A Quick Q&A with the Residents of Better Waverly 2 Apr 2025, 8:46 pm

Better Waverly is a wedge-shaped neighborhood in North Baltimore known for its walkability and historic charm. Our team met with Elliott Wesselborg, a recipient of Live Baltimore’s Buy Back the Block homebuying grant program and one of the neighborhood’s newest residents, and two Better Waverly Community Organization members, co-chairperson Chris Voeglein and board member Rebecca Vo, to learn more about and tour the wonderful community they call home. Read along to see some highlights of our neighborhood tour.

Why did you move to this neighborhood?

Neighbors in Better Waverly enjoy taking advantage of the walkability, community amenities, and accessibility to other metro regions.

“Living in the suburbs of New York, I really wanted to be in a more walkable area…I don’t have a car, so it’s super walkable. I can walk to work. I really like that. I think it’s very accessible to everything going on in Mount Vernon and Downtown, but a little bit quieter, which I enjoy.”

-Elliott

 

“I was living and working in DC for 20 years… but DC is DC, and I kind of wanted to step back from how intense that scene is. I love being in close proximity, but just starting a different mode of my life. So, I came to Better Waverly.”

-Rebecca

What are some of Better Waverly’s best community assets?

Residents are a quick walk from Giant Food, the 32nd Street Farmer’s Market, the Weinberg Y, Ace Hardware, an Enoch Prat Free Library branch, multiple independent bookstores, and The Book Thing of Baltimore, a local nonprofit that hosts monthly book giveaways. The neighborhood is also home to the Homestead Harvest Community Garden, 901 Arts, a community-based youth arts center that has painted various murals in Better Waverly, and the Johns Hopkins University at Eastern campus.

“We found a great place here in Better Waverly. A walk to the grocery store? You can’t beat that.”

-Chris

What types of homes will you see in Better Waverly?

One thing our team noticed on our tour was the variety of housing styles in the neighborhood. From rowhomes to duplexes and large detached single-family homes that even included farmhouse styles, there is something for everyone in Better Waverly!

“So, one thing that I learned from our co-chair of the board, he’s an architect, and he said that evidently, Better Waverly has the most diverse housing typology in the city… There’s the big farmhouse. We’ve got the traditional rowhouses… my little part [of the neighborhood] has the daylight rowhouses with the sunporches.”

-Chris

If you could describe the Better Waverly neighborhood in one word, what would you choose?

“Welcoming… I feel like Better Waverly really represents a neighborly part of the city… I think that’s one of the things I really love about Better Waverly. They’re ready to welcome in new members of the city, and it is a huge, allied area for those who are representing the LGBTQ community.”

-Rebecca

We hope you learned something new about the artsy and walkable Better Waverly neighborhood. View more photos from our tour on our Facebook page in the Love Where We Live Neighborhood Feature: Better Waverly album. Want us to give us a tour of your neighborhood? Email us at hello@livebaltimore.com to set up a Live Baltimore staff visit. We can’t wait to meet you!

(Chris Voeglein shows us the daylight rowhomes with sun porches in Better Waverly.)

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Everything We Learned About the Original Northwood Neighborhood 14 Mar 2025, 8:19 pm

Original Northwood is a rustic, wooded neighborhood in North Baltimore comprised of beautiful single family and semi-detached properties that line quiet streets curving through old-growth trees. The Live Baltimore team was delighted and honored to receive a guided walking tour of this historic neighborhood, led by residents Carla Paisley, Executive Director of the Southeast Community Development Association and Lena Bonds of Cummings & Co. Realtors. Read more to find out all the things we learned about Original Northwood and the neighbors who call it home.

Family Friendly

The neighborhood is very popular among families with children and has been for many decades. Children in the community attend nearby Baltimore City schools like Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, Western High School, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and Friends School of Baltimore.

Historic Value

Development for this suburban-like neighborhood within the city began in 1930 by the Roland Park Montebello Company, and was one of the first planned communities in America. The lead architect, John A. Ahlers, put thoughtful consideration into the neighborhood’s design, architecture, and landscaping, creating an urban oasis for its residents. Original Northwood received its official designation as an Historic District in 1998.

My particular home was called the exhibition house…the model home of the days. Original Northwood was developed in sections. The Deepwood Road development is where I live… And it’s the only house that’s allowed to have a picket fence in the front.

