GBC chair: Orioles’ lease deal good for Baltimore businesses | READER COMMENTARY

I believe strongly in Baltimore. For the last four years, I’ve served as president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, working alongside a talented team of medical experts providing cutting-edge help and healing to Baltimoreans and Marylanders. Recently, I’ve taken on a new position of leadership within Baltimore’s private sector as chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

Our city has always stood out for its world-class assets. When entrepreneurs and executives search for places to build and grow, Baltimore should always stand at the top of the list. And now, leaders in the private sector have another reason to settle in Charm City: The Orioles are here to stay. The newly signed lease agreement between the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Baltimore Orioles will help us realize the full promise of this beautiful city we call home, both downtown and throughout our neighborhoods (“What’s noteworthy in Orioles lease? Wish list includes removing ballpark seats to create social spaces and more.” Dec. 19).

Private sector leaders can expect a consistent flow of fans through Baltimore for at least the next three decades as people visit Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with expectations of returning to more than 2 million fans per year. More people downtown means more opportunity for our businesses to prosper. Minority-owned businesses will flourish. New ventures can sprout with an optimism of foot traffic and attention.

This is a good deal at an important moment in the trajectory of Maryland’s largest city. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis places Baltimore in the top 10 fastest-growing large economies in the nation. It’s also an important time for the GBC: We plan in 2024 to release our 10-year economic opportunity plan highlighting regional strategic growth opportunities and to launch the first-ever Baltimore Region Investment Summit.

Lifting downtown Baltimore isn’t just good news for the cash flow of Camden Yards and the surrounding businesses. It’s also good news for the economic strength of the city and the state. I’ve always been a firm believer that when downtown thrives, the city thrives. And when the city thrives, Maryland thrives. This deal will reverberate across Maryland’s entire economy.

The Maryland Stadium Authority and the Orioles stuck the landing. Entrepreneurs and community champions across the city should celebrate this victory and rejoice in its vast potential. Now, it’s up to us to leverage this generational achievement in a way that grows our beloved city and realizes the full potential of the future we seek.

— Mohan Suntha, MD, Baltimore

The writer is chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee and president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System.

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