Downtown Baltimore Sees Signs of Resurgence, But Residents Remain Skeptical

Annual report highlights decline in crime and hotel occupancy, as well as upcoming development projects, but some locals express concerns about the changing landscape.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:14am

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A new report from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore suggests the city's downtown area is undergoing a resurgence, with declining crime rates, several shovel-ready development projects, and increased entertainment and cultural offerings. However, some Baltimore residents remain skeptical, citing the loss of convenient retail and dining options in the area.

Why it matters

The report highlights the ongoing efforts to revitalize and reimagine downtown Baltimore, which has faced challenges in recent years. The city's ability to balance growth, community needs, and resident concerns will be crucial in determining the long-term success of these redevelopment efforts.

The details

The Downtown Partnership's annual report shows that while hotel occupancy declined in the past year, crime rates also fell. Several major development projects are expected to begin this year, including the re-imagining of Harborplace. The report also notes that more than 800,000 people have attended events at the CFG Bank Arena, and the Hippodrome is also doing well. However, the report acknowledges that more than $1 billion in assessed property value has been lost, and city leaders are working to attract new investors and businesses to embrace their vision for the future.

  • The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore released its annual report in April 2026.
  • The report shows data and trends from the previous year.
  • Several shovel-ready development projects are expected to begin this year (2026).
  • The re-imagining of Harborplace is set to break ground later this year (2026).
  • On Tuesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation that will provide a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes option for developers and businesses in downtown Baltimore.

The players

Shelonda Stokes

President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, who commented on the city's ability to hold two opposing views in its mind while moving forward.

Veronica

A visitor to Baltimore who said there are many things to do in the city and many historical sites.

Eric

A Baltimore resident who expressed concerns about the loss of convenient retail and dining options in the downtown area.

Bill Ferguson

Maryland Senate President, who said the city needs to shift its model and emerge with a different future.

Otis Rolley

President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, who commented on the need for more predictability and clarity in the rules of engagement for developers.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if you follow Scott Fitzgerald, but he once said that the true test of intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing views in your mind at the same time and still move forward. That is us right now.”

— Shelonda Stokes, President and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

“I used to have the convenience of just walking down here just getting clothes, just getting food, taking my family out to a restaurant. Now that everything is gone, there is nothing to do down here.”

— Eric, Baltimore resident

“We got to shift our model. We got to emerge with a different future. We had to have a different version of what's possible, and we have to make the hard choices to change our business.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President

“We are really excited about the Downtown pilot for a number of reasons. One, as we're trying to attract new business and more investment into Downtown, what we hear from the development community is that they need more predictability. They need to know what the rules of engagement are.”

— Otis Rolley, President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation

What’s next

The legislation signed by Governor Wes Moore is expected to expedite the re-imagining of Harborplace, which is set to break ground later this year. It could also entice the development of a college town at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's campus.

The takeaway

The report on downtown Baltimore's resurgence highlights the city's ongoing efforts to balance growth, community needs, and resident concerns. While the data suggests progress in some areas, such as declining crime and increased entertainment offerings, the loss of convenient retail and dining options remains a concern for some locals. Ultimately, Baltimore's ability to address these competing interests will be crucial in determining the long-term success of its redevelopment efforts.