-Lena Bonds

Community Events

Original Northwood boasts a very active community association and hosts various events for its residents of all ages. Neighbors attend events like Thursday night Popsicle Socials, food truck Wednesdays (a COVID-19 initiative created to support local restaurants), wine and cheese parties, community dumpster days, yard sales, an annual block party, and more!

Supportive & Close-Knit Neighbors

Neighbors in Original Northwood, many of whom are longtime residents, make it a point to get to know each other and offer assistance in whatever way they can. Dog walkers, babysitters, and carpools are popular ways residents support one another. Throughout our tour, we chatted with several friendly neighbors we met along the way.

I was six and my sister was four. Lena took care of us after school. It was like ‘finish your homework, then go to Lena’s house.’ And we wore that path thin!  When I got old enough, I could babysit for Ian (Lena’s son). And then Ian’s younger sisters babysat for my children. And my children now babysit from time to time for Lena’s grandchildren… It’s just a loop.

-Carla Paisley

Our team truly enjoyed our time in Original Northwood. By the end of it, many of us had already begun planning our move. We want to extend a very special thank you to Carla and Lena for being our knowledgeable guides! You can find more photos from our tour in our Original Northwood photo album on the Live Baltimore Facebook page. Visit our neighborhoods page to learn more about the historic Original Northwood neighborhood.

Photo by Phylicia Ghee for Live Baltimore

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Live Baltimore’s Winter Trolley Tour Kicks Off the 2025 Homebuying Season 14 Mar 2025, 7:38 pm

Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour is a premiere in-person homebuying event hosted three times yearly that is a one-stop-shop for new buyers, repeat buyers, the homebuying curious, and everyone in between. Attendees attend expert-led homebuying workshops, take an informational bus tour of Baltimore City neighborhoods, and connect with real-estate experts dedicated to helping homebuyers reach their goals. The most recent Trolley Tour occurred on Saturday, February 1, at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and featured neighborhoods in Central and North Baltimore City. Keep reading to learn how the Winter Trolley Tour has impacted Baltimore City’s 2025 housing market so far.

We Shared Baltimore City with New Residents

The Winter 2025 Trolley Tour was overflowing with new potential homebuyers looking to plant roots in Baltimore. We saw 577 attendees, both locals and out-of-towners, joined us to begin or further their homebuying journeys, welcoming natives from D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and even as far west as Washington State!

In Baltimore, the people are so welcoming, open, and kind. It is so easy to get to know people here.

– Amelia B.

We Exposed Existing Residents to Parts of Baltimore City New to Them

The narrated bus tour showcases Baltimore City neighborhoods and amenities to attendees who want to know more about what it is like to live there. Many who take the bus tour come back with more insight, education, and appreciation for Baltimore’s vast and unique neighborhoods, even those born and raised here.

We Created Attainable Opportunities for First-Time Homebuyers

In addition to curated neighborhood tours, expert-led workshops, and a City Living Fair featuring a variety of real-estate professionals, those who attend Trolley Tour are eligible to apply for the Buying Into Baltimore homebuying incentive. This down payment and closing cost assistance incentive is a $5,000 forgivable loan awarded by lottery to twenty lucky homebuyers. Of the 23 applicants, 91% were first-time homebuyers and 17% were new Baltimore City residents.

Having lived in the county all my life, there are so many more benefits to be in the city. It is more affordable and the revitalization is amazing.

– Ninette M.

We Saw an Increased Financial Investment into Baltimore City

Buying Into Baltimore, along with the several other Baltimore City homebuying incentives, makes the journey to homeownership easier for buyers, and allows for more investment into our city, which benefits us all. Thanks to the 23 Buying Into Baltimore applicants, Baltimore City saw a total investment of $6,018,810 in home purchases. This $6 million investment was shared among 19 of Baltimore City’s unique neighborhoods, including Frankford, Remington, Milton-Montford, Greenspring, Belair-Edison, McElderry Park, Greenmount West, and more.

