Live Baltimore Releases Its New 5-Year Strategic Plan

The nonprofit outlines its plan to advance a shared vision for Baltimore City in which every resident has access to safe, stable housing and a thriving neighborhood.

A letter from Meghan McCorkell, Live Baltimore’s Executive Director

Nearly three decades ago, a group of concerned neighbors and business leaders came together with a shared conviction: Baltimore City is an extraordinary place to live, and more people deserve to know it. In 1997, they founded the Live Baltimore Marketing Center to promote the City and strengthen pride in urban living. A year later, the first Trolley Tour rolled through Baltimore’s neighborhoods. In 1999, the beloved “I Heart City Life” campaign began, and in 2001, Live Baltimore officially became a nonprofit.

Today, what began as a grassroots effort has grown into an organization that’s impacted the lives of thousands of people who call Baltimore City home. After decades of population decline, Baltimore is gaining new momentum, with Census data showing household numbers steadily rising. Baltimore’s renaissance is underway, with state and city leaders joining with philanthropic and public-sector partners to invest in historically disinvested communities to eliminate vacant housing.

Alongside residents, community organizations, public agencies, employers, and institutions, we are working to advance a shared vision of a city where every resident has access to safe, stable housing and a thriving, vibrant neighborhood.

This is a transformative time in our City, and this strategic plan will help Live Baltimore meet the moment.

In 2026, Live Baltimore staff and a Board Strategic Planning Steering Committee worked with consultants to gather feedback from hundreds of stakeholders, including City leaders, business and institutional partners, funders, community organizations, and customers. Through this collaborative process, five strategic priorities emerged:

• Role in the Ecosystem
• Program Scope Expansion
• Infrastructure and Capacity
• Sustainable Funding Model
• Marketing & Brand Identity

Equity remains at the heart of our work. Baltimore’s neighborhoods have been shaped by generations of systemic disinvestment, redlining, and unequal access to opportunity. Advancing equity requires intentional action to foster inclusive neighborhood growth, reduce barriers to homeownership, and support long-term residents while welcoming new ones.

Baltimore is a city defined by extraordinary grit, resilience, and possibility. Its greatest strength is its people. Live Baltimore is steadfast in its commitment to building a city where every resident can put down roots, prosper, and proudly call Baltimore City home.