PRESS RELEASE: January 21, 2025
Baltimore City Seeks New Operator for State’s Largest Producer-Only Farmers’ Market
Baltimore, Md.—The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) announces that the Mayor’s Office is seeking a new permanent operator for the Baltimore Farmers’ Market, Maryland’s largest producer-only farmers’ market. The Request for Proposals (RFP), which will be managed by the BDC, invites responses from organizations with proven experience in managing events, markets, or similar public-facing initiatives.
Established in 1977, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market operates below the Jones Falls Expressway at the intersection of Holliday Street and Saratoga Street. Open annually on Sundays from April through December, 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, the Market has been a cornerstone of the local agricultural and cultural community for nearly 50 years. The Market offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and seafood, alongside handcrafted goods and artisan products, serving as a vital hub for residents and vendors alike.
“The collaboration between the BDC and the Mayor’s Office reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the Baltimore Farmers’ Market remains an accessible space for residents and visitors alike,” shared Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor for the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture. “As a vital food source for Baltimore, the market plays a critical role in providing fresh, affordable produce while supporting local farmers and small businesses. We will be thoughtful in our search for a new operator, prioritizing innovation while preserving the market’s legacy and ensuring alignment with our mission to sustain this invaluable resource and uplift our community.”
Following the departure of the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts (BOPA), the new operator will oversee all aspects of the Market for the 2025 calendar year, including day-of operations, vendor selection and management, event promotion and marketing, and event logistics and permitting. Interested applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a licensed nonprofit or for-profit entity in good standing with the state of Maryland and in compliance with all existing city, state, and federal regulations.
- Demonstrate experience managing events, markets, or similar public-facing initiatives, including permitting, public safety, and stakeholder relations.
- A proven ability to develop and manage budgets.
- Familiarity with vendor relations and market regulations.
- Knowledge of Baltimore’s cultural and economic landscape, with a focus on supporting local businesses.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
The RFP submission period is open from Tuesday, January 21, to Friday, February 21, 2025. All interested applicants should submit a comprehensive proposal of no more than five pages, not including the operating budget and financial information, in a single PDF to kclark@baltimoredevelopment.com. The required 2025 Market start date for the selected operator will be April 13, 2025.
BDC will receive and compile RFP submissions for the Mayor’s Office, which will review eligible proposals and make the final selection. Proposals will be evaluated on:
- Relevant organizational and key staff experience and qualifications in running markets and similar events
- Organization experience and understanding of Baltimore City permits and event management systems
- Innovative and community-focused approach to Market management
- Alignment with the Mayor’s Office mission and values, including minority- and woman-owned business participation
- Financial feasibility and fiscal impact of the proposal
For additional information about the RFP, visit baltimoredevelopment.com/doing-business/request-for-proposal or email info@baltimoredevelopment.com with the subject line “Baltimore Farmers’ Market RFP.”
About the Baltimore Development Corporation
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents. For more information about BDC, visit baltimoredevelopment.com
