Before 2025 really kicks off, let’s take a moment to celebrate our incredible achievements from the previous year!
As we welcome a new year filled with endless possibilities, let’s celebrate the incredible achievements Downtown Partnership and the community have accomplished over the past twelve months! Here’s to building on our successes and continuing to grow together in 2025
1. BOOST Entrepreneurs Activate Harborplace with New Retail
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2024 was a busy year for DPOB’s Black-Owned Occupancy Storefront Tenancy (BOOST) program as new tenants were selected for a temporary space within the iconic Harborplace Pavilions and cohort entrepreneurs held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for their grand openings! DPOB, in partnership with MCB Real Estate and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, announced the new tenants in the spring. This initiative brought seven Black-owned businesses to Harborplace paving the way for economic growth along the iconic waterfront. Five of the seven businesses are housed in the BOOST Boutique and a ribbon-cutting was held in June to celebrate their official opening.
In the fall, Ghanaian-born sisters, business partners and BOOST recipients Elle Odoi and Yvette Pappoe opened the dede.shop at 305 N. Howard St, which is the first business to open as part of the second cohort of the BOOST program. The dede. shop provides luxurious home decor at an affordable price– and the duo also owns Décorelle, a full-service luxury interior design firm.
2. 11 Billboards Illuminate Downtown’s Transformation
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Downtown Baltimore’s skyline is glowing brighter than ever, thanks to Downtown Partnership’s sponsorship of the North Harbor Area of Special Sign Control legislation and Planning Commission boundary approval. We created a district that made it possible to bring 11 dynamic digital billboards to life. These displays are reshaping Downtown’s energy and vibrancy, providing dedicated time for community content and celebrating local artists while also offering revenue opportunities for businesses and property owners.
Beyond their visual impact, the billboards are driving economic growth by funding arts and entertainment districts and helping Baltimore secure major conferences with clean zones that enhance the city’s appeal. Each glowing screen is more than a billboard—it’s a beacon of Downtown’s transformation, lighting the way toward a brighter, more exciting future for Baltimore.
3. CIAA’s Return to Downtown Baltimore Is a Slam Dunk
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Visit Baltimore, partner organizations, state agencies and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®)came together once again to host the 2024 Tournament at CFG Bank Arena. This was the fourth time Baltimore played host to the Tournament, which in 2024 welcomed over 63,000 fans, media, fellow student-athletes, as well as friends and family members. The 6-day event featuring 24 basketball games exceeded 2023’s attendance by 13 percent. CIAA® is the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference. Mark your calendars now for CIAA’s return February 25 – March 1, 2025.
4. Sold-Out DPOB Annual Meeting Highlights Downtown’s Momentum
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On October 10, DPOB was joined by an array of high-profile business and political leaders at its Annual Meeting, held at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. This year’s event highlighted the Bromo Arts District and was a spectacular celebration, gathering more than 500 corporate and community leaders to celebrate Downtown Baltimore’s remarkable achievements and the pivotal role that DPOB, along with its partners, have played in shaping Downtown’s future.
Attendees heard remarks from Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott. This year, all eyes were on the event’s special guest, majority owner of the Baltimore Orioles, David Rubenstein, who joined DPOB President Shelonda Stokes in a conversation about his personal experience and the role that everyone can play in Downtown’s renaissance.
5. DPOB Awarded Core Grant Funding to Revitalize Historic F&D Building
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, through its State Revitalization Program, awarded DPOB grant funding to stabilize and repair infrastructure to help revitalize and renovate the Fidelity & Deposit (F&D) Building located Downtown. Transforming historic buildings into residential, retail and commercial spaces is a key strategy to Downtown’s transformation.
6. Baltimore Ravens AFC Championship Brings Tens of Thousands to Downtown
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To kick off the year, our beloved Baltimore Ravens hosted the Kansas City Chiefs for the American Football Conference (AFC) title and a shot at the Super Bowl – the first time in over 50 years that the AFC Championship has been hosted in Baltimore. Though the final score may not have been what we wanted, there was no doubting the energy and economic impact of Charm City’s moment in the spotlight. City restaurants, hotels, transportation and more surged as tens of thousands of fans—from far and wide—flocked to Downtown.
7. New Restaurants Add Eclectic Dining Offerings to Downtown
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Baltimore City welcomed several new restaurants and some new Downtown favorites include: Proper Cuisine, Facci (their third location and first downtown!), Matriarch Coffee, Kechy Pizza Co., and several more just outside of the Downtown Management Authority like Soul Street, Maryland Yards, and the long-awaited reopening of Cazbar.
