On Friday, July 31, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced that the city will further develop its three designated arts and entertainment districts—Station North, Highlandtown, and Bromo Seltzer Tower. The city’s plans for supporting the arts areas was outlined in a 37-page report; it stated that the arts areas will “be improved through collaborative marketing and programming, more flexible code and zoning variances for artist workspaces, and other initiatives.”

In addition, the Mayor’s Office recommended finding methods to promote preserving art spaces; clearly defining tax incentives; and identifying new arts and entertainment districts throughout the state. The report also released that Mayor Rawlings-Blake has approved $9.2 million in city funding since 2010 to support projects in the three districts.

Priya Bhayana—director of the Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District and a member of the report's working group—noted that “the further development of the arts districts cannot solely rely on the city's involvement…[and that] the report is a call to action from within the community.”