Politics & Government
Can Charm City Cherry-Pick DC Residents?
Baltimore hopes to bring in 10,000 new families by 2020.
By Ben Gross
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently told attendees at a “Redefining Rust Belt” discussion that cheaper housing prices and a more affordable cost-of-living mean Baltimore is positioned to pick up some new residents from DC.
“We have some great opportunities to poach from some of their residents,” Blake (D) said, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.
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The Federal Reserve Bank holds the "Redefining Rust Belt" conferences, which focus on boosting population in former industrial cities. Tuesday’s discussion also included participants from Cleveland, Philadelphia and Detroit.
Rawlings-Blake—who hopes to bring 10,000 new families to Charm City by 2020—highlighted a planned $20-plus million renovation of Lexington Market, reductions in property taxes, and the demolition of thousands of unoccupied homes.
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The BBJ cites U.S. Census data showing that Baltimore’s population had been stagnant over the past 60-plus years until it grew slightly in 2012.
The mayor also touted the expansion of weekend MARC rail service to DC and a $1.1 billion plan for 15 new city schools.DC residents: have you ever considered living in Baltimore? Do you think the city's plan will be successful? Let us know in the comments.
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