Maryland looks to encourage transit-oriented development; Annapolis soccer team aims to build momentum
Baltimore Business Journal
The Baltimore region's source for local business news & events. Part of the American City Business Journals network.
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New Jersey native no. 3 checking in on this Thursday morning. Wondering how three Jersey kids ended up working for the Baltimore Business Journal? You can ask that question (and, ya know, actual questions about our jobs and the BBJ) at our "Meet the Newsroom" event on Sept. 19. We'll talk about how to get yourself or your company in the BBJ, how we find and develop stories and what's coming from the BBJ in 2024. Sign up here and come say hi.
Now, here's the news you need to know today.
Maryland looks to take more active role in encouraging transit-oriented development
The Maryland Department of Transportation is planning to study development opportunities around Baltimore subway and light rail stops and along the MARC commuter rail as part of a push to take a more active role in promoting transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the state, the Baltimore Banner reports. The state on Wednesday put out requests for proposals looking for consultants to map out options both around the subway and light rail stops in Baltimore and along the MARC Penn Line.
Gov. Moore launches effort to modernize Maryland Department of Information Technology
Gov. Wes Moore has launched an effort to modernize the Maryland Department of Information Technology, including naming the state's first-ever chief technology officer, first-ever chief digital experience officer, first-ever AI advisor and first-ever director of accessibility, according to an announcement yesterday. The new leaders will help the department understand the opportunities that new technologies provide, manage related risks, minimize unwanted or inequitable outcomes, protect civil rights and ensure the state's cybersecurity strategy and policies align with best practices and the latest federal standards 1.
University System of Maryland workers rally for better working conditions
More than 100 unionized workers with the University System of Maryland held a rally in College Park yesterday to advocate for better working conditions amid contract negotiations, the Baltimore Sun reported. Workers said they need better pay to keep up with the rising cost of living and have been negotiating with USM, which comprises 12 schools around the state, for nearly a year.
D.C.-based fast-casual restaurant chain Cava swung to a profit in its first earnings report after going public in June, the Washington Business Journal reports. The company largely attributed the profit increase to new store openings and conversions of former Zoe’s Kitchen locations, resulting in a total of 279 stores, up from 195 a year earlier.
The Annapolis Blues soccer team got off to a fast start in its inaugural season, beating league attendance records and winning a championship along the way. Now the team is gearing up for its second season with plans to promote some of its stars who made an impact last season and expand its reach outside of Annapolis by targeting areas like Columbia and Baltimore to get new fans, the BBJ's Garrett Dvorkin reports.
A historic condo owned by former Baltimore Symphony Orchestra music director Marin Alsop has hit the market in Mt. Vernon for $595,000 — with proceeds headed to fund a scholarship for women conductors, the BBJ's Melody Simmons reports. The unit is one of two owned by Alsop at 1100 N. Calvert St., a one-time church designed by architect Charles Cassell that was redeveloped into a multi-family building in 2007. The second condo is also on the market and Alsop said she is donating all proceeds from both sales to the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, a two-year mentoring program for women conductors she co-founded in 2002. Take a look around the condo here.
Maryland Public Television to release special celebrating Jewish delis
Maryland Public Television will premier an original special titled "Jewish Delis: Something to Kvell About!" at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, the statewide TV network announced yesterday. The documentary features delis from all over the region, including Attman's in Baltimore, Lenny's Deli in Owings Mills and CallYourMother in D.C. as well as a trip to the Jewish Museum of Maryland to explore the history of Baltimore's famed "Corned Beef Row" and the impact local delis had on the area's burgeoning Jewish community. Check out a preview of the special here.
St. John's College launches discussion-based application
St. John's College is giving students an alternative to the dreaded college application essay. The Annapolis private liberal arts college announced yesterday that it has launched a "discussion-based application" that will allow prospective students to skip the essay and instead be evaluated through a process that includes two interviews and participation in a St. John's seminar. The school will continue to accept traditional written essays but said the discussion-based application will allow it to assess students "based on their ability to engage in thoughtful, sustained conversation – a hallmark of the St. John’s educational experience."
This newsletter was written by Jessica Iannetta, Managing Editor at the Baltimore Business Journal. I can be reached at [email protected].?