The INSPIRE program was created based on the idea that stronger schools lead to stronger neighborhoods, and stronger neighborhoods lead to stronger schools.

About the INSPIRE program

Millions of dollars of investment in schools can trigger additional investment in the surrounding neighborhood. INSPIRE plans help build from the community’s vision and help guide this investment. At the same time, a safe and stable neighborhood is fundamental for providing students and families with a healthy living environment, where children are more likely to attend school and have better outcomes.

INSPIRE plans include recommendations for how to improve the surrounding neighborhood environment and improve quality of life for students, their families, and all neighborhood residents. By focusing on a small geographic area, INSPIRE plans can include recommendations for specific, actionable public investments to the surrounding neighborhood. Each plan identifies both short-term and long-term recommendations:

• Short-term recommendations are public improvements that can be made by the opening day of each school. Special attention is paid to physical improvements and maintenance to the perimeter of the school site and to the primary routes leading to the school.
• Long-term recommendations articulate the community’s vision and further address environmental, social, and economic conditions.

Recent program updates

• September 21, 2023: The Baltimore City Planning Commission adopted the REACH! + Harford Heights INSPIRE Plan. Find more information about the planning process and school.
• June 8, 2023: The Baltimore City Planning Commission adopted the John Ruhrah EMS INSPIRE Plan. Read the plan or find more information about the planning process and school.
• June 2023: The draft recommendation report for the Govans Elementary School INSPIRE Plan is available for review.
• September-November 2023: Neighbors around Highlandtown EMS #237, Commodore John Rodgers EMS, and Cross Country EMS can all expect to see sidewalk repairs through the Department of Transportation's work on primary walking route improvements.

Additional Information

• Read more about the INSPIRE process.
• Download a two-page information sheet about INSPIRE. 
• Learn more about streetscape improvements planned for primary walking routes to each school.
• Explore all 24 INSPIRE planning areas using our new interactive map.

About 21st Century Schools

The Department of Planning is working to create INSPIRE plans for neighborhoods surrounding each of the twenty-eight school buildings being modernized through the Baltimore 21st Century Schools Initiative.

View our map of 21st Century Schools or learn more about these school projects on the initiative website.