Baltimore Businesses Plan To Invest In Local Economy

BALTIMORE (AP) -- More than two dozen businesses in Baltimore have announced a $69 million initiative to beef up their investments in the community.

Officials from John Hopkins University said in a news release the plan, known as BLocal, is expected to feature more inclusive contracting and hiring.

BLocal includes HopkinsLocal, a broad economic inclusion plan launched last year by Johns Hopkins, and will infuse about $69 million into targeted areas over the next three years.

Businesses including Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Under Armour have pledged to enter into more design and construction contracts with minority and women-owned businesses and to buy more goods from local vendors.

Johns Hopkins University president Ronald J. Daniels says the plan aims to bolster local economy through a deep-seated change approach.

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