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🔥 The $2.5B Plan Reshaping Baltimore’s Future
Published 3 months ago • 6 min read
Happy Saturday, Maryland!
Alright guys, Baltimore’s lining up some seriously important moves this week:
→ The city just rolled out a 10-year fiscal plan aimed at saving $2.5 billion, and it gives us a real look at how leaders want to reshape services, taxes, and long-term investment. Big shift.
→ And downtown is getting another push with a nearly $50 million effort to revive the Historic Redwood Walk corridor. New ownership, new upgrades, new momentum. This one could change how that whole stretch feels.
→ Plus, Baltimore County’s eyeing a 150 MW data center in Woodlawn that could bring jobs and tax revenue if it clears the early hurdles.
Scroll in and check out the full breakdown. And before you head out for the weekend, don’t miss the full December concerts calendar at the bottom. You’ll definitely find something to add to your plans!
Santa arrives by tugboat, carolers fill the streets, and the day ends with a glowing tree lighting and a parade of illuminated boats drifting from Canton to the Inner Harbor.
A touring production of Tchaikovsky’s classic featuring international dancers, graceful choreography, and theatrical puppetry that has captivated audiences for 30 years.
Patterson Park’s Observatory shines again with its annual holiday glow, complete with food trucks, live caroling, local vendors, and a festive lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Baltimore officials have unveiled a 10-year financial strategy projected to save the city $2.5 billion through budget reforms and smarter spending.
Details
The plan, introduced by Deputy Finance Director Bob Cenname on behalf of Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration, revolves around three key areas:
Core Service Delivery: Streamlining and strengthening essential public services.
Infrastructure Investment: Addressing long-term needs in transportation, housing, and public buildings.
Tax Competitiveness: Shifting the tax burden to encourage business growth and attract new residents.
The proposal includes dozens of policy changes aimed at generating both cost savings and new revenue. Of the projected $2.5 billion, $1.5 billion would be reinvested into city services by 2035.
Why it matters
This move could stabilize Baltimore’s finances after years of budget pressure from inflation and pandemic fallout. More deliberate use of taxpayer money also positions the city to improve services and infrastructure without constant short-term fixes.
It’s a signal to residents and businesses that Baltimore is planning ahead and investing locally.
The big picture
The city’s last long-term fiscal plan ran from 2013 to 2022 but was derailed by the pandemic and economic turbulence. With federal and state support in flux, local leaders say it’s time to take the reins and build resilience from within.
What’s next
City officials will begin rolling out the reforms in stages. Community input and legislative approval will shape how the final savings and investments unfold.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor is getting a $900 million makeover! 5 new buildings, 900 apartments, amphitheater, and floating wetlands. I'm breaking down the Harbor Place project, economic impact, and timeline for this historic transformation.
Redwood Light 7 LLC, led by Brad Byrnes and partners, has acquired 7 E. Redwood Street for $8 million, marking their fourth downtown property purchase since 2020.
The move is part of a nearly $50 million campaign to restore Baltimore’s Historic Redwood Walk corridor.
Details
The 20-story 7 E. Redwood building will remain home to city agencies for the next 20 years under a master lease.
The purchase opens up ground-floor leasing opportunities, with potential for new retail or community space.
Byrnes’ firm has also completed upgrades to 225 and 233 E. Redwood, plus the former Hotel RL, now a fully-leased 130-unit apartment building.
A nonprofit, the Historic Redwood Walk Association, was formed to oversee neighborhood restoration and promote its historic character.
Next phases will extend the corridor toward Port Discovery and the 4MLK Biopark.
Why it matters
The investment is breathing new life into a three-block stretch that once served as Baltimore’s financial core. It promises to attract foot traffic, raise property values, and boost tax revenue, all key to strengthening the city’s economic engine.
A revitalized Redwood Walk could become a walkable, mixed-use destination for locals and visitors alike.
Between the lines
This isn’t a one-and-done project. Byrnes and his team are playing the long game — acquiring, renovating, and activating key properties block by block.
Their strategy is to create “critical mass” that can ripple throughout downtown.
What’s next
With a fifth property already under contract, the development team plans to focus next on extending improvements east to Port Discovery and west to the 4MLK Biopark, gradually connecting Baltimore’s business, culture, and entertainment hubs.
A 150 MW data center may be headed to Woodlawn in Baltimore County, proposed by Security Land and Development LP. If approved, construction could start by mid-2026.
Details
The proposed site spans 42 acres and includes:
A new BGE electrical substation on 5 donated acres
A purchase of the local Rodeway Inn for redevelopment
Plans submitted for a razing permit, but not yet for full development
Why it matters
A project of this size could bring jobs, infrastructure investment, and new tax revenue to Woodlawn.
For a part of Baltimore County that hasn’t seen this level of private investment in years, it’s a potentially strong economic win (if community concerns are addressed early and transparently).
The big picture
Data centers are booming across Maryland, but not without backlash. Concerns over energy strain, land use, and community impact are rising statewide.
The Woodlawn proposal enters the spotlight just as the controversial Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project—meant in part to serve data centers—faces strong opposition.
By the numbers
Energy demand of the proposed center: 150 MW
Length of the Piedmont transmission line under fire from local residents: 67 miles
Land donation to BGE for new substation: 5 acres
What’s next
The community will likely have chances to weigh in before any final decisions. Lawmakers are pushing for full transparency and public input—and the project can’t move forward without zoning and permitting approvals.
The bottom line
Woodlawn has a chance to benefit from a major economic project, but it’ll take open communication, thoughtful planning, and strong oversight to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Baltimore’s market is holding steady with rising prices and moderate competition. The median home sits around $240,000, up 9.1% year over year, with homes getting about two offers and selling in roughly 49 days. It’s a market that rewards strategy and timing, not rushing.
For buyers: You’ve got opportunity here. Fewer sales mean less pressure, and prices are still approachable. Move fast on the homes you love, but don’t be afraid to negotiate.
For sellers: Rising prices work in your favor. Well-presented homes are still pulling in strong interest. Price smart, prep well, and you can capture the momentum in this steady but competitive market.
Featured Listings
782 Marston Ct, Millersville
Spacious Shipley’s Choice Colonial with 5,000+ sq ft, open kitchen, main-level office, finished basement, and full-length deck!
Skip the big crowds and hit Watkins Regional Park or Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point on a weekday. It’s cheaper, way less traffic, and you’ll actually enjoy the drive-through.
Kylie was amazing to work with! She’s professional, friendly, and really cares about helping people find exactly what they’re looking for. The Waldner Winters Team of Keller Williams Realty Centre is top-notch — they make the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend reaching out to them if you’re buying or selling a home!
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I'm a real estate expert and team leader sharing insights on the Maryland market, smart home strategies, local lifestyle, and the major developments shaping our communities. Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the know.
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