The Winter Trolley Tour is the first of three Trolley Tours scheduled for 2025, and these results give us hope for even more robust homebuying and investment in our city this year. If you’re ready to start, or finish, your homebuying journey, join us at our Spring 2025 Trolley Tour on Saturday, May 3^rd. Whether you plan on buying a home now or not, Trolley Tour is an excellent opportunity to learn more about homebuying, explore Baltimore City, and possibly gain an additional $5,000 toward your home purchase. No matter where you are in your journey, we’ll meet you there and help you get to the finish line. We hope to see you at the next Trolley Tour!

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Population Growth for the City of Baltimore 14 Mar 2025, 2:22 pm

This week, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2024 population estimates, revealing that Baltimore City has increased its number of residents for the first time in a decade. MayorBrandon Scott states that this is an indicator that “Baltimore’s Renaissance is here.” Live Baltimore has worked for decades to combat population loss and support healthy housing markets. This work is crucial for helping our city grow and thrive.

In 2020, Live Baltimore released a landmark study on the city’s residential housing market, highlighting the potential to attract new residents and enhance housing development throughout the city. Since that study, city leaders, agencies, and partners have worked tirelessly to retain current Baltimore residents while also creating new housing options. Now, we are witnessing the results of that collaboration. Live Baltimore’s mission is to attract and retain residents, and I’m proud of the work we do.

In Fiscal Year 2024:

• 1 in 6 homebuyers in Baltimore was a LiveBaltimore customer
• Nearly 3,000 people attended a Live Baltimore event
• More than 440,000 visitors used resources on LiveBaltimore.com

This month, our BuyBack the Block program reached a significant milestone by surpassing $500,000 in grants. The program offers up to $20,000 in down payment assistance to residents living in eligible neighborhoods to help them purchase a home in their community. Buy Back the Block is just one of many Live Baltimore programs making the dream of homeownership attainable in our city.

As I celebrate the news of our city’s growth, I’m optimistic about the future. However, I recognize that there is much work ahead. Together with our partners and supporters, I’m confident that Live Baltimore is prepared to meet the moment.

-Meghan McCorkell, Executive Director

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Pre-K Enrollment Basics for 2025-2026 28 Feb 2025, 8:23 pm

Families in Baltimore City have the option to send their four-year-olds to full-day, public pre-kindergarten at schools across the city. While we’re still six months away from the new school year, now is the time to begin the application process.

Live Baltimore partnered with Baltimore City Schools’ Early Learning Programs to offer a free webinar, “Demystifying the Pre-K Enrollment Process” on February 27, 2025, with information about the 2025-2026 school year. This workshop is part of our resources for Baltimore City families with children. Some key takeaways are below.

• Q: Where can I find the pre-k application?
• A: If your child will be 4 by September 1, you can create an account through the Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS) starting March 3, 2025.

• Q: What documentation is needed for the application?
• A: The application includes:
  • Proof of student identity and birthdate
  • Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of income
  • A list of up to three schools in ranked order
  • Once your family has accepted a pre-k spot, you’ll need to bring proof of your child’s last physical and immunization records to the school before the new year begins.

• Q: What key dates should we keep in mind?
• A: Applications are due on April 16. Families might hear from City Schools if there are questions about documentation, and then should receive their placement offer around May 16. They should accept or decline that placement by May 23 and complete the enrollment process with their school of choice.

• Q: Is a pre-k seat in our neighborhood zoned school a guarantee?
• A: Unlike kindergarten and other grades, families are not necessarily guaranteed a space at their zoned school for pre-k. Space is limited to 20 seats per pre-k class within each building. See a list of pre-k classrooms per school here.

• Q: What are the criteria for pre-k enrollment?
• A: Children must be four by September 1, 2025. With equity at the forefront, pre-k spots have always been offered first to families who qualify as Priority 1 according to state guidelines. Priority 1 includes those who are income-eligible (up to 300% of the federal poverty level), are experiencing homelessness, receive special education services, or are eligible for English language services. The algorithm used by the automated enrollment system considers Priority, location, and siblings as it matches families to optimal school settings.

• Q: How has the process changed since my older child was in pre-k a few years ago?
• A: For the second year, City Schools has automated the pre-k enrollment process to increase access for all families. Enrollment is now handled entirely through an online platform rather than through individual school offices. However, families who do not have technology access can go to their local school if they need help completing the application.

• Q: How do charter schools handle the pre-k enrollment process?
• A: Charter schools that offer pre-k handle their own admissions processes outside the SEMS platform. Charter schools will follow the same schedule as traditional schools, but the application is completely separate.

