Johns Hopkins and GBC Transition BLocal Initiative to Foster Economic Growth in Baltimore

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and Johns Hopkins University and Medicine have announced the transition of the BLocal program's management from Johns Hopkins to GBC, aiming to bolster local hiring, procurement, and investment in the Baltimore region. This initiative, which has already committed over $1.4 billion to local businesses and hired more than 4,000 Baltimore City residents since 2016, is set to enter a new phase under GBC's leadership. A feasibility study supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation will guide the program's evolution, focusing on creating a unified platform that integrates the efforts of BLocal and the Baltimore Integration Partnership (BIP).

Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of GBC, emphasized the transformative potential of business-led, place-based investments for Baltimore's communities. The initiative aligns with GBC's Multi-Year Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth through local hiring pipelines and support for small businesses. The feasibility study will explore ways to sustain and expand BLocal's impact, starting with a 'hire local' initiative to connect the workforce with major employers, followed by additional pillars focused on buying, investing, and living locally.

Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, a founding partner of BLocal, reaffirmed its commitment to Baltimore's economic development, highlighting the program's success in fostering regional prosperity. The findings of the feasibility study are expected to be released in early 2026, paving the way for BLocal's relaunch. For more information, visit https://gbc.org.