Dundalk

Our Moment

Dundalk is one of Baltimore County’s largest inner-ring suburbs, shaped by industrial roots and working-class pride as well as a deep historical heritage. The decisive battle of the War of 1812- which gave us our National Anthem and our future- was fought in Dundalk at North Point.

Home to nearly 68,000 residents, it carries a rich culture, including the Dundalk Historic District, which features early 20th-century garden-style developments and iconic Colonial Revival and Moderne architecture.

Today, Dundalk sits at the crossroads of regional economic opportunity and housing need. It borders Tradepoint Atlantic, one of the county’s fastest-growing job centers, which is down the street from the Bayview Medical Campus. Moreover, Dundalk has a downtown core that has been under-utilized.

The work has already begun to reinvigorate Dundalk with a new Community Development Organization just getting started. This community of enormous history and potential needs County leadership willing to take action in lock step with the community. 

Our Mission

The path forward is clear, and it begins with inclusive design and a commitment to workforce housing.

First and foremost, the new consolidated planning department will empower the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation by providing authority and resources to build trust with immigrant and long-time residents. We must begin framing housing as an opportunity not a threat. 

To do so, we can leverage proximity to Tradepoint Atlantic and Bayview by creating a workforce housing hub just like Glen Burnie has done. We will consolidate parcels and create programs that generate affordable homes for teachers, public safety officers, service workers and health professionals. These projects can be catalyzed by using the influence of government and proactive public-private partnerships while ensuring that they celebrate Dundalk’s rich heritage and reflect community priorities. 

With input from the community, we can then create additional opportunities that revitalize the vital core around walkable corridors and community anchors.

Dundalk does not need to sprawl outward again, nor remain stuck in plans that never materialize. With bold leadership, inclusive design and workforce-centered development, it can reclaim its role as a thriving, connected community.