NEW CARROLLTON, MD (August 17, 2026) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced the Department will hire Ira Kowler as its Director of Baltimore City Revitalization Programs. Kowler will join the agency’s Division of Neighborhood Revitalization on August 19, filling the position held by Kari Snyder before her recent appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Division.
As the Director of Baltimore City Revitalization Programs, Kowler will lead the multidisciplinary team responsible for the department’s community development investment in the city and will manage program development, project funding, and stakeholder partnerships. This includes the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI). Part of Governor Wes Moore’s “Reinvest Baltimore” Executive Order, BVRI is a city-state partnership guiding investment to transform 5,000 vacant properties into homeownership opportunities or other community assets and is supported by $50 million in department resources annually. This state investment, combined with city resources, nonprofit and philanthropic support, and growing private investment, has contributed to a 13% reduction in Baltimore’s vacancy rate.
