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Panel urges creation of Baltimore Convention and Tourism Redevelopment Authority to modernize center, expand bookings and capture local benefits
Summary
Baltimore officials and industry leaders told the Ways and Means Committee HB1016 would create a convention and tourism redevelopment authority to modernize the Baltimore Convention Center and better align financing and management with regional economic development goals.
Baltimore City officials, the Baltimore Convention Center director and tourism leaders testified in favor of House Bill 1016, a proposal to establish a Baltimore Convention Center and Tourism Redevelopment and Operating Authority.
Justin Williams, deputy mayor for community and economic development, said the city is not seeking privatization but wants a governance model that will align incentives and allow more streamlined decision‑making for capital improvements and marketing. He and other witnesses noted a substantial amount of planned private investment near downtown and noted competition from newer convention facilities in other cities. They argued the current city‑owned/operated model has limited flexibility to capture and reinvest the economic benefits of conventions…
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