A Night of Connection: Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s Annual Meeting

Annual event, presented by Baker Donelson, celebrates the intersection of art and innovation in Downtown Baltimore

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) and President, Shelonda Stokes were joined by an array of high-profile business and political leaders at the organization’s Annual Meeting held at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. The event, held in the Bromo Arts District, was a spectacular celebration, gathering more than 500 corporate and community leaders to commemorate Downtown Baltimore’s remarkable achievements and the pivotal role that DPOB and its partners have played in shaping Downtown’s progress.

Shelonda Stokes stated, “Four years ago, I delivered my Annual Meeting Speech virtually due to the pandemic, and I asked those tuning in to imagine having so many of the things we have now – vibrant streets, colorful alleyways, sold-out concerts. And we’re doing it!

“P = m x v – meaning, mass times velocity equals momentum. We’re in momentum right now – DPOB’s mass + (the audience’s) mass, multiplied by the velocity of Annual Meeting (this room) equals momentum. The velocity is the $7 billion of investment. We’re moving things forward. We’re no longer imagining it, we’re doing it. And that’s what this is about.”

The crowd heard remarks from Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott, and this year, all eyes were on the event’s special guest, Majority Owner of the Baltimore Orioles David Rubenstein. He joined Stokes in a conversation about his personal experience venturing back to Baltimore as a recent business owner in Charm City.

“[The Downtown we are building is] for everybody to participate, for everybody to feel belonging, for everybody to feel supported. That is the Downtown that we are building,” proclaimed Governor Moore. “That is the Downtown that Shelonda is leading, one where everybody knows they are not just welcomed and accepted, but they are needed. And that’s why it is Baltimore’s time in this moment.”

“Last year in partnership with Downtown Partnership and Governor Moore, we celebrated Downtown RISE—conceptualized and unveiled one year ago at this very event…” said Mayor Scott. “And since that time, leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, residents and community stakeholders all came together to share their needs, their desires, and their vision for Downtown. Thanks to that great work, this spring, we launched a strategic action plan and 10-year vision for downtown, and we are driving toward making Downtown the heart of our dynamic city yet again.”

Under Rubenstein’s ownership, the Orioles had a remarkable season, finishing with a loss in the AL Wild Card Series against the Kansas City Royals and an impressive 101 wins, the best record in the American League last year. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to building a competitive team and enhancing the fan experience at Camden Yards, as he aims to revitalize baseball in Baltimore.

“We’re not going to miss this moment. We’re not going to miss an opportunity to make Baltimore the great American story… a decade from now, I want every other state in this country to turn around and say, ‘I want a decade like Maryland just had.’ I want every other city in America, a decade from now to say, ‘We need to have a decade like Baltimore just had.’” said Governor Moore. “One where we work together and build together. One where it was not Baltimore versus everybody, but Baltimore and everybody. One where we understand that the way we are going to get to that promised land is not by focusing on more— it’s by focusing on and. When we do that, we win.”

As the evening unfolded, DPOB honored the 2024 Downtown Baltimore awardees, acknowledging individuals and businesses who have proven their commitment to Downtown Baltimore, specifically the evolution of the Bromo Arts District and Downtown’s bustling, ever-evolving arts and entertainment district.

The 2024 Downtown Baltimore awards and awardees include:

• Downtown Community Impact Award: PNC Bank, for its defining influence and consistent commitment to enhancing the quality of life of Baltimore residents through its efforts to advance initiatives in the areas of economic opportunity, art and culture, education and youth empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
• Downtown Cultural Influence Award: Artist-run gallery, studio and performance space, Current Space, for its efforts to create enriching cultural and artistic experiences for those Downtown, support and promote local artists, and provide greater access to creative programming, especially for underserved communities.
• Downtown RISE Award: Chief Administrative Officer, Faith Leach for her vision and leadership on the Downtown RISE Initiative. Downtown Rise supports four major pillars to advance the health and success of Downtown Baltimore: Infrastructure Development, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Public Safety and Cleanliness, and Community Engagement.

“The Downtown Partnership team continues their work every day with their hospitality, their energy, but most importantly with those acts of positivity they push out every day,” said the Mayor. “When you talk about people who love this city, it starts with Downtown Partnership at the top… the entire team there is the best representation of what Baltimore is and can be.”

The 2024 Annual Meeting was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Baker Donelson, and by additional support from BGE, Johns Hopkins University, Orange Barrel Media, TEDCO, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Venable, COPT Defense Properties, Curio Wellness, Ellin & Tucker, GardaWorld, Miles & Stockbridge, Stewart Title, T. Rowe Price, Whiting-Turner, Catholic Charities, Gross Mendelsohn, First National Bank and Baltimore Development Corporation.