Baltimore Urged to Require Ownership Opportunities Near Transit

Experts say the city's development model favors renters over owners, hindering wealth creation for residents.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:41pm

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the idea of equitable home ownership and wealth distribution in a transit-oriented development.Innovative housing policies near Baltimore's transit corridors could create more pathways to generational wealth for city residents.Baltimore Today

In a commentary for the AFRO, urban development expert Michael Eugene Johnson argues that Baltimore should require new residential projects near transit stations to include a meaningful percentage of ownership units, such as condos and co-ops. Johnson says this would help create more pathways to generational wealth for city residents, rather than primarily benefiting landlords and investors as the current model does.

Why it matters

Baltimore's transit-oriented development has largely focused on rental housing, which critics say limits opportunities for residents to build long-term wealth through home ownership. Requiring ownership options could help address the city's racial wealth gap and ensure more equitable growth.

The details

Johnson says Baltimore's current development model, which favors rental apartments near transit, allows property values to rise while the financial benefits flow upward to landlords and investors rather than residents. He argues the city should adopt a policy mandating that 20-30% of new residential projects within walking distance of major transit include ownership units like condos and co-ops. This, he says, would provide more pathways to wealth-building for average Baltimoreans.

  • The commentary was published on April 12, 2026.

The players

Michael Eugene Johnson

An urban development expert and the creator of the Pikes Studio Cinema, as well as a cofounder of Black Men Unifying Black Men.

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What they’re saying

“If we are serious about closing the wealth gap and creating lasting opportunity, Baltimore must rethink its approach to development. Specifically, the city should require ownership opportunities—such as condos, co-ops, and rent-to-own units—in every major transit-oriented development.”

— Michael Eugene Johnson, Urban Development Expert

What’s next

The city of Baltimore is expected to consider policy changes to encourage more home ownership opportunities in transit-oriented developments.

The takeaway

Requiring a mix of ownership and rental options in new projects near transit could help address Baltimore's racial wealth gap by providing more residents the chance to build long-term equity and generational wealth.