Baltimore, MD—The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) today (June 3) announced the launch of its Commercial District Assessment (CDA) initiative, a new effort to better understand the strengths and challenges of Baltimore’s neighborhood commercial corridors. Working alongside 12 community partners, BDC will combine public data with on-the-ground surveying to help local organizations, business owners, and city leaders assess each corridor’s needs. The findings will guide funding decisions, strengthen local economies, and support the small business districts that are the heart of Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
The first round of CDA partnerships spans ten diverse districts: Market Center, Charles Street, West North Avenue, York Road, Waverly Main Street, Brooklyn, Highlandtown, Federal Hill, West Baltimore Street, and Harford Road.
“Baltimore’s neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and our commercial corridors reflect that strength,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This initiative is about more than just data. It’s about listening to our communities, understanding what they need at a block-by-block level, and making smarter, more equitable investments that help local businesses thrive—not just Downtown, but everywhere. Baltimore is experiencing historic economic growth, and we’re committed to making sure all of our residents feel the benefits. I’m excited to support BDC and our incredible community partners to make sure every corridor has the opportunity to grow and succeed.”
The CDA process includes both the compilation of baseline data such as income, housing, and demographics within a 15-minute walking radius of each district and a detailed analysis of physical infrastructure, commercial property use, foot traffic, public space quality, and other factors, giving communities insights and documentation that do not currently exist.
The CDA builds on BDC’s broader mission to promote inclusive economic growth and directly supports Baltimore Together, the city’s five-year comprehensive economic development strategy emphasizing equitable, resilient, neighborhood-focused growth.
“Commercial corridors are the front door to our neighborhoods,” said Ira Kowler, Managing Director of Neighborhood Development & Capital Projects at BDC. “They provide jobs, services, and identity. But to support them effectively, we need to understand what’s happening on the ground, not just in the numbers. This initiative blends data and lived experience to capture the real conditions that shape business success, from sidewalk safety and storefront appeal to foot traffic, trees, and public space.”
While BDC is leading the initial data collection, the community partners will receive training and tools to continue gathering and using data over the long term. As the initiative progresses, the CDA will help City leaders and advocates make better-informed decisions about how to allocate resources and support economic growth across all neighborhoods.
The inaugural CDA community organization partners include:
- Greater Baybrook Alliance
- Southwest Partnership
- Federal Hill Main Street
- Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
- Market Center Community Development Corporation
- Charles Street Development
- York Road Business Improvement District
- Waverly Main Street
- Highlandtown Main Street
- Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street
- Councilmember Ryan Dorsey’s Office
- West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA)
For more information about the Commercial District Assessment or how your organization can get involved in future rounds, visit the BDC website.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the entity responsible for economic development in 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. For more information about BDC, visit www.baltimoredevelopment.com.