By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
The fourth annual Baltimore Together Summit is set to take place on Oct. 27 at the M&T Bank Exchange. The gathering, hosted by the Baltimore Development Corp., is designed to celebrate economic gains in the city, address ongoing challenges and determine next steps for advancing Baltimore’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
The plan aims to foster a more inclusive economy in the city by eliminating racial disparities and creating more opportunities for underserved communities and local businesses. The latest progress report on the strategy will be unveiled during the summit with an updated implementation matrix highlighting key milestones from the past year.
“For this year, we’re really trying to focus in on various components of our strong and inclusive economy,” said Otis Rolley, CEO and president of BDC. “We’re acknowledging the disinvestment and harm of systemic racism that has occurred in the past and highlighting the things that we are doing to be intentional in mitigating and changing our path.”
On day one, the Baltimore Together Summit will hold three panel discussions exploring how the philanthropic community is supporting local economic growth, how public-private partnerships are driving new investments and how the city is positioned to nurture business development.
Jay Nwachu, CEO and president of Innovation Works, will lead a conversation on neighborhood-based economic development and opportunity. The discussion will cover West North Avenue Development Authority’s efforts to help small developers and businesses own and rebuild properties in their own neighborhoods; the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s role in supporting local nonprofits and small businesses; and perspectives from entrepreneurs on what it takes to grow and sustain their enterprises.
“Ecosystem and sector leaders across Baltimore who are interested in a more expansive view on what it takes for Baltimore to shift into a more healthy economy in the future should pay attention to this because we don’t need a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Nwachu. “We have a lot of different things happening at one time that we should all be mindful of.”
Following opening day, a series of panels and workshops will take place in neighborhoods across Baltimore. They will address a range of topics, including youth entrepreneurship, neighborhood economic development, Baltimore’s growing music industry, workforce development strategies and small business advancement.
Rolley noted that the summit strives to showcase progress across the entire city, ensuring that successes in all neighborhoods receive attention and recognition.
“Yes, we’re excited about the rebirth of Harborplace and the work that MCB Real Estate has underway, but we’re as excited about the rebirth of Park Heights, Coppin Heights and all of the things happening around Baltimore—not just along the waterfront—that show we’re finally ready to develop and invest in an equitable way,” said Rolley.
As the city continues its push for an equitable economy, Rolley highlighted several notable achievements from the Baltimore Together 2025 Progress Report. He pointed to strides in West Baltimore, including the opening of The Mill on the North— a collaboration between several Black-owned businesses that has become a new anchor for the West North Avenue corridor.
He also noted the impact of the Baltimore Culinary Exchange, which has awarded over $1 million to 14 established restaurants and eight new food concepts—most of which are minority-owned.
In recent months, Baltimore has faced attacks from the 47th president, who has criticized crime levels and threatened to send federal troops to the city. Rolley said he wants the Baltimore Together Summit to provide a space for residents and community leaders to feel energized and encouraged by the headway they’ve made. He also wants the gathering to demonstrate how cities, like Baltimore, are hubs of innovation.
“I want people to feel obligated to continue the work— to see the success we’ve made, but to ask: ‘What more can I be doing? How am I contributing to Baltimore’s renaissance? What’s the role that I should be playing?’” said Rolley. “Economic development is our work, but we cannot do it alone.”
To join the opening day of the Baltimore Together Summit and any of the workshops that follow, register for free at https://www.baltimoretogether.com/registration.
