Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced grant awards for multiple Community Land Trusts in support of affordable housing efforts. This was the third round of capital grants for CLT work in Baltimore city, and the first round of operating support for working capital provided to these organizations.

The renovation and expansion of the Chick Webb Recreation Center in East Baltimore received HUD approval for a Section 108 Loan Guarantee of $12.4 million.  Section 108 provides CDBG funds to communities as a source of low-cost, long-term financing for economic and community development projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The Baltimore City Fire Department launched its Unsafe Vacant Marking Initiative to help first responders identify unsafe vacant homes, buildings, or structures when determining the structural integrity before entering.

DHCD, in partnership with the Department of Planning, has issued a Request for Proposals for urban agriculture.  The City is seeking urban farming proposals – which can be from for-profits, non-profits, or individuals – for one or more of four identified city-owned sites.