Launched as part of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Baltimore Together seeks to address racial inequities and expand economic opportunities across the city. The Summit will celebrate key milestones from the past year, including the launch of the Baltimore Economy Dashboard, launch of the Commercial District Assessments Initiative, the release of Downtown RISE, and the city’s swift response to the Key Bridge collapse while looking ahead to new initiatives that promote growth and resilience.
“Baltimore Together is a collective vision that belongs to every resident, business, and organization in our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This plan serves as our north star as we continue to create a more inclusive and vibrant economy. It’s about bringing everyone to the table, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that economic growth benefits all Baltimoreans, not just a select few. Together, we are building a future where opportunity is within reach for everyone in our city.”
The opening day of the 2024 Summit will feature discussions on key topics such as strategies to address vacant housing and West Baltimore redevelopment, ways businesses can drive positive change through civic engagement, and an in-depth look at the life sciences sector as a key driver of growth in Baltimore. Participants will hear from prominent speakers, including Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Alice Kennedy, Commissioner, Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
“This Summit is more than a meeting; it’s a movement,” said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the BDC. “Baltimore Together reflects our commitment to overcoming economic disparities and building a thriving, resilient city. Our economy has been growing steadily for two decades, and despite challenges like the Key Bridge collapse, we are poised for even greater growth. This is our moment, and we welcome everyone to join us in shaping Baltimore’s future.”
Additionally, the Baltimore Together team and its stakeholders have worked diligently to provide comprehensive updates on the plan's strategies in both the 2024 Baltimore Together Progress Report and the updated 2024 Implementation Matrix (Appendix 7). The Progress Report shares insights and stories on recent accomplishments, while the Implementation Matrix provides a clear, actionable framework to track the status and outcomes of each strategy. These two documents together offer a detailed narrative on the progress of Baltimore's economic development initiatives outlined in the original plan.
This year's Summit is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, M&T Bank, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, BGE, and the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). Last year’s Summit attracted over 700 registrants and more than 850 livestream participants. This year, the BDC aims to surpass those numbers by encouraging even broader community involvement.
For the full Mutli-day Summit agenda click here. For more information or to learn how your organization can get involved, please contact us at baltimoretogether@justeconomy.com.
