Economic Development
Downtown Baltimore is the largest economic engine in the city, generating more than $122 million in property taxes, 85% of hotel taxes, 75% of the parking taxes, and 16% of all income taxes collected by the City. To keep this engine humming, we provide research-driven initiatives that foster development and track Downtown’s economic progress.
"Baltimore is a great place to start a business. Downtown has vibrancy, life, and creative energy. We have found our people here."
— Keyia Yalcin, Owner of Fishnet
Photo by Jon Bregel. Read Keyia’s full story at Baltimore Small Business Stories.
Economic Development Work
Our Economic Development team serves as a resource for businesses looking to move, grow or expand in Downtown. We also help connect businesses — both large and small — to funding and business development opportunities, track development projects in the one-mile radius of Downtown, and sponsor an evolving variety of additional projects and initiatives that positively benefit the economy in the Central Business District.
Business Assistance Grants
Downtown Partnership’s grant programs provide access to capital to sustain and grow businesses and improve the properties within the Downtown Management Authority boundaries.
Explore GrantsBromo Arts District
Working in collaboration with the Bromo Arts District, Downtown Partnership is committed to encouraging new economic growth within the 11 block Arts & Entertainment District located within the Downtown Management Authority boundaries.
Explore BromoDowntown Development
Downtown Partnership’s comprehensive development map includes up-to-date information about current, upcoming, and historic development projects within the Downtown Management Authority boundaries and in a one-mile radius of Downtown Baltimore’s city center.
ExploreState Center Relocation
In spring of 2021, Governor Hogan announced an allocation of funds to relocate over 3,000 state workers to Baltimore’s Central Business District, in an effort to fill vacancies and boost Downtown Baltimore’s economy. Downtown Partnership's Economic Development team is helping to track these relocation efforts.
Learn MoreAdvocating for Large-Format Signage in Downtown Baltimore
Downtown Partnership is sponsoring the North Harbor ASSC (Area of Special Sign Control) legislation and Planning Commission Boundary approval. The idea is to bring innovative, community-focused signage to Downtown Baltimore buildings, that will not only address lighting concerns in poorly lit corridors, but will also provide free advertising space for community organizations and artists, and direct funding to all of Baltimore's Arts & Entertainment Districts.
Learn MoreDevelopment News
Downtown Baltimore is having a moment | Guest Commentary by Shelonda Stokes for The Baltimore Sun
Shelonda Stokes Shares Guest Commentary with The Baltimore Sun | For all the right reasons, Downtown Baltimore has been a preoccupation, a topic of intense focus, discussion and understandable concern among business and political leaders, residents and our city neighbors north, south, east and west.
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Building Momentum: State of Downtown Baltimore Recap
With over 550 local leaders in attendance, plus insights from Brookings Placemaking Expert, Downtown Partnership highlights the progress made, and the potential for growth to come at annual State of Downtown Breakfast, presented by Gallagher Evelius & Jones.
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Delivering Wins Now: Highlights from Downtown Baltimore’s Annual Meeting
Looking back on 40 years of accomplishments while boldly and strategically forging new paths for the future, Downtown Partnership brings together community leaders at Annual Meeting, presented by Baker Donelson.
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Highlighting Downtown’s progress and potential for growth at annual State of Downtown Breakfast
With the year marked by record state investment in Baltimore’s core, Downtown Partnership highlights the progress made, and the growth to come at annual State of Downtown Breakfast, presented by Gallagher Evelius & Jones.
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