About Baltimore Together

Baltimore Together: A Platform for Inclusive Prosperity is a culmination of a two-year process to develop the city’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the next five years. 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.

With a thriving port, world-class leadership in higher education and health care, and a vibrant mixture of arts, culture, history, and waterfront, Baltimore has served for generations as the economic engine for the State of Maryland. But for too long, many of our residents have not shared in the benefits of Baltimore’s economic growth.

Baltimore Together aims to change that by focusing on eliminating racial disparities by ensuring Baltimore’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) businesses thrive and communities of color receive the level of investment they deserve. Baltimore Together offers a blueprint for equitable growth by leveraging our local talent and entrepreneurs to create new economic activity that will benefit our entire city.

About BLocal

BLocal is a commitment by Baltimore-area businesses to leverage their collective influence to help strengthen the city and create opportunities for Baltimoreans.  Over 25 BLocal partners have set public goals to support city residents and local and women- and minority-owned businesses when making decisions about building, hiring, buying, and investing. In the program’s first year, BLocal partners reported millions of dollars in increased spending with city and diverse suppliers, increased hiring and internships for city residents, and more support of community organizations.

About HopkinsLocal

As the largest private anchor institution in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins seeks to create economic opportunities that are inclusive of diverse people and create wealth for individuals and communities.  In 2015, HopkinsLocal launched to support economic growth, employment, and investment in Baltimore. They hold themselves accountable by setting measurable three-year goals in construction, hiring, and purchasing, and have surpassed their original expectations.