To address the persistent issue of housing in Baltimore, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) have announced the creation of the city's first Comprehensive Housing Plan. According to a statement made by the mayor's office, the plan aims to establish a long-term vision for housing policy in Baltimore and ensure that existing and future programs are effectively synchronized.
The upcoming effort will involve a public engagement process meant to gather insights and opinions from a diverse cross-section of Baltimore residents. Details provided by the mayor's office share plans for four town halls, a citywide survey in both electronic and paper formats, and several focused group sessions. The City has also brought in consulting firm Guidehouse to facilitate the dialogue.
Mayor Scott, in recognizing the historical weight of housing policy and its impacts - notably the legacy of redlining - expressed a commitment to overcoming Baltimore's troubled history. "Housing is one of the most critically important policy challenges facing the City of Baltimore," Mayor Scott said. "We’ve put forward numerous policy proposals and plans – like our vacant housing reduction strategy – that will help us finally overcome that dark legacy. Now is the time to bring all of the incredible work being done across the city together into one cohesive plan", as per the City of Baltimore press release.
Baltimore's housing agenda builds on previous initiatives, including DHCD's 2019 Community Development Framework. According to the mayor's office, DHCD Commissioner Alice Kennedy added, "Since I became Commissioner in 2021, I have wanted to create a truly community-centered, community-driven comprehensive housing plan." The comprehensive plan is scheduled for a final release in early 2025.