• Q: How should I enroll my child for kindergarten?
• A: If your child will be 5 by September 1, they should enroll in kindergarten. If your child will continue at the same school where they are completing pre-k, no action is needed on the family’s part. To enroll in a different school, either complete the kindergarten application in SEMS by April 16 or contact the Office of Enrollment during the summer transfer window (starting in July). For a student new to City Schools, you’ll complete the kindergarten application on SEMS with the same April 16 deadline but do not need to provide income information.

• Q: What private pre-k options are there?
• A: The Fund for Educational Excellence has put together a list of public seats (at no cost to families) at private pre-k centers for Priority 1 families. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future emphasizes equitable early education opportunities that prepare all children for school and success through a mixed-delivery system comprised of public and private pre-k partnerships that will expand family options. See the list of Community Based Private Pre-K providers for Baltimore City here.

• Q: Where can I learn more about pre-k in City Schools?
• A: For more about the curriculum, follow Early Learning on social media (@greatfuturesstartearly). For details on enrolling, check out the Pre-K and Kindergarten registration page. The Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfers located at 200 E. North Ave., room 106 is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They can be reached by phone at 410.396.8600 or by email at Enrollment@bcps.k12.md.us. For technical issues related to the SEMS platform, contact bcps@truevgd.com.

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20 Questions with Meghan McCorkell 20 Feb 2025, 8:42 pm

Get to know our newest Live Baltimore team member with a good, old-fashioned round of 20 Questions! This installment features our new Executive Director, Meghan McCorkell.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BALTIMORE CITY?

I have lived in Baltimore for 13 years.

Which neighborhood do you currently live in? 

I’m a proud member of the Brewers Hill community.

Are you a homeowner or a renter? 

I own my home.

If you had to live in a different Baltimore neighborhood, which would you choose and why? (Pretend money is no object.) 

While I love Brewers Hill, I’ve always liked the small-town feel of Mount Washington.

What’s the best thing to do in Baltimore City on a Saturday night…go! 

First, you have to decide which of Baltimore’s amazing restaurants to go to. Next, there’s always great events going on all over the city, whether that’s a show at The Hippodrome, a concert, or catching a sporting event. Finish off with a nightcap at your favorite cocktail bar.

What is still on your Baltimore “to-do” list? 

I have yet to witness the toilet bowl races.

Who is your favorite Baltimore mascot: Mr. Boh, the oriole bird, Poe (the raven), or someone else? 

Mr. Boh, hands down. He shines down on my neighborhood, and with his new LED lights, he can turn a bunch of colors. He’s sparkly purple when the Ravens win. I want to meet whoever gets to flip the switch on the light colors.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone moving to Baltimore from out of town? 

Before I moved here, I visited the Live Baltimore website to get an overview of neighborhoods and see what might work for me. So that’s the place to start. Then, come visit and talk to people. Walk around neighborhoods and see what feels like home. Pop into the local watering hole. I’ve found people here in Baltimore so generous with their time and advice, especially when talking about our city.

What do you love the most about the city? 

The thing I love most about Baltimore is the people. I’ve lived in a number of cities, and I’ve found the people in Baltimore to be the most welcoming. I also love the amount of civic pride people have in our city. That’s evident by the number of people who’ve already asked me for I City Life swag.

What is your preferred mode of transportation? 

You’ll find me walking around Baltimore a lot. There’s so much to see and take in, and I feel like I miss it if I go too fast.

What is your favorite feature of the city? 

I love being on the waterfront. I grew up in a beach town, so water has always felt like home. Walking along the promenade always feels really peaceful.

Besides Live Baltimore, what other local nonprofits do you support? 

I am on the Board of the Friends of Fort McHenry and the Charles Street Development Corporation. I’m also an active member of Brewers Hill Neighbors.

What’s your favorite outdoor city activity? 

I just love all our outdoor events. From Defenders Day at Fort McHenry, Flower Mart, to festivals in Little Italy, the excitement of the Preakness, Baltimore Running Festival, and the Kinetic Sculpture Race… I love it when neighbors are all outside enjoying our city together.

What is your superpower?

My superpower is storytelling. While I’ve changed careers a few times now, storytelling is always the constant.

