Posted on 10/09/25
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 9, 2025 - Mayor Brandon Scott unveiled Downtown RISE: A Master Plan for Downtown, a comprehensive long-term revitalization plan for Downtown Baltimore, on Thursday.
The plan builds on the mayor's "Downtown RISE: Strategic Action Plan" and "Downtown RISE: A 10-Year Vision", which were launched last year.
Officials said this new plan, a collaboration between Mayor Scott's administration, Governor Wes Moore's administration, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and a diverse downtown stakeholder group, serves as a framework to make the city's downtown "more livable, pedestrian friendly, and vibrant."
The plan was released for public engagement, continuing the administration's commitment to hearing from Baltimoreans from all corners of the city.
Mayor Scott said the master plan will be regularly updated as progress is made, and as collaboration and funding opportunities evolve.
The Scott Administration first announced Downtown RISE back in November 2023 and released a set of immediate actions to improve the vibrancy of downtown.
Six months following the unveiling, the Scott Administration said it engaged hundreds of residents, business owners, nonprofit leaders and stakeholders from across Baltimore through surveys, town halls and briefings to inform the initiative's strategy.
Now, it includes both a medium-term action plan outlining "critical projects, investments, and strategies, and long-term comprehensive planning targets to chart Downtown Baltimore's next chapter."
“Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods — which means our rise is only complete when both uptown and downtown are thriving,” Mayor Scott said via a press release. “This plan invests in the heart of our city: the place where so many Baltimoreans gather, dine, work, and play. It’s a reflection of our residents’ needs and the tireless efforts of our partners from the city and state. Together, we’ve set out a path to a healthier, safer, more prosperous future for Downtown Baltimore. That future starts today."
"Moving in partnership with leaders across the city, we've already cut unemployment, broken the back of violent crime, and spurred economic growth. Now, we are continuing that work with an approach that delivers on the promise of work, wages, and wealth for all. For this to be Maryland's Decade, it has to be Baltimore's Time. And with a team this strong, I know we will prevail," Gov. Moore said in a statement.
Officials said the third and final phase of Downtown RISE focuses on the long-term 10-year vision for downtown.
In partnership with key downtown stakeholders, the Scott Administration said it will continue to engage community members as it finalizes a long-term strategic vision for the future of Downtown Baltimore.
“Our teams work every day to make our Downtown cleaner, more vibrant, and more livable, and we’re committed to doing our part to make this Master Plan a reality," Shelonda Stokes, President of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, said via a press release. "The future is now for Downtown, and through partnership, relentless focus and engagement with our many Downtown stakeholders, we can make this more livable future a reality.”