PRESS RELEASE : October 7, 2024
Registration Now Open for the 2024 Baltimore Together Summit
Key Leaders and Community Members to Convene for Baltimore’s 3rd Annual Economic Development Event
Baltimore, MD - The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) announces that registration for the third annual Baltimore Together Summit, set to take place on November 12, 2024, at Baltimore Center Stage, is now open. This year’s Summit will bring together community, government, and business leaders to continue the important dialogue of building a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for Baltimore City.
Launched as part of Baltimore’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Baltimore Together seeks to address racial inequities and expand economic opportunities across the city. The Baltimore Together 2024 Progress Report and updated Implementation Matrix, to be released at the Summit, will highlight strategies for fostering inclusive economic growth and ensuring opportunities for all. The Summit will also celebrate key milestones from the past year, including the launch of the Baltimore Economy Dashboard, the release of Downtown RISE, and the city’s swift response to the Key Bridge collapse while looking ahead to new initiatives that promote growth and resilience.
“Baltimore Together is a collective vision that belongs to every resident, business, and organization in our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This plan serves as our north star as we continue to create a more inclusive and vibrant economy. It’s about bringing everyone to the table, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that economic growth benefits all Baltimoreans, not just a select few. Together, we are building a future where opportunity is within reach for everyone in our city.”
The opening day of the 2024 Summit will feature discussions on key topics such as strategies to address vacant housing and West Baltimore redevelopment, ways businesses can drive positive change through civic engagement, and an in-depth look at the life sciences sector as a key driver of growth in Baltimore. Participants will hear from prominent speakers, including Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Alice Kennedy, Commissioner, Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
Additionally, throughout the week, ten workshops will be held across the city, focusing on pivotal topics crucial to Baltimore's economic development and growth, including youth entrepreneurship, West North Avenue revitalization, Baltimore’s film and television industry, and supporting and empowering small local businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, participate in interactive sessions, and contribute to shaping Baltimore’s economic future.
“This Summit is more than a meeting; it’s a movement,” said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the BDC. “Baltimore Together reflects our commitment to overcoming economic disparities and building a thriving, resilient city. Our economy has been growing steadily for two decades, and despite challenges like the Key Bridge collapse, we are poised for even greater growth. This is our moment, and we welcome everyone to join us in shaping Baltimore’s future.”
This year's Summit is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, M&T Bank, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, BGE, and the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). Last year’s Summit attracted over 700 registrants and more than 850 livestream participants. This year, the BDC aims to surpass those numbers by encouraging even broader community involvement.
To be part of the Summit and join this important conversation, register today at BaltimoreTogether.com. For more information or to learn how your organization can get involved, please contact us at baltimoretogether@justeconomy.com.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC)
The BDC is the economic development agency for 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.
About Baltimore Together
Baltimore Together: A Platform for Inclusive Prosperity is a culmination of a two-year process to develop a five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Baltimore City. 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.
