Baltimore Announces Housing and Planning Leadership Changes

New commissioners named to lead city's housing and planning departments.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced leadership changes in the city's Department of Housing and Community Development and Department of Planning on Wednesday. Tim Keane has been nominated as Commissioner of the Housing Department, Renata Southard as Planning Director, and Alice Kennedy as Executive Director of Community Affairs and Engagement. The changes will go into effect on March 2, 2026, after a six-month search that included local and national candidates.

Why it matters

The leadership changes come as Baltimore aims to address long-standing housing and development challenges, including the city's 'vacants crisis.' The mayor has directed the new commissioners to conduct an examination of the structures of the Housing and Planning departments with the goal of potentially merging the two departments to improve coordination and efficiency.

The details

In his new role, Keane will lead a six-month study - with the help of Southard - to identify silos and inefficiencies that could be addressed by reducing overlapping responsibilities and improving coordination across the permitting, planning, design and community development processes. Kennedy, who has led the Housing Department since 2020, announced in September 2025 that she would be stepping down from her role.

  • The leadership changes will go into effect on March 2, 2026.
  • Kennedy announced in September 2025 that she would be stepping down from her role as Housing Commissioner.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who announced the leadership changes.

Tim Keane

The newly nominated Commissioner of the Housing Department.

Renata Southard

The newly nominated Planning Director.

Alice Kennedy

The outgoing Housing Commissioner who has led the department since 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tim, Ren, and Alice have proven themselves to be creative and passionate public servants who always keep the needs of our residents at the center of their work. I am beyond excited for them to continue bringing their experience and wisdom to this next chapter for housing and development in our city.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (cbsnews.com)

“The residents of Baltimore deserve a city government that can excel and fully deliver on its promise. Perhaps nowhere is this more important than in the areas of housing, development, permitting, planning and design. The place we share has much to do with our prosperity.”

— Tim Keane, Newly Nominated Housing Commissioner (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The new commissioners will conduct a six-month study to identify ways to improve coordination and efficiency between the Housing and Planning departments, which could potentially lead to a merger of the two departments.

The takeaway

Baltimore is making strategic changes to its housing and planning leadership in an effort to address long-standing challenges, including the city's 'vacants crisis.' The new commissioners have been tasked with finding ways to improve coordination and efficiency across the permitting, planning, design and community development processes.