The Importance
of Downtowns
Downtowns are vital to the success of a city, from neighborhoods to businesses to parks, arts, and culture. Downtowns serve as hubs of economic activity, resources, cultural vibrancy, accessibility, innovation, urban revitalization, and regional branding and identity.
Across the country, downtowns are fighting to recover post-Covid. Virtually every city is struggling with office and retail vacancy, decreased tourism and downtown foot traffic, and the economic realities of a more hybrid workforce. Some downtowns are recovering faster than others.
Baltimore's downtown is essential to one of the nation's most prominent metropolitan areas and to the region. Welcoming a diverse array of residents, employees, and visitors, Baltimore’s downtown fosters inclusivity and cultivates robust social fabric. Baltimore's downtown, enriched by deep history and unique culture, should be a deep source of local pride and identity. And right now, Downtown Baltimore needs strategic investments.
The Road to Recovery: Pre-Covid Activity
* Source: Downtown Recovery, School of Cities, University of Toronto, 2023. Recovery is measured by comparing the total number of unique visitors during March to mid-June of 2023 to the same period in 2019 using cell phone data. A number greater than 1 indicates more visitors than pre-Covid, a number less than 1 indicates the ratio of fewer visitors comparatively.
For the region to be healthy and successful, Baltimore’s Downtown must be healthy and successful. Execution of this Strategic Action Plan serves as a strategic and coordinating tool to address key challenges and to propel downtown Baltimore toward a vibrant, sustainable future.
The Importance of
Baltimore’s Downtown
Downtown Baltimore remains the economic engine for Baltimore City and the region, and pandemic recovery has been strong, though more work is needed. On April 10, 2024, DPOB released its annual State of Downtown Baltimore Report. Much of the data is positive.
Residential Occupancy
Growth is strong, considering that between 2017-2022, 4,634 units came online. DPOB predicts continued downtown residential growth, projecting downtown residential unit demand to grow to a potential of 7,025 new rental and for-sale units over the next 5 years.
Visitors to Baltimore
Though Baltimore’s downtown comprises
just 3.8% of geographic area, it’s:
By beautifying downtown, improving the ground level and pedestrian experience, and making it easier to open and operate new businesses, Baltimore should see a continued increase employment downtown, more tourism, enhanced support for small businesses, cultural institutions and the arts, and a boon to the tax base.
