New Mexico Developer Inspires Baltimore Planners

Vision for more compact development used as a model in Baltimore County.

1 minute read

November 22, 2004, 10:00 AM PST

By David Gest


Christopher B. Leinberger, "a real estate developer who is building to reclaim the past," was asked by Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. to speak to area developers and bankers, in order "to build support for his 'Renaissance' program, which aims to redevelop the county's older communities, including the county seat...When not spearheading an ambitious redevelopment of downtown Albuquerque," Leinberger speaks to groups across the country about his more compact vision for urban growth. "To break the cycle of status quo suburban development, Leinberger has crafted his own 12-step program, which involves a gradual reintroduction into rundown communities of entertainment facilities, then rental housing, shops, condos and offices, all within a few blocks of each other -- or sometimes in the same block."

Thanks to David Gest

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 in The Baltimore Sun

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

5 hours ago - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

7 hours ago - Grist