Baltimore County has launched a new resource to help community organizations navigate planning, permitting, and other steps involved in improving
public spaces and strengthening neighborhoods.
The Baltimore County Department of Planning has introduced a new Placemaking Toolkit designed to help residents, neighborhood associations, Main Street groups, and other community organizations turn ideas for public spaces into projects.
The toolkit provides step-by-step guidance on navigating permitting requirements, selecting project sites, engaging residents, and hiring artists or creative consultants. It also offers resources for organizing community events and installing public art, murals, signage, and wayfinding systems.
By making these resources more accessible, the County aims to help community groups navigate local planning processes and pursue neighborhood improvements. The toolkit also features an interactive map highlighting existing placemaking projects throughout Baltimore County, including examples and lessons learned from local organizations.
“Community groups across the County are already leading inspiring placemaking efforts,” said Jess Eliot Myhre, District 7 Community Planner, who is managing the project. “Farmers markets, beautiful building-length murals, pop-up events in vacant parking lots and creative streetscaping projects are happening across the County, from Randallstown to Monkton to Essex.”
The initiative offers an example of how county planning departments can support community-led revitalization by providing technical guidance and connecting residents with resources to bring local projects to life.