8. DPOB Adds 30 New Members in 2024
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DPOB works hard to create professional relationships in Baltimore City. This year, we welcomed 30 new members, expanding DPOB’s membership base to over 300 partners, which include businesses and institutions committed to joining our efforts to create a vibrant, safe and growing Downtown. Increased membership has spawned member-only events to now occur on a monthly basis.
9. Biggest Charles Street Promenade Ever Celebrates Local Businesses Downtown
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Since the first Charles Street Promenade five years ago, the event has represented the best of the community and given attendees a taste of what a truly walkable, interconnected Baltimore could be. In partnership with the Charles Street Development Corporation, the 2024 Promenade was our biggest and best yet! Baltimoreans were able to stroll, shop, play and eat in the historic Charles Street area. Traffic from Charles and Saratoga Street to Charles and North Ave. was blocked off for the special occasion, with no shortage of shops, restaurants, vendors, interactive exhibits and so much more all along the 1.3-mile promenade.
10. Key Events Add to Downtown Vitality
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Festivals, concerts and opportunities to celebrate together help build a resilient, connected community and no one does it better than Baltimore! Thanks to Mayor Scott’s leadership in 2024, we all had the chance to come together Downtown to celebrate several signature events, such as Charm City Live, Baltimore x Baltimore, and many, many more.
11. More than 5000 State Employees Relocating to Downtown Offices
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We’re making room to welcome more than 5,000 state employees as they begin their relocation to Downtown office space in 2024. In June, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller completed its move from State Center to downtown. The office, now at 7 Saint Paul St., spans 67,000 square feet over multiple floors to hold the agency’s roughly 300 employees. The following divisions moved in January, Taxpayer Services; Compliance, Hearings and Appeals; Unclaimed Property; and the Assistant Attorneys General. Relocating these state employees will reduce downtown vacancies and add renewed vitality and energy to the area. More state agencies plan to move into the central business district in 2025.
12. Downtown RISE: Energizing Baltimore’s Business Landscape
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Launched by Mayor Brandon Scott in collaboration with Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and key stakeholders, Downtown RISE is driving Baltimore’s transformation with a strategic action plan focused on growth, innovation, and community impact. Centered on four pillars — Economic & Community Development; Infrastructure Development; Arts, Entertainment & Culture; and Public Safety & Cleanliness — the initiative has already delivered impressive results. From streamlined permitting to improved lighting and cleaning efforts, Downtown RISE is fostering a safe and welcoming environment that attracts businesses, visitors, and residents alike.
With over $6.9 billion in development investments projected between 2018 and 2028, and Baltimore’s designation as a Tech Hub unlocking up to $75 million in federal funding, the momentum is undeniable. By supporting small businesses, enhancing public spaces, and promoting cultural assets, Downtown RISE is creating fertile ground for economic vitality and growth.
13. DPOB-Sponsored Events Demonstrate that Downtown Is the Place to Be
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The annual Spring Break Skate returned where families, friends and Downtown visitors alike could throw on a pair of rollerskates and boogie the spring break blues away! We also celebrated another summer of successful Pratt Street Markets (PSMs), held each Thursday from May through September. This year’s PSMs were such a hit (the weather helped!) that we extended Pratt Street Market all the way through October, bringing more food trucks, local vendors, and lunchtime fun to Downtown.
As for new events, DPOB launched a FREE event series entitled, Friday Nights Live! From June to September, on the fourth Friday of each month, attendees enjoyed live music and drinks, as well as a rotating lineup of food and artisan vendors in Downtown’s Hopkins Plaza. Another new event was the Peppermint Plaza Pop-Up showcasing Downtown Baltimore as a holiday destination. There were igloos, a DJ and an interactive bar to craft peppermint-themed cocktails. However, the kids had great activities too, such as photo-ops with Santa, stilt walkers and supervised s’mores making. Over 400 people participated throughout the three-day event and next year is expected to be even better!
14. Restaurant Week Showcases Downtown Restaurants, a 50% Increase in Restaurant Participation
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For the first time ever, more than 75 restaurants participated in summer and winter restaurant weeks throughout 2024, a 50% increase over past years. Winter and Summer Restaurant Weeks are a favorite for many, a chance to dine out and snag a deal at one of your favorite places, or an opportunity to try something new! It spreads a little love to restaurants city-wide during the slower seasons when they need it most. Make your reservations early for Winter Restaurant Week 2025, which is from January 24 – February 2!
