The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance is a nonprofit organization committed to making downtown Baltimore a place where families thrive. Since a primary reason that residents—families and others—move to downtown neighborhoods is the ability to have a "walkable" lifestyle, DBFA is committed to creating a more pedestrian-friendly culture in downtown Baltimore.
Please use this website as a resource page for walkability in downtown Baltimore. We want you to come here to learn about improvements that have been made in our neighborhoods, contests DBFA is holding to help improve the culture for pedestrians, and learn about others who are supporting our initiative.
Why walkability?
In addition to increasing the safety and comfort of its residents, improving walkability is shown to mitigate health and wellness issues, decrease crime, and grow real estate values, among other positive economic indicators. Surveys have indicated that people are willing to pay a 40% to 200% price premium on a price per square foot basis for a walkable urban neighborhood as opposed to a competitive suburban area. By focusing on the needs of pedestrians, the city will also align itself with other progressive communities while ensuring the success of the Charm City Circulator and other public transportation efforts that rely on individuals walking to bus, light rail, and subway stops.