Baltimore officials seek joint state-city authority to run convention center and tourism operations
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Summary
Senate Bill 6-72, based on a 2024 task-force report, would create a joint state-city Baltimore Convention and Tourism Redevelopment and Operating Authority to improve governance and capital funding for the Baltimore Convention Center.
Senator Mary Washington presented Senate Bill 6-72 at the Finance Committee on behalf of the Baltimore City administration. The bill would establish the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Redevelopment and Operating Authority to govern the Baltimore Convention Center and Visit Baltimore (the city's destination marketing organization).
Deputy Mayor Justin Williams told the committee the center is a major economic driver but "one of the few in the country that are operated and known by a municipal government." He said municipal procurement, job classifications and capital funding constraints hamstring the center's ability to compete with centers governed by authorities. "This is where the vision is for the authority to have a joint state, kind of, membership and to have our incentives aligned to invest in the center," Williams said.
Matt Campbell, executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center, said post-COVID market shifts, aging infrastructure and limited annual capital funding have driven clients elsewhere. He presented examples of lost business and argued the authority form could unlock more consistent capital investment; Campbell noted the center previously delivered strong returns for the state and said new governance could restore that competitiveness.
Supporters at the hearing included Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the Greater Baltimore Committee, Visit Baltimore and multiple hotel and hospitality leaders. Visit Baltimore chief executive Al Hutchinson described the authority model used in peer cities and argued it would be a tool to secure and expand conventions that drive lodging, dining and travel spending.
Labor and stadium partners asked for amendments: AFSCME sought protections for existing union jobs and coverage under the Public Employee Relations Act if employees transfer, and the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens requested specific representation slots on the authority board. Deputies said the city will work with stakeholders on amendments.
No vote was taken; sponsors asked for a favorable report and indicated they would follow up with a package of amendments, including labor and board composition changes.