Baltimore Development Corporation Wins Two International Economic Development Awards for Transformative Projects

The Baltimore Development Corporation announced it has been honored with two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council for cities with populations greater than 500,000. The IEDC's annual Excellence Awards recognize transformative economic development projects that have profoundly impacted communities, regions, and nations. The awards were specifically bestowed for Harbor Point, which received Gold in the Innovative Financing category, and 4MLK, which earned Silver in Real Estate Development & Reuse.

Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, stated that Baltimore continues to demonstrate what it means to deliver transformative projects at scale. He emphasized that BDC's work reflects a deep commitment to the power of economic development to create lasting impact. Each year, the International Economic Development Council recognizes economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that exemplify consistent excellence in the field. The Excellence Awards highlight projects and initiatives that drive community revitalization and advance the practice of economic development, showcasing models that have a lasting, transformative impact.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott expressed pride that BDC's accomplishments are being recognized on a global scale by the IEDC. He noted that from transforming Baltimore's waterfront to revitalizing the gateway to the Westside, BDC's work demonstrates what can be accomplished through intentional community investment. The Harbor Point project retains major employers like T. Rowe Price, Morgan Stanley, and Exelon while adding a new five-acre public waterfront park for the community. Meanwhile, 4MLK serves as a new gateway connecting the University of Maryland BioPark, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The 4MLK project delivers much-needed life sciences expansion space along with an open public plaza, publicly accessible community space, and new retail opportunities along Baltimore Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Otis Rolley, president and CEO of BDC, stated that these awards reflect the power of collaboration and the team's work to build an accessible Baltimore where inclusive and sustainable economic growth is not just a goal but a reality. BDC shares this recognition with Beatty Development, Wexford Science & Technology, and the University of Maryland BioPark, along with their outstanding design and development teams. BDC was acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, MI. For more information about the IEDC's awards and this year's winners, visit https://www.iedconline.org.