DHCD outlines Reframe Baltimore whole-block plan, cites 12,010 vacant buildings and lender, lien reforms

Commissioner Alice Kennedy told the City Council's Housing and Economic Development Committee on Monday that Reframe Baltimore is the mayor's "comprehensive strategy to eliminate vacant properties in the city of Baltimore in 15 years," and described a set of operational reforms intended to speed property dispositions and protect existing residents from displacement.

Kennedy said the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) currently counts 12,010 vacant buildings in Baltimore and has driven that figure down by "over 25%" since Mayor Scott took office. She framed the initiative around "whole-block" outcomes — defined as both sides of a street from corner to corner — and said the city will begin fiscal-year '27 block-level planning in March with cross-agency participation.

The presentation detailed how DHCD disposes of city-controlled properties. For many addresses the department uses a fixed-price offer that requires applicants to show proof of $90,000 ("whether or not that is cash on hand, that could be a rehab mortgage, it…