Baltimore has hit historic lows in violent crime, with homicides at their lowest in more than 50 years. But State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says the city is falling short in addressing quality-of-life crimes, like car break-ins, vandalism and public drug use.
Tag: Mark Anthony Thomas
Greater Baltimore Committee celebrates 70 years of civic and economic leadership
The Greater Baltimore Committee marked its 70th anniversary on Sept. 12 with a gathering of business, community and elected leaders at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. The event celebrated the organization’s legacy while outlining its vision for the region’s economic future.
GBC and UpSurge outline vision, strategic priorities following merger
Following its merger with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), UpSurge is focusing on data-driven strategies to support high-growth startups and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. The organizations aim to balance targeted investment with community-building efforts to create a more dynamic and resilient startup ecosystem.
Commentary: Why we paused—and why getting BLocal right matters for the Baltimore region
Greater Baltimore Committee president and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas explains why the organization paused BLocal to restructure it as a long-term, scalable initiative aimed at boosting local hiring, procurement and investment across the region.
Op-Ed: 10 opportunities for the next BDC leader
By Mark Anthony Thomas At a time where Maryland and all of the Baltimore Region’s jurisdictions are committing to greater investments in economic development, recently announced transitions offer a chance to celebrate impactful public leaders and use this moment of change to build stronger organizations that drive our future. Former Thurgood Marshall International Airport CEO […]
PRESS ROOM: Greater Baltimore Committee and UpSurge Baltimore join forces to accelerate innovation and foster regional collaboration
The Greater Baltimore Committee and UpSurge Baltimore have announced their intention to combine their efforts under the GBC umbrella in 2025, in order to strengthen the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem, foster collaboration, and drive economic growth.
Local orgs open grant program for businesses impacted by Key Bridge Bridge collapse
The Greater Baltimore Committee and the Baltimore Community Foundation have announced a $5 million grant program to provide assistance to small businesses impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Greater Baltimore Committee to unveil regional economic opportunity strategy at 69th annual meeting
The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) will unveil its 10-year economic opportunity plan at its 69th Annual Meeting on May 23 at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, which is designed to achieve a globally competitive and equitable economy in the region.
UpSurge report demonstrates strength and opportunities in local tech ecosystem
UpSurge Baltimore’s 2024 Tech Ecosystem Report revealed that local companies in the Baltimore MSA raised $782 million in venture capital in 2023, up 12.3 percent from the seven-year average, and that 90% of the investment went to healthcare and information technology.
GBC unveils economic scorecard for Greater Baltimore region
The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) recently released its first-ever Investment Scorecard for the Region, revealing that the region attracted 347 investment and development deals for a total of $4.19 billion in 2023, creating 23,000 new direct jobs and generating $1.7 billion in labor income.
Baltimore leaders consider economic impact of Key Bridge collapse
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has caused a ripple effect in the Maryland economy, with the Port of Baltimore contributing nearly $3.3 billion in total personal income, $395 million in taxes, and $2.6 billion in business income.