15. New CITIBIN Trash Cans Promote DPOB’s Clean & Green Initiatives
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In early 2024, DPOB launched a trash and recycling bin pilot to accelerate its Clean and Green initiatives, which will help the DMA be cleaner, healthier, more attractive, and (hopefully) pest-free. To date, 40 brand-new, sleek multi-bin receptacles have been installed around Downtown, with 60 more to come in the next phase for 2025.
16. Harborplace’s Reimagining Moves Forward
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In November 2024, the referendum to allow for the transformation of Baltimore’s 45-year old Harborplace Pavilions was approved by a majority of City voters. Plans to define a bold new era of mixed-uses for retailers, residents and tourists alike will now move forward, contributing to the revitalization of Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor.
17. Baltimore Orioles Mark New Era Under New Ownership
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DPOB celebrates its renewed partnership with the Baltimore Orioles and the club’s new majority owner David Rubenstein. The Orioles had a remarkable season in 2024 finishing with a loss in the American League Wild Card Series against the Kansas City Royals. With an impressive 91 wins in 2024, the Orioles had the best wildcard record in the American League. Mr. Rubenstein’s leadership has been characterized by a commitment to building a competitive team and enhancing the fan experience at Camden Yards.
18. Liberty Dog Park Plans “Unleashed”
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The beloved dog park at the corner of W. Baltimore Street and Hopkins Plaza, known as Liberty Dog Run, is set for a major transformation. Thanks to State capital grants awarded to Downtown Partnership in FY23, DPOB officially launched The Liberty Dog Park and Open Space Project in 2024. Park renderings feature enclosed areas for both large and small dogs, seating, shade, a public restroom, a security booth, and other amenities. Additionally, the park will include movable bollards to facilitate community programming. The plans shared were received enthusiastically by Downtown residents who attended the community meetings.
19. Taking the Plunge in the Inner Harbor
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On June 23, a historic milestone was reached when the first swimming event in the Inner Harbor since the 1980s took place! DPOB President Shelonda Stokes and DPOB Director of Business Development Chrissy Schifkovitz, along with the Mayor and other community leaders, participated in Waterfront Partnership’s Harbor Splash. More than 150 participants signed up to take a dip in the Inner Harbor to represent and celebrate years of hard work and dedication to making our waterways clean and safe.
20. Team DPOB Honored by the Orioles On-Field at Camden Yards
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DPOB was recognized for its contributions to creating a safer, more vibrant Downtown Baltimore at the Orioles’ game on September 17, going into the playoff push. The DPOB team cheered on the O’s at Camden Yards as DPOB President Shelonda Stokes threw out the first pitch, surrounded by DPOB staff, who lined the outfield to soak up the moment.
21. DPOB Led Downtown Clean-Up and Beautification Efforts in Support of the City
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Team DPOB was a lead partner in Mayor Scott’s annual community clean-up efforts during the spring and fall. We held two clean-up events for participating staff and some 80 volunteers, planting over 1,200 flowers and adding 50 cubic yards of mulch to tree beds.
22. Nearly $7 Billion in Downtown Investment Fuels Continued Momentum
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Throughout the year, DPOB has highlighted the significant investment pouring into Downtown between 2018 and 2028, along with new restaurants, new retail and new energy. Downtown Baltimore is now among the fastest growing neighborhoods with over 40,000 who call Downtown “home.”
23. $10 Million in State Funding Supports DPOB’s Mission and Impact
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The Governor and General Assembly approved $10 million in state funding for enhanced security and streetscape improvements. The funds will go toward the new Liberty Dog Park project, improvements to the entrance of Charles Center and Lexington Market Metro stations, streetscape enhancements on Eutaw Street (as part of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s “Clean & Green Initiatives”), as well as new trash cans throughout downtown.
24. DPOB Operations Team Delivers Essential Services and Enhanced Quality of Life
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Downtown Partnership’s Operations Team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents, business owners, Downtown employees, and visitors 365 days a year. Once again, creating a safer, cleaner, and greener Baltimore was their priority in 2024.
- DPOB’s Clean Sweep Ambassadors collected 501 tons of garbage and spent a total of 3500 hours cleaning.
- DPOB’s Parks Team used 11.3k gallons of water to maintain the plants and greenery around downtown. And when they weren’t exercising their green thumbs, team members spent a total of 500 hours supporting DPOB events.
- DPOB’s Homeless Outreach Team connected more than 300 individuals and 88 families to housing or shelter and rendered 1.9k life-altering services.
