South Baltimore Gateway Partnership

The South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) is a dynamic, nimble, and highly entrepreneurial community economic development authority working within a collection of neighborhoods across south and southwest Baltimore known as the South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District. We are a relatively new organization, with a vigorous startup culture and a mandate to achieve measurable and meaningful change. We are funded with approximately $8 million/year in public funds. 

Under the SBGP Strategic Plan, we focus on three critical goals from the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan: Environmental Sustainability (which principally means making improvements to parks and public spaces); Health and Wellness (which principally means using recreational infrastructure as a platform for improving fitness and behavioral health); and Community Development and Revitalization (which principally means helping neighborhoods to attract the kinds of investment that they are seeking).

To accomplish these bold aims, we are building three distinct but integrated program areas. SBGP is 20% a Foundation, providing Community Grants to community organizations and nonprofit organizations; 30% a Community Benefits District, providing Enhanced Services above and beyond what the City can afford to provide; and 50% a Community Development Corporation, spearheading major Transformational Projects that affect the future trajectory of the District and the City.

If all of this sounds extremely unusual, that is because we are quite unique. SBGP is a highly effective and professional governmental body with the soul of a social enterprise startup, created specifically to accelerate the pace of positive change and act as a powerful catalyst for long-needed action. We reflect the aspirations of all of our neighborhoods, irrespective of demographics or income, but starting first and foremost with those communities that have the greatest needs. More information can be found at www.sbgpartnership.org.