Central Baltimore Partnership

Promoting the comprehensive revitalization of eleven neighborhoods and one commercial district in Central Baltimore in accordance with action plans. Coordinates the activity of approximately 120 organizations including three universities, city and state agencies, community and nonprofit organizations, and businesses and business groups. We have achieved dramatic success in promoting strategic reinvestment in our community--re-using vacant property, promoting and preserving affordable housing supporting homeownership and commercial redevelopment, strengthening the vitality of our arts district, improving transportation, and creating more equitable social and economic opportunity. We have reduced the number of vacant properties by half--to approximately 200 and we have created more than 500 affordable housing units and a total of 1,500 housing units since 2010. We have improved the commercial districts of Central Baltimore on north avenue, greenmount avenue, on lower charles street, and in remington.

Encouraging and supporting community engagement in Central Baltimore neighborhoods by collaborating with local foundations, local and state government, fellow nonprofit organizations, businesses and financial institutions to connect residents to employment, housing, business development, arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities, and health and support services. We also work collaboratively to improve public safety and activate vacant property.

Cbp and over 150 partners have realized a comprehensive community development strategy resulting since 2007 in $1 billion in investment, over 1600 units of housing (30% affordable), reduced crime; improved open space and pathways, lighting and sanitation; and the re-use of long-vacant landmark commercial and industrial buildings. Cbps 2012 hcpi action planstill the bedrock of cbps workwas a model of community participation, involving over 200 public and private meetings. This plan demonstrated cbp's ability to join stakeholders from 10 neighborhoods to plan and execute a bold revitalization strategy. Since then cbp has honed this collaborative approach and our work is guided now by over 20 task forces and work groups involving residents and businesses, subject matter experts, public agency and institution representatives. These committees wrestle with topics ranging from developing/maintaining an arts district, to creating vibrant out-of-school-time programming for youth, and the redevelopment of key parcels. Our uniquely collaborative approach and its impact have attracted attention from peers and potential investors, as well as local and national media. Baltimore housing, the md smart growth commission, the community development network of md, and national organizations like the national assoc. Of community economic development associations recognize cbp as among the most innovative and productive community development organizations. Every week involves inquiries from groups who want to emulate our work and time spent coaching others in cbps approach. Cbp has convened a number of community planning initiatives, then worked with stakeholders to build their implementation capacity. Recently, these include the north avenue rising planning process in Central Baltimore, the development of a north avenue commercial revitalization strategy, and early reinvestment priority setting in midway, which has resulted in plans for a spectacular community park and the expansion of the compound, an extraordinary arts co-op. Cbps current redevelopment activity is ambitious and reflects our capacity and the confidence key stakeholders have in our organization. These projects include leading community participation in the redevelopment of penn station and the surrounding public realm; expanding our Partnership with st. ambrose housing aid center and jubilee Baltimore to assist 70+ low-income homeowners to repair their homes each year; expansion of programming of the station north arts district, small business development along greenmount and north avenues; and the $3.8 mm intervention acquisition of a key arts hub, area 405.