Mayor Scott Nominates Key Officials to Bolster Baltimore’s Housing and Planning Efforts

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced significant personnel appointments aimed at strengthening Baltimore’s housing and planning departments, according to a press release from the City of Baltimore. Timothy Keane has been nominated to serve as the new Housing Commissioner, Renata “Ren” Southard is slated to become the Planning Director, and Alice Kennedy will transition to the role of Executive Director of Community Affairs and Engagement within the Mayor’s Office. These appointments, scheduled to be effective March 2, 2026, follow a six-month search for qualified candidates.

The appointments are part of a broader strategy to enhance the city’s approach to housing and development. As acting Commissioner and acting Planning Director, Keane and Southard are tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Department of Planning (DOP). This examination will include an assessment of a potential merger between the two agencies, with the goal of optimizing city resources for upcoming housing and development initiatives. The review, which is expected to last six months, will specifically focus on identifying and addressing any operational inefficiencies or redundant efforts across both departments. Keane and Southard currently hold senior positions within Baltimore City government. Keane was confirmed as Planning Director in 2025, while Southard has held various roles within the DOP and DHCD since 2018.

Alice Kennedy, who has led the DHCD as Commissioner since 2020, will be moving to a new position focused on community engagement. In her previous role, Kennedy played a crucial part in shaping pivotal housing policies and was instrumental in initiatives such as the 2021 Framework for Community Development and the 2023 Reframe Baltimore vacant property strategy. These efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in vacant properties, reaching a more than two-decade low, and have paved the way for collaborative projects, including a notable partnership with the State of Maryland. Kennedy’s extensive experience in housing policy and direct engagement with residents will be central to her new role, where she will work to deepen connections between city government and Baltimore’s communities.

The nominations of Keane and Southard signal a commitment to innovative solutions for the city’s housing challenges. Keane, a nationally recognized city planner, has prior experience leading planning departments in cities such as Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Boise, Idaho; and Calgary, Canada. His background includes significant work on housing policy, including efforts to expand affordable housing and implement protections for low-income homeowners. Southard, an urban designer, planner, and architect licensed in Maryland, joined Baltimore City in 2018 and has worked on community design services and investment strategies. Both appointees have expressed enthusiasm for their new roles and a dedication to improving the effectiveness of city departments.

The transition includes a strategic realignment of responsibilities. Kennedy’s departure from the Housing Commissioner role was announced in September 2025. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on transparency, customer service, and community outreach. Her contributions include streamlining property disposition, introducing a Fixed Pricing Program, and expanding the acquisition of vacant properties. She also played a key role in securing funding through various agency initiatives, such as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Housing Accelerator Fund. Before her leadership at DHCD, Kennedy served as the City of Baltimore’s Sustainability Coordinator, where she led the development of the city’s first Climate Action Plan.

These strategic personnel shifts are intended to foster a more coordinated and effective approach to Baltimore’s development and housing initiatives. The city aims to build upon recent successes in reducing vacant properties and expanding housing opportunities, with a focus on creating diverse, sustainable, and thriving neighborhoods. The city government emphasizes that these appointments are designed to ensure that Baltimore continues to be a leader in addressing complex urban challenges.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore.

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