This report explores food procurement processes in state and private higher educational institutions in Baltimore and identifies a range of strategies to more fully realize local purchasing power. The report recommends actions to support local minority business enterprises and small businesses, modifications to procurement processes, and outlines legislative opportunities to connect state agency and institutional purchasing power to businesses in targeted reinvestment areas. Many of the recommendations are applicable not just to food but other services and commodities as well. 

For over a decade, members of the Baltimore Workforce Funders Collaborative (BWFC) have supported a growing number of industry focused workforce development initiatives, and the outcomes are notable. Through these efforts, previously unemployed residents are getting industry recognized certifications and jobs with career advancement opportunities at impressive rates. This report highlights several of these initiatives and offers recommendations on how they can be expanded.

A collaborative project of the BIP and Central Baltimore Partnership, this new directory of Baltimore nonprofit and public workforce development organizations is now available to help employers and community stakeholders find workforce partners to meet hiring needs. It summarizes the work of more than 45 organizations that support Baltimore City workers by offering skills training, eliminating barriers to employment, and facilitating job placement.

These organizations range in size and focus. Some provide general job readiness coaching while others provide training, certifications...