Introduction
Why is Baltimore an interesting subject of study? As was the case for other rust belt cities[1], the last 50 years saw gigantic losses of its manufacturing economy, and with it, a stable, middle-class, urban population. Like a person drained of blood, the city limped along and did its best to survive.
Like other rust belt cities, Baltimore's downtown has seen a renaissance in the last few decades. It is arguably the seminal example of this national movement towards the rehabilitation of the urban core of America's oldest cities. And, characteristically, there is a palpable sense of the precariousness of these gains.
What is different about Baltimore? For one, it exists in the middle of one of America's wealthiest states. Where, once, this city was the center of gravity in Maryland, it seems to exist now as a novelty in the minds of Maryland's mostly suburban residents.
I happen to be a believer in Baltimore. I see its old grandeur still in place in the reliable orderliness of its brick rowhouses, in its rich history of philanthropy and dedication to community, and in the untapped strength of its African American population. Positive change has been happening in fits and starts, and, at times, in imperceptable ways. My goal with this blog is to be a documentarian. I see a great future for this city in the next half century, and I want to recognize the seeds that are being planted that will blossom into that vision.
There are other forums that focus on the development of new buildings and new real estate projects. Along with watching the Orioles and the Ravens, real estate spectatorship could be considered a third favorite pastime, with its fans' scorecard mentality. I'll try to avoid these discussions. With respect to Baltimore's future, the newest and biggest building project isn't what's going to really matter. It's the social capital and the human capital investments that are going to mean something.
I'm also not interested in being a "dead-endist" when looking at the city's problems. I admire David Simon, author of "The Corner", for bringing to life the struggles of Baltimore's poor and drug-addicted. He helps us to feel compassion where, sometimes, we would prefer to feel repulsion. But besides that, I want to see what can give us hope. I think that Baltimore has survived through the worst of its traumas (the loss of 30% of its population in the course of 50 years). That says something about its fundamental strengths that it still has a beating heart. It's time to notice what's working as well as what needs to be worked on.
Finally, I will do my best to ensure that it's always clear when I have data to back up my assertions. Otherwise, when there aren't facts available, or when it's simply due to my laziness or lack of resources, what you'll be reading will be purely personal intuition and perspective.
[1] Detroit, Flint, Cleveland, Gary, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Erie, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Buffalo, Rochester, St. Louis, and others.
Like other rust belt cities, Baltimore's downtown has seen a renaissance in the last few decades. It is arguably the seminal example of this national movement towards the rehabilitation of the urban core of America's oldest cities. And, characteristically, there is a palpable sense of the precariousness of these gains.
What is different about Baltimore? For one, it exists in the middle of one of America's wealthiest states. Where, once, this city was the center of gravity in Maryland, it seems to exist now as a novelty in the minds of Maryland's mostly suburban residents.
I happen to be a believer in Baltimore. I see its old grandeur still in place in the reliable orderliness of its brick rowhouses, in its rich history of philanthropy and dedication to community, and in the untapped strength of its African American population. Positive change has been happening in fits and starts, and, at times, in imperceptable ways. My goal with this blog is to be a documentarian. I see a great future for this city in the next half century, and I want to recognize the seeds that are being planted that will blossom into that vision.
There are other forums that focus on the development of new buildings and new real estate projects. Along with watching the Orioles and the Ravens, real estate spectatorship could be considered a third favorite pastime, with its fans' scorecard mentality. I'll try to avoid these discussions. With respect to Baltimore's future, the newest and biggest building project isn't what's going to really matter. It's the social capital and the human capital investments that are going to mean something.
I'm also not interested in being a "dead-endist" when looking at the city's problems. I admire David Simon, author of "The Corner", for bringing to life the struggles of Baltimore's poor and drug-addicted. He helps us to feel compassion where, sometimes, we would prefer to feel repulsion. But besides that, I want to see what can give us hope. I think that Baltimore has survived through the worst of its traumas (the loss of 30% of its population in the course of 50 years). That says something about its fundamental strengths that it still has a beating heart. It's time to notice what's working as well as what needs to be worked on.
Finally, I will do my best to ensure that it's always clear when I have data to back up my assertions. Otherwise, when there aren't facts available, or when it's simply due to my laziness or lack of resources, what you'll be reading will be purely personal intuition and perspective.
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[1] Detroit, Flint, Cleveland, Gary, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Erie, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Buffalo, Rochester, St. Louis, and others.
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