Visit Baltimore promotes local businesses to enhance community storytelling

Baltimore's City Council hearing on the FY2026 budget took a vibrant turn as discussions centered on enhancing local business partnerships and community storytelling. Key stakeholders emphasized the importance of integrating local flavors and narratives into the city’s marketing strategies, particularly through collaborations with businesses like Matriarch and Cadetas Cupcakes.

Council members highlighted the need for a more intentional approach to showcasing Baltimore's diverse offerings, from parks to museums, ensuring that the city’s unique identity is reflected in promotional materials. The conversation underscored the significance of local businesses in attracting visitors and enhancing the city’s image, with one councilman noting, “If we have a small business there, they can tell their story,” emphasizing the power of personal narratives in marketing.

The role of Visit Baltimore was also a focal point, with calls for improved marketing efforts that extend beyond downtown to include the broader city landscape. Council members expressed a desire for more comprehensive representation of Baltimore’s neighborhoods, advocating for a narrative that encompasses the entire city.

As the meeting wrapped up, there was a clear commitment to continue evolving these partnerships and storytelling efforts, aiming to create a better perception of Baltimore and its offerings. The council's enthusiasm for local engagement and community representation signals a promising direction for the city’s future initiatives.