Which Baltimore celebrity (past or present) would you most like to have dinner with? 

Drinks with Thurgood Marshall to hear all his stories. Dinner with John Waters, though I know I will choke laughing. Dessert with Senator Barbara Mikulski because soaking in her leadership knowledge would be the cherry on top.

What is your favorite locally-made product? 

You’ll catch me wearing my From Baltimore with Love sweatshirt all over my neighborhood. I rarely turn down a Berger cookie. And we have a really great craft beer scene. I have to shout out my neighborhood brewery, Mobtown Brewing Company.

What is one thing you want the world to know about Baltimore? 

Baltimore is a diverse, creative, friendly, welcoming city with so much opportunity.

What is one thing you’d still like to learn about Baltimore? 

I want to be more intentional about soaking in more of the arts scene, from museum exhibits and art shows to concerts. I need to make more time to take it all in.

What three words best describe your work personality? 

Creative, driven, collaborative

What excites you most about joining the live Baltimore team? 

I’m so excited to join this mission-driven team who are all focused on creating vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. The organization has done such great work over the years, and with the talented team we have now, I know we will keep having a major impact on our city.

We’ve had fun introducing you to our new colleague! Look for more installments of this series as our team continues to grow. You can read more about Brewers Hill on our Neighborhoods page.

Photo of Brewers Hill by Phylicia Ghee for Live Baltimore.

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The “I ❤️ City Life” Origin Story 10 Feb 2025, 10:00 am

How It Started

Before Live Baltimore became the nonprofit that you know and love today, it began in 1997 as a group of Baltimore City residents and city lovers with one mission and one mission only: to promote Baltimore City life to all who would listen (and even those who wouldn’t). One of those residents proposed an iconic slogan and accompanying design that would change the game for decades to come.

“We are just the evolution of a very grassroots resident-led organization that was really born out of resident’s love for their city.”

–Julie French, Live Baltimore’s Director of Operations

The Designer & The Design

The year was 1998 when marketing and advertising professional Carolyn O’Keefe designed the first “I Love City Life” bumper stickers. Since then, the design’s classic serif font, featuring a red heart and yellow background has barely changed. Although O’Keefe was never an official Live Baltimore employee, she has always been a major supporter, eventually donating the slogan and design to the organization.

In March of 2017, Live Baltimore officially trademarked “I Love City Life”, although the campaign had been synonymous with the organization for many years prior. O’Keefe is currently the Director of Development at Roca Baltimore and will be forever appreciated for her gift of the “I Love City Life” campaign.

How It’s Going

Nowadays, you can see the “I Love City Life” sticker almost anywhere you go in Baltimore City. Our team has seen them on mailboxes, saltboxes, street signs, bar bathrooms, bulletin boards, trash cans, license plates, cars, and more! And, of course, you’ll almost always see it at Live Baltimore events.

The Future

As of now, there are no plans to change the design of “I Love City Life”. In fact, you may see it even more on other merchandise (like t-shirts)!

Want to get your own “I Love City Life” license plate or bumper sticker? Sign up for a profile on our website, and we’ll send you a bumper sticker in the mail! To learn more about how to get your custom “I Love City Life” license plate, click here.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Broadway East Impact Investment Area 10 Jan 2025, 3:02 pm

The Live Baltimore team was recently invited to the Collington Square Recreation Center at Collington Square Park to learn more about the Broadway East Impact Investment Area.

We were honored to meet the Broadway East Impact Investment Area community workgroup, a collaborative assembly of residents and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) employees. This group of individuals is committed to the redevelopment and improvement of the Broadway East neighborhood and told us all about the work they are doing within the community. Read along to find out what we learned during our discussion.

What is an Impact Investment Area?

Impact Investment Areas (IIA) are specified regions within the city in need of strategic investment. Identified and managed by DHCD since 2017, these areas include West Baltimore, Park Heights, Johnston Square, Coldstream Homestead Montebello, East Baltimore Midway, Southwest Partnership, and Broadway East.

How did Broadway East get to this phase of redevelopment?

Thanks to the collaborative work of DHCD, passionate Broadway East residents, and highly skilled local developers, the community has seen a reduction of 412 vacant homes since 2016. The community workgroup attributes this progress to knowing when and who to ask for help, understanding their community’s challenges and unique needs, and continuing to create and nurture meaningful partnerships.

What makes the Broadway East neighborhood unique?

Broadway East in East Baltimore is a developing neighborhood that is experiencing a resurgence after a long period of disinvestment. Some neighborhood assets residents love include the architecture, like rowhomes with marble steps, stained glass windows, and painted screens. They also appreciate the dedicated care for the youth of the community, who participate in after-school programs and attend Collington Square Elementary/Middle School and kid-friendly events. Additionally, residents showed gratitude for the geographic layout of their neighborhood. Not only are they close to beautiful Broadway Street, but there is also an incredible view of downtown from the southwest corner of Collington Square Park, where children often watch 4th of July fireworks.

What are some wins from 2024?

The Broadway East Impact Investment Area community workgroup saw major successes from their hard work in 2024. Some of these wins include new equipment and lighting in Collington Square Park thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), better traffic patterns on Gay Street, updates to neighborhood greenspaces to aid in stormwater management, and reduce the heat index with a better tree canopy, and overall more safety and visibility for the Broadway East community.

What are some goals for 2025?

As the workgroup continues toward redevelopment of the 791 remaining vacant homes in the area, they have set additional goals that they believe will hold a lasting positive impact on the community. These goals include accurate and timely tracking of all development projects in the DHCD Impact Investment Area Project Tracker to keep the community updated on their progress. The team also plans to host recurring meet-and-greets to bridge the gap between local developers and community collaborators.

The new construction and rehabilitation developer request for qualifications closed at the end of 2024. Our team was truly enlightened and inspired by the passionate work of the Broadway East IIA workgroup and can’t wait to witness the continued improvements to this beautiful and tight-knit community!

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Broadway East Impact Investment Area appeared first on Live Baltimore.

Live Baltimore Announces Meghan McCorkell as Next Executive Director 2 Jan 2025, 9:14 am

Live Baltimore today announced the appointment of its next Executive Director, Meghan McCorkell. 

On behalf of the Live Baltimore Board, I am thrilled to welcome Meghan McCorkell to lead the organization into the future,” says Live Baltimore Board Chair Kate Williams. “Our board is composed of city advocates passionate about Baltimore’s neighborhoods. Meghan shares that passion and brings an impressive background in strategic planning, communications, marketing, and development. She is the right leader at this important moment in the organization’s 27-year history, and we are delighted to work with her and the Live Baltimore team to continue to serve our city.”

Backed by Live Baltimore’s experienced leadership and staff as support, McCorkell will be well-positioned to lead the organization in the next chapter of growth, focused on neighborhood revitalization, enhancing programs for Baltimore City’s residents, and playing a key part in the city’s commitment to eliminate vacant housing. McCorkell succeeds Annie Milli, who served as Live Baltimore’s Executive Director from 2017 to 2024.  

McCorkell joins Live Baltimore from the Enoch Pratt Free Library, where she has served as Chief of Marketing, Communications, & Strategy. She has led transformative initiatives in the library system throughout Baltimore’s neighborhoods, resulting in record visitation and usage. McCorkell has demonstrated her leadership by building an award-winning marketing and communications department from the ground up. She has a proven track record of creating data-driven strategies to meet and surpass performance goals.  

Live Baltimore has been making a difference in the lives of city residents for decades, and it is an honor to be chosen to lead this talented, mission-driven team,” says McCorkell. “I experienced the life-changing power of Live Baltimore when I received assistance purchasing my home in Brewers Hill six years ago. All Baltimore residents deserve access to resources that can make their dream of buying a home a reality.”

As the Executive Director of Live Baltimore, McCorkell will serve on the Mayor’s Cabinet.  

Live Baltimore is one of our most important institutions, working diligently to welcome new residents to our city, and they will play a critical role in our efforts to grow Baltimore over the next several years,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Meghan has proven herself to be a leader who loves Baltimore after years of helping to lead the incredible work at the Enoch Pratt Free Library system. I know she shares our vision for a growing Baltimore and will excel in this new role, and I am thrilled to welcome her to my cabinet.” 

With city and state leaders committed to tackling the vacant housing crisis, Live Baltimore is uniquely positioned to play a key role during this transformative time,” adds McCorkell.  “I’m excited to collaborate with the Mayor’s office, city agencies, partners, the Live Baltimore Board, and our amazing staff to continue the work of strengthening our neighborhoods and welcoming more people home to Baltimore.” 

