Governor Moore recently signed an executive order establishing Reinvest Baltimore to tackle the vacancy crisis in the city.
Governor Wes Moore recently signed an executive order to establish Reinvest Baltimore, a coordinated effort between the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, and nonprofit and for-profit partners to eliminate concentrations of vacant properties, revitalize neighborhoods and maximize the economic potential and quality of life for residents in Baltimore City.
According to the press release,
“Baltimore’s vacant property crisis is an issue that cannot wait – because in order to have a strong state, you must have a strong housing market, where people own more than they owe,” said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank all the partners who raised their hand to be a part of this work that will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Baltimoreans and grow our state’s economy. The Baltimore Renaissance is here — and just getting started.”
“Tackling the issue of vacants in Baltimore at scale and ending this decades long crisis is going to take partnership, coordination, and vision,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “Our commitment to see this work through together is displayed throughout today’s announcement. Since the city launched our $3 billion vision alongside BUILD and GBC last year, our state partners in Governor Moore, Secretary Day, and their teams have been true partners every step of the way. I’m proud to say that this investment is a continuation of that partnership, and this money will be a critical asset in our mission to end the intentional disinvestment in our neighborhoods.”
The governor’s order calls for the establishment of the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council, which will tap key community, corporate, philanthropic, and government leaders to leverage targeted investments to move at least 5,000 vacant properties into homeownership or other positive outcomes over the next five years.
As part of the Reinvest Baltimore initiative, the council will coordinate state and local efforts to address vacancy in Baltimore City and provide timely and accurate information to the governor, including an annual report detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Secretary Day will serve as council chair and Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Alice Kennedy will serve as vice chair. Gov. Moore appointed additional council members, including Rev. George Hopkins, co-chair of Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development, and Mark Anthony Thomas, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Baltimore Committee.
The council will also include one member of the Maryland State Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate; one member of the Maryland House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and one member of the Baltimore City Council, appointed by the Baltimore City Council President.
The council will drive a unified approach to advancing community-based priorities and implementing recommended strategies to maximize investments, reduce vacancy and promote neighborhood renewal in Baltimore City.
