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 Attraction and Retention
Our Economic Development team serves as a resource for businesses looking to move, grow or expand in Downtown. By actively monitoring legal issues impacting businesses and keeping on top of the latest tax incentives and historical preservation news and updates, we help businesses navigate growth in Baltimore.
State 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 MoreSmall Business Grants
Downtown Partnership has a number of internal grant programs to help small businesses in Baltimore secure funding. We also track and help connect businesses to external funding sources.
Explore GrantsCommunity Revitalization Grants
Downtown Partnership partners with different for-profit companies, to help secure funding for large-scale development projects through Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's revitalization grant programs.
Learn MoreTracking Downtown Development
Downtown Partnership’s comprehensive development map includes up-to-date information about current, upcoming, and historic development projects in a one-mile radius of Downtown Baltimore.
ExploreAdvocating 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
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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No Distractions: A Message from Shelonda Stokes
Downtown Partnership President, Shelonda Stokes shares her thoughts on Downtown Baltimore’s Renaissance and challenges.
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The Future of the CBD
How can we reimagine the future of Baltimore’s economic engine? The Central Business District (CBD) has suffered challenges, but we’re optimistic for its future.
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Planning Commission Approves Majority of Proposed Signs in North Harbor Sign Plan
Planning Commission approves majority of proposed signs in the North Harbor Sign Plan, 6 digital billboards coming to Downtown Baltimore.
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