Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council

The Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Council (BVRC) will drive a unified approach to advancing community-based priorities and implementing recommended strategies to maximize investments, reduce vacancy and promote neighborhood renewal in Baltimore City. The Council is chaired by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day and vice-chaired by Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Alice Kennedy. In January 2025, the BVRC adopted values and guiding principles.

BVRC Working Group Interest Form

The BVRC is currently accepting interest from partners and practitioners in joining a BVRC Working Group. Working Groups are established by the BVRC and meet in between BVRC meetings to address specific issues. To express interest in participating in a BVRC Working Group, please complete this BVRC Working Group Interest Form.

Council Members

Jake Day, Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (Council Chair)
Alice Kennedy, Commissioner, Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (Council Vice Chair)
Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor
Rebecca Flora, Secretary, Maryland Department of Planning
Gary McGuigan, Executive Vice President, Maryland Stadium Authority
Tom Sadowski, Executive Director, Maryland Economic Development Corporation
Jasmin Torres, Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Cory McCray, Maryland State Senator, Maryland General Assembly
Stephanie Smith, Maryland State Delegate, Maryland General Assembly
Faith Leach, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Baltimore
Michael Mockston, Director, Department of Finance, City of Baltimore
John Bullock, Councilman, Baltimore City Council
Leslie McMillan, Co-Chair, BUILD
Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee
Matt Gallagher, President & CEO, Goldseker Foundation
Beth Blauer, Associate Vice Provost for Public Sector Innovation & Associate Professor of Practice, Carey Business School
Otis Rolley, Baltimore City Resident

Plans and Reports

The following links include plans and reports related to Baltimore City’s vacancy crisis and city and state community development and housing objectives.