Baltimore is the city where America’s anthem of strength was born, and where commerce and endurance helped lay the foundation for the very institutions that govern us. That spirit was alive and well at the Greater Baltimore Committee’s (GBC) 70th Annual Meeting, where business, civic, and government leaders came together to celebrate a legacy of leadership while charting a bold path forward for the region.
For seven decades, the GBC has been a central force in Baltimore’s economic and civic life. Formed in 1955 by a coalition of business leaders, the organization has played a decisive role in shaping the region’s direction—whether advancing major infrastructure projects, strengthening anchor institutions, or advocating for policies to spur growth. The Annual Meeting provided a rare chance not only to reflect on this legacy but to underscore what GBC means today: a convener of more than 300 partners unified around strengthening Baltimore’s future.
“For 70 years, the Greater Baltimore Committee has been a catalyst for progress, convening leaders to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges and championing solutions that drive growth,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, GBC President and CEO. “We are proud to mark this milestone by celebrating our history while looking ahead to the opportunities before us.”
The evening highlighted progress made in areas that have long defined the city’s narrative. Violent crime is down, vacant housing is being addressed with renewed urgency, and cultural institutions like the Orioles and the Preakness Stakes remain firmly rooted in Baltimore’s identity. Governor Wes Moore underscored this shift in tone, urging attendees to focus on the region’s momentum. “The thing that I would say to Baltimore at this moment is: Do not spend any more time on those who will distract,” Moore said, pointing to record-low violent crime rates and renewed stability in Baltimore’s major institutions as signs of progress.
The release of GBC’s new Impact Report added weight to these reflections. The report captures the work of the past two years, highlighting a nearly 70 percent surge in tax revenues from 2023 to 2024, driven by growth in transportation, utilities, real estate, manufacturing, and healthcare. Development projects and large-scale investments have gained momentum, while manufacturing—a sector too often written off—has re-emerged as a driver of jobs and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the city’s innovation economy continues to grow: more than 480 active startups, $664 million raised in venture funding, and momentum in life sciences, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. (You can read the full report here.)
What stood out throughout the program was the sense that Baltimore’s future is not simply something to wait for—it is being built in real time, through deliberate choices and partnerships. The GBC has positioned itself as a bridge between the public and private sectors, a platform where bold ideas become actionable policy, and a network that channels collective energy into measurable outcomes.
There is no shortage of challenges ahead. Early-stage entrepreneurs still face funding gaps. Some neighborhoods remain untouched by the city’s economic momentum. Public safety and housing stability require ongoing attention. Yet by bringing together leaders across industries and government, GBC is betting on Baltimore’s ability to not only overcome these obstacles but to transform them into opportunities for innovation.
As attendees left the Annual Meeting with copies of the Impact Report in hand, the message was clear: Baltimore’s anthem is still one of strength. The GBC is working to ensure that anthem continues—resonating not as nostalgia, but as a promise that the city’s best chapters are still ahead.
