Renata Southard, AIA nominated as Baltimore City Planner

Mayor Brandon Scott has announced a major reshuffling of Baltimore’s top planning and housing roles, nominating Renata “Ren” Southard as the city’s next Planning Director and current Planning Director Timothy Keane as the next Commissioner of Housing and Community Development. If confirmed, Southard will become Baltimore’s first female Planning Director, while Keane will step into the housing commissioner role as the administration deepens its focus on tackling the city’s long‑standing vacant property crisis and coordinating planning, permitting, housing, and neighborhood redevelopment efforts. Current housing commissioner Alice Kennedy will move into a new role as Executive Director of Community Affairs and Engagement in the Mayor’s Office, with all changes set to take effect March 2, 2026, following a six‑month search and a planned six‑month review of how to better align or even merge the housing and planning agencies.

Renata Southard, AIA currently serves as the AIA Maryland’s Secretary. Renata has been involved with ethe AIA Maryland Board for 3 years. Renata has served on the AIA Baltimore Board and been involved with AIA for many years.