Baltimore, November 29, 2025
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) has awarded over $6.5 million in grants to 19 businesses aimed at revitalizing the West North Avenue corridor in West Baltimore. This funding, supporting diverse entrepreneurs including minority-, women-, and veteran-led businesses, is part of a comprehensive 15-year revitalization strategy to boost economic growth and community services in the area. Initiatives include housing developments, new storefronts, and training programs for local youth.
Baltimore
West North Avenue Development Authority Receives $6.5 Million in Grants to Boost Economic Growth
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) has awarded over $6.5 million in grants to 19 recipients, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and returning citizen-led businesses, as part of its ongoing efforts to revitalize the West North Avenue corridor in West Baltimore. This funding aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance community services in the area.
Within an environment increasingly demanding local responsiveness and resilience, the commitment of WNADA to support diverse entrepreneurs illustrates how tailored economic initiatives can effectively promote job creation. By focusing on collaborative revitalization initiatives, there is an opportunity to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptively respond to community needs while still leveraging wider frameworks for economic enhancement.
Details of the Grants
Among the projects funded are housing developments in the Coppin Heights, Easterwood, and Mondawmin neighborhoods, the opening of new storefronts in Druid Heights and Penn North communities, and initiatives to assist, employ, and train Baltimore youth in construction trades. These grants are part of WNADA’s 15-year revitalization strategy to transform the West North Avenue corridor.
Background on WNADA
Established in 2021 by the Maryland General Assembly, WNADA serves as the State of Maryland’s economic development authority for West Baltimore. Its mission is to support the development and approval of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan in the West North Avenue Development Area and its buffer zone, aiming to benefit residents and improve housing, neighborhoods, economic development, and transportation. The authority coordinates with area residents to develop this comprehensive plan, addressing issues such as disinvestment and promoting equitable economic development opportunities throughout West Baltimore.
Recent Legislative Support
In April 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 4 and House Bill 258 into law, enhancing WNADA’s economic development powers to prioritize the revitalization of West Baltimore. This legislation firmly establishes WNADA as the State of Maryland’s economic development agency dedicated to benefiting Baltimore City, reflecting a collaborative effort among state and local leaders to support the community’s growth and development.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, WNADA has identified six zones for renovation, including transforming abandoned row houses into mixed-use developments, converting the Walbrook Mill lumber yard into office spaces, building new homes for Coppin State University students, staff, and faculty, expanding the E.M.A.G.E Center for youth development, creating a restaurant corridor at the corner of West North Avenue and McAllen, and developing market-rate housing near the Madison Park project. These initiatives are part of WNADA’s comprehensive revitalization plan to enhance the West North Avenue corridor and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA)?
Established in 2021 by the Maryland General Assembly, WNADA serves as the State of Maryland’s economic development authority for West Baltimore. Its mission is to support the development and approval of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan in the West North Avenue Development Area and its buffer zone, aiming to benefit residents and improve housing, neighborhoods, economic development, and transportation. The authority coordinates with area residents to develop this comprehensive plan, addressing issues such as disinvestment and promoting equitable economic development opportunities throughout West Baltimore.
What projects are included in the recent $6.5 million in grants awarded by WNADA?
Among the projects funded are housing developments in the Coppin Heights, Easterwood, and Mondawmin neighborhoods, the opening of new storefronts in Druid Heights and Penn North communities, and initiatives to assist, employ, and train Baltimore youth in construction trades. These grants are part of WNADA’s 15-year revitalization strategy to transform the West North Avenue corridor.
What legislative support has WNADA received recently?
In April 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 4 and House Bill 258 into law, enhancing WNADA’s economic development powers to prioritize the revitalization of West Baltimore. This legislation firmly establishes WNADA as the State of Maryland’s economic development agency dedicated to benefiting Baltimore City, reflecting a collaborative effort among state and local leaders to support the community’s growth and development.
What are WNADA’s future plans for the West North Avenue corridor?
Looking ahead, WNADA has identified six zones for renovation, including transforming abandoned row houses into mixed-use developments, converting the Walbrook Mill lumber yard into office spaces, building new homes for Coppin State University students, staff, and faculty, expanding the E.M.A.G.E Center for youth development, creating a restaurant corridor at the corner of West North Avenue and McAllen, and developing market-rate housing near the Madison Park project. These initiatives are part of WNADA’s comprehensive revitalization plan to enhance the West North Avenue corridor and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Key Features of the West North Avenue Revitalization Efforts
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Housing Developments | Construction of new homes in Coppin Heights, Easterwood, and Mondawmin neighborhoods to provide affordable housing options. |
| Business Openings | Establishment of new storefronts in Druid Heights and Penn North communities to stimulate local commerce. |
| Youth Training Programs | Initiatives aimed at assisting, employing, and training Baltimore youth in construction trades to build workforce skills. |
| Legislative Support | Enactment of Senate Bill 4 and House Bill 258 in April 2025 to enhance WNADA’s economic development powers. |
| Future Renovation Zones | Plans to renovate six identified zones, including mixed-use developments and market-rate housing projects. |
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