Baltimore Development Corporation asks council to keep services steady while expanding commercial-district data work

The Baltimore Development Corporation requested that the Baltimore City Council maintain current funding levels for its three core services — business retention, real-estate development and entrepreneurial support — while launching a new Commercial District Assessment initiative aimed at targeting future public and private investment.

Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, told the council’s Budget and Appropriations Committee that BDC’s FY2026 priorities include retaining existing companies, increasing the city tax base, and attracting investment in higher-growth entrepreneurial companies. "Our mission is to grow the city's economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing job opportunities for city residents," Tarbert said.

The request comes with a mix of performance targets and program developments. For business retention, BDC reported an FY2024 actual of 139 companies assisted — well above a previous target of 50 — and a FY2024 jobs figure of about 1,700 (the FY2024 target had been 2,000). For FY2026 the agency is targeting retention of roughly 40 businesses and…