Signature year-end event at The Paramount to explore transformative projects, transportation investments and innovative financing strategies shaping the Baltimore region's future
(BALTIMORE, Md) — The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) will host its annual “Vision 2035: Building for a Better Baltimore Region” summit on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Paramount in Baltimore. It will be one of the first events to take place at the venue.
As GBC’s final signature event of the year, Vision 2035 will bring together business leaders, developers, elected officials and civic partners to explore the projects, investments and partnerships shaping the Baltimore region’s future. This year’s program will highlight major development initiatives, transportation improvements and efforts to reimagine neighborhoods and public spaces.
From the transformation of Station North and the area surrounding Penn Station to plans for the Jones Falls corridor and new approaches to transit-oriented development, the summit will examine how investments in the region’s physical infrastructure can strengthen economic competitiveness, attract investment and improve quality of life.
“Across Baltimore, we’re seeing ambitious projects and investments that have the potential to reshape our city and region for generations,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “Vision 2035 is an opportunity to bring attention to this work, connect the leaders moving these projects forward and have important conversations about what it will take to turn these plans into reality. As we look toward 2027, we want to build on that momentum and ensure the region is positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.”
This year’s summit will take place at The Paramount, providing an opportunity to highlight the vision behind the venue and its role in Baltimore’s evolving development landscape.
“The Paramount is a fitting setting for Vision 2035 because it represents the kind of vision and investment we’re gathering to discuss,” said Janet Currie, president, Greater Maryland, Bank of America, and chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s board of directors. “Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when people see opportunity in Baltimore and commit to bringing ambitious ideas to life. Across our region, there are significant opportunities to build on that same spirit of investment, partnership and progress.”
Through a series of presentations, fireside conversations and panel discussions, the summit will examine several major initiatives underway or planned across the region, including:
- Moving People, Moving the Economy: A look at Maryland’s transit-oriented development strategy, including plans for Odenton, followed by a fireside conversation with Tony Bridges, administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, about the future of regional transportation, including efforts to improve transit connectivity and support economic development.
- Reimagining the Jones Falls: A discussion of opportunities to rethink the Jones Falls corridor and its role in connecting neighborhoods, creating public spaces and supporting new development in Baltimore.
- Station North on the Rise: A conversation about the continued transformation of central Baltimore, including development surrounding Penn Station and major new investments in the Station North Arts District.
- Investing in Baltimore, Investing in Maryland: A discussion of the financing tools and partnerships needed to advance major development and infrastructure projects, including tax increment financing, Opportunity Zones and payment in lieu of taxes agreements. The conversation will explore how these approaches can support major investments in downtown Baltimore and throughout the region.
“Transportation, real estate development and the quality of our public spaces are deeply connected,” said Jennifer Vey, chief strategy officer of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “This year’s program looks at specific places and projects that are changing Baltimore, while also examining the policies, partnerships and financing tools needed to advance them. We’re looking not only at what these investments could mean for the region in 2035, but also at the decisions and actions needed in the coming year to keep them moving forward.”
Confirmed speakers to date include:
- Tony Bridges, administrator, Maryland Transit Administration
- Laura Gamble, regional president, Greater Maryland and Northeast Territory, PNC Bank
- Bob Goldstein, managing member, The Paramount Baltimore
- Otis Rolley, CEO and president, Baltimore Development Corporation
- Joe McAndrew, assistant secretary for project development and delivery, Maryland Department of Transportation
- Charlie Bond, development director, Beatty Development Group
- Jack Danna, director of commercial revitalization and future fund, Central Baltimore Partnership
- Matt Hugel, director of community development and external relations, Maryland Institute College of Art
- Thibault Manekin, development co-founder, Seawall Development Corp.
- Abdo Roffe, vice president of acquisitions and development, Questar Properties
- Tom Sadowski, CEO and executive director, Maryland Economic Development Corp.
- Jake Day, secretary, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- Jennifer Curry, managing shareholder, Baker Donelson
- Jennifer Vey, chief strategy officer, Greater Baltimore Committee
Additional speakers and program details will be announced in the coming weeks.
As in past years, the summit will conclude with a discussion of GBC’s legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead, connecting the projects and challenges highlighted throughout the morning to the organization’s ongoing work to advance economic growth and opportunity across the Baltimore region.
“Vision 2035: Building for a Better Baltimore Region” is supported by sponsors including Host: The Paramount Baltimore; Ambassadors: UMMS and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; Signature Sponsors: MedStar Health, BGE and CCBC; Patron: Baltimore Development Corporation; and Contributor: Merritt Companies, Kaiser Permanente, and Johns Hopkins University and Medicine. Media partners include the Baltimore Sun, The Afro American Newspaper, I95 Business and The Daily Record.
Tickets are $50 for GBC Partners and $150 for Non-Partners. Registration is available at www.gbc.org/events.
ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE
The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region, providing insightful economic and civic leadership to drive collective impact. Comprising more than 300 organizations—including businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and healthcare and educational institutions—the GBC is dedicated to fostering the prosperity of the Greater Baltimore region. For more information, visit gbc.org.
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