PRESS RELEASE- December 9, 2024
Baltimore Together 2024 Progress Report Released at the Third Annual Summit
Business Leaders, Government Officials and Community Members Celebrate Milestones and Momentum in Baltimore’s Economic Development Plan
Baltimore, MD - The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) unveiled the Baltimore Together 2024 Progress Report at the third annual Baltimore Together Summit, highlighting the city’s significant achievements in fostering inclusive and equitable economic growth. Held Nov. 12–15, 2024, at Baltimore Center Stage and other venues throughout the city, the Summit brought together a diverse array of voices from government, business, and the community to reflect on progress and outline goals for the city’s economic future.
The 2024 Progress Report serves as a critical update on Baltimore’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), guiding efforts to create a more inclusive and vibrant economy. This year’s report highlights key milestones, including the launch of the Baltimore Economy Dashboard, the release of Downtown RISE, the collective swift response by the local, state, and federal governments to the Key Bridge collapse, and advancements in the life sciences sector. It also underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing ongoing challenges, including population growth and equitable access to resources and opportunities.
“Baltimore has incredible momentum right now, fueled by projects like the Harborplace repositioning downtown and the City-State partnership to eliminate vacant housing,” said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the BDC. “These initiatives represent a shared commitment to revitalizing our neighborhoods and driving sustainable growth. As we work together to expand the city’s economy, equity and inclusion must remain at the heart of every decision, ensuring that progress benefits all of Baltimore’s communities.”
The Summit’s opening day featured discussions on life sciences, civic engagement, and neighborhood investment with prominent business leaders, including Kimberly Johnson, COO of T. Rowe Price; Dr. Mohan Suntha, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System; and Ron Daniels, president of Johns Hopkins University. Keynote speakers Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Mayor Brandon M. Scott; Senator Chris Van Hollen; and Senate President Bill Ferguson shared post-election insights and reflections.
Throughout the week, 14 workshops were held across the city, covering critical topics such as workforce development, youth entrepreneurship, local manufacturing, and digital equity. The Summit achieved record-breaking participation, with more than 1,100 attendees, plus an additional 815 participants joining via livestream. A recording of the opening day is available here.
This year’s Summit was made possible through the generous support of partners, including lead sponsors BGE, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, CFG Bank, M&T Bank, and the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA).
“The remarkable progress this year showcases the power of collaboration and innovation across all sectors in Baltimore,” said Augie Chiasera, M&T Bank Executive Vice President and BDC Board Chair. “As a long-standing partner in Baltimore's advancement, M&T Bank remains committed to building inclusive pathways of opportunity that strengthen our diverse neighborhoods and business communities.”
The Baltimore Together initiative relies on the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and institutions throughout the city. To read the 2024 Progress Report and Implementation Matrix, click here or email baltimoretogether@justeconomy.com to learn how you can get involved in building an inclusive economy for Baltimore.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC)
The 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.
About Baltimore Together
Baltimore Together: A Platform for Inclusive Prosperity is a culmination of a two-year process to develop a five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Baltimore City. During this process, we gathered insights, feedback, and recommendations from more than 300 diverse voices representing business, government, and community. However, this is much more than a report; this effort represents a commitment to driving economic growth in an inclusive and equitable manner to ensure everyone has the opportunity for success.
Baltimore Together 2024 Summit sponsors include Baltimore Development Corporation, BGE, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, CFG Bank, M&T Bank, West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), Johns Hopkins, T. Rowe Price, University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), Annie E. Casey Foundation, Continental Realty, and Giant Food.
