Baltimore, MD, August 5, 2026 —

A newly formed coalition of Baltimore small business owners is advocating for a comprehensive set of protections aimed at revitalizing commercial districts and safeguarding local entrepreneurs. The group, known as the Baltimore Small Business Rights Coalition, is spearheading the push for a “Baltimore Small Business Bill of Rights.” This proposed legislation seeks to address persistent challenges faced by small businesses, including high rates of vacant storefronts and what they describe as inadequate protections.

The proposed bill outlines several key areas for improvement. These include scaling notice and eviction protections to provide small businesses with more stability and predictability regarding their leases. It also calls for stronger anti-harassment and lease protections to prevent unfair practices by landlords. Furthermore, the coalition is pushing for established maintenance standards for commercial properties and improved assistance in navigating city bureaucracy, which can often be a significant hurdle for small business owners.

A central focus of the initiative is increasing accountability for vacant storefronts and absentee property owners. The coalition aims to introduce measures that incentivize the upkeep and occupancy of commercial spaces, thereby contributing to the economic health of neighborhoods. The overarching goal is to create an environment where small businesses have a greater opportunity to thrive and achieve long-term success.

City Councilman Zac Blanchard has publicly expressed support for the initiative, indicating a potential avenue for the proposed bill to be considered within the city’s legislative process. The coalition’s efforts represent a concerted move by local business owners to influence policy and secure greater support for their contributions to the city’s economy.



Story summarized from the original created by Taylor Epps on www.wmar2news.com, see more information here.

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