A Conversation with Chris Ryer, Director of the Baltimore City Department of Planning

Please join us for a conversation with Chris Ryer, Director of Baltimore City Department of Planning. Director Ryer will discuss his vision and strategies for the Department of Planning, as well as its priorities, assets and challenges. He will also discuss how Planning will work with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and community partners to develop a vision for stability and revitalization in accordance with DHCD’s new framework for community development.

Time will be allotted to engage in questions and discussion of ways Maryland Philanthropy Network members can collaborate or align with the Department’s initiatives.

The Department of Planning is the City agency entrusted with guiding the physical development of the City of Baltimore. The Department staffs three Mayoral-appointed City commissions:

• Planning Commission
• Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP)
• Sustainability Commission

This Department of Planning has five divisions within the Department, in addition to the Office of the Director, including the Office of Sustainability and Historical and Architectural Preservation, among others. The Department is currently renewing its focus on equity, as well as public engagement.

Mr. Ryer was appointed by Mayor Catherine E. Pugh in January of 2019. Mr. Ryer holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California and a Master's in Community Planning from the University of Maryland. Upon earning his Master’s degree, Mr. Ryer joined the Department of Planning as a community planner. Over the next 30 years, he held a number of leadership positions in planning across Baltimore City, including Deputy Director for the Department of Planning, which he held from 2002 to 2006. He then went on to work in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's neighborhood revitalization division, where he provided technical assistance in organizational development, fundraising, strategic planning and land use planning to Maryland DHCD grant recipients. Most recently, Ryer served as Executive Director for the Southeast Community Development Corporation and has held that position for the past 12 years. He has also earned numerous planning and leadership awards and serves on several civic boards across Baltimore.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network Members only. Lunch will be served.

Please note the Latrobe Building has implemented a new front door security system, click here for entrance instructions.