and a relentless advocate for economic empowerment, to the legendary Lillie May Carroll Jackson, who orchestrated the movement for civil rights from her home in Bolton Hill, Baltimore’s map is marked by the courage of women.
Their work reminds us that urban planning is not just about blueprints and zoning codes—it is about people, equity, and the pursuit of a better quality of life for every resident.
History in the Making: Introducing Renata Southard
This March, the Department of Planning is reaching a milestone of its own. We are incredibly proud to announce that Renata Southard, AIA, has stepped into the role of Acting Director of Planning.
Renata is the first woman to lead the Department of Planning in the history of the City of Baltimore. With a career spanning over eight years of dedicated public service—including leadership roles at both the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and right here as the Urban Design Division Principal—Renata brings a unique blend of architectural expertise and a "solutions-focused" mindset to the helm.
"This is a rare opportunity for us to reimagine an outdated mode of operating and strengthen our ability to restore value and catalyze redevelopment across the city." — Renata Southard
As she leads our agency through a strategic study period to assess a potential merger with DHCD, her focus remains clear: putting people and neighborhoods first.
The "Votes For Women" Blueberry Muffins
In honor of Women's History Month, this recipe comes from the 1886 Women's Suffrage Cookbook. In the late 19th century, these muffins were a staple at suffrage meetings. They were easy to eat while standing, debating, or organizing - much like the fast-paced work of our Planning Department today. These muffins represent the "practical, solutions-focused" mindset Renata Southard brings to her new role. They are simple, reliable, and were originally used to fuel a movement that changed the landscape of American leadership.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, not thawed)
1 tsp lemon zest (to brighten the flavor)
Instructions
Prep the Foundation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Mix the "Structure": In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the Elements: In a smaller bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and lemon zest.
Integrate: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir gently with a spatula just until combined. Warning: Do not overmix! The batter should be a little lumpy.
Add the "Jewels": Gently fold in the blueberries.
Build: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
The Final Phase: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Tips for Vegan/Gluten-Free Accommodations
To Make Them Gluten-Free
Gluten-free baking is all about managing "structure." Without gluten, muffins can sometimes become crumbly or gritty.
The "1-to-1" Solution: Use a high-quality Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). These blends already include xanthan gum, which acts as the "glue" that gluten normally provides.
The "Rest" Period: This is the most important tip! Let your batter sit in the bowl for 15–20 minutes before scooping it into the tin. This allows the rice flour in the GF blend to fully hydrate, preventing a "gritty" texture.
Add a Binder: If your flour blend doesn't have xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon of it to the dry ingredients to ensure the muffins don't fall apart.
To Make Them Vegan
Since the original recipe only calls for one egg and a small amount of dairy, it is very easy to "veganize."
The Egg Swap (Aquafaba): For the fluffiest result, use 3 tablespoons of Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of the egg. It mimics egg whites perfectly and won't change the flavor.
Alternative: A "Flax Egg" (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 10 mins) works well but will make the muffin slightly denser and heartier.
The Dairy Swap: * Milk: Use Oat Milk or Soy Milk. They have a higher protein content than almond milk, which helps with browning and structure.
Butter: Use a Vegan Butter stick (like Miyoko’s or Country Crock Plant Butter) or Neutral Oil (melted coconut oil or avocado oil).
The "Best of Both Worlds" Pro-Tip
If you are doing both (Vegan + Gluten-Free), the batter can sometimes be a bit more delicate.
Use the Aquafaba egg replacement. It provides the "lift" that gluten-free flour lacks.
Toss the blueberries in a tablespoon of GF flour before folding them in. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the delicate batter.
Use a Silicone Muffin Pan or paper liners. Vegan/GF bakes tend to be "stickier" until they are completely cooled.
Working as part of the Historical and Architectural Preservation Division, the historic preservation planner manages historic preservation design review for local historic districts and landmarks, collaborates with colleagues in Planning and the Department of Housing and Community Development, supports neighborhood associations and citizens, and presents staff reports to the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation. This position will also be deeply involved with our new conservation district program, which will include community outreach, historical research, writing district designations, and developing policies and guidelines.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We will be offering a virtual component for this meeting, though if your participation is critical we recommend attending in-person. A recording of the meeting will be available on our YouTube channel “Baltimore City Planning” a few days after the meeting.
You may submit written testimony to eric.tiso@baltimorecity.gov not later than 4pm on March 10, 2026.
Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP) Commission Hearing
Tuesday, March 10th
Briefing Session: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Regular Session: 1:00 pm
The February 10, 2026 CHAP Hearing will be held in-person in the Phoebe Stanton Boardroom at 417 East Fayette Street, 8th Floor. Entry to the building requires a government-issued ID and a security screening.
We also offer a virtual component for this meeting. As this is a new option and we are still adjusting our equipment, we recommend attending in person if your participation is critical. A recording of the meeting will be available on our Department’s YouTube channel a few days after the meeting.
You may join by computer or smartphone at: https://bmore.webex.com/bmore/j.php?MTID=mb6c5e23494471c388dc81ba0b56223b0 Webinar number: 2332 998 9203 Webinar password: Baltimore (22584667 when dialing from a phone) You may join by phone at +1-408-418-9388 or +1-646-992-2010; the access code is the webinar number
Check the Commission’s agenda webpage for updates.
You may submit written testimony to Lauren Schiszik at lauren.schiszik@baltimorecity.gov no later than 5 pm on March 9, 2026. If you require special accommodation to participate in the public hearing, please contact Lauren Schiszik at least five business days before the hearing.
Commission on Sustainability February Meeting Wednesday, March 18th, 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 first quarter of 2026, the Commission will focus on the theme of Protecting the Environment through Legislation. The meeting will be a virtual meeting hosted on Webex.