McCorkell’s appointment as Executive Director will begin on February 10, 2025. 

About Live Baltimore

Live Baltimore is a nationally recognized, independent nonprofit organization committed to promoting the benefits of Baltimore City living. Each year, Live Baltimore provides thousands of individuals with information on the city’s 250+ neighborhoods, rental living options, homebuying incentive programs, historic tax credits, and more. For more information, visit LiveBaltimore.com. 

PRONUNCIATION NOTE: Live Baltimore’s name is pronounced with a short “I” sound, as in “I live in Baltimore City.” 

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20 Questions with Misty Keens 10 Dec 2024, 4:06 pm

Get to know our Live Baltimore team members with a good, old-fashioned round of 20 Questions! This installment celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Program and Events Manager Misty Keens. Happy 5th Workiversary, Misty!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BALTIMORE/WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I have lived in Baltimore City for 20 years. Being a young 20-something from a small town, I was drawn to the city’s vibrancy. I also liked the anonymity and acceptance of living in a city. People don’t know you, but they still welcome you.

WHICH NEIGHBORHOOD DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE IN?

I’ve lived in Locust Point for 16 years with my husband and two kids.

ARE YOU A HOMEOWNER OR A RENTER?

Homeowner.

IF YOU HAD TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT BALTIMORE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE (PRETEND MONEY IS NO OBJECT)?

I’d live in a big brownstone in Mount Vernon. The neighborhood is so beautiful, and the architecture of the homes is stunning. I love the history these homes have – not to mention their 20-foot ceilings!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALTIMORE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT…GO!

I used to be cool and check out music and art venues. Now, a perfect Saturday night in Baltimore for me would be hanging out with friends at a local watering hole and getting to bed before midnight.

WHAT IS STILL ON YOUR BALTIMORE TO-DO LIST?

Toilet bowl races! I have yet to witness the spectacle.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BALTIMORE MASCOT? MR. BOH, THE ORIOLE BIRD, POE THE RAVEN, OR SOMEONE ELSE?

Hands down, Divine.

WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE MOVING TO BALTIMORE OUT OF TOWN?

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Baltimore is full of friendly people who are very proud of their city. They can show you the best places and have all the inside knowledge to experience Baltimore fully.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE CITY?

I love that no matter who you meet, you’re always 1 -2 degrees of separation from them. Their cousin lives next door to you, their friend that DJ’s is your trainer, their aunt is your kid’s teacher, whatever the case may be, just being here, you know everyone.

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?

Walking is number 1 – when I have time and don’t have to transport kids and all their gear with me. I’m not a big fan of driving, so Lyft or the bus would be 2^nd.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FEATURE OF THE CITY?

Our cultural institutions. I’m very grateful to expose my kids to so much art, history, and culture without leaving the city.

BESIDES LIVE BALTIMORE, WHAT OTHER LOCAL NONPROFITS DO YOU SUPPORT?

Most of the museums and my kids’ school, Baltimore School for the Arts. If there is a gala or big fundraising event, I will sit on that committee!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR CITY ACTIVITY?

Festivals and outdoor events. As soon as the middle of March hits, until the end of October.

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?

I’ve been told by a good friend that I have extraordinary powers of selection. I might be highly indecisive at times, but I can usually sort through the mess and pick out the winners.

WHICH BALTIMORE CELEBRITY (PAST OR PRESENT) WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?

Gertrude Stein, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, or John Waters – can they all come to dinner?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT?

Baltimore’s t-shirt game is strong, so you can’t go wrong with any Bmore-themed apparel.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT BALTIMORE?

There is a lot of heart and pride here, and there is more good than you’ve been led to believe.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D STILL LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT BALTIMORE?

Baltimore’s Jazz History.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOUR WORK PERSONALITY?

Results-oriented, even-keeled, and creative problem-solver

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT JOINING THE LIVE BALTIMORE TEAM?

The work! Baltimore’s potential lies with its people.

We’ve had fun reintroducing you to one of our long-time colleagues! Look for more installments of this series in the future as our team continues to grow. You can read more about Locust Point on our Neighborhoods page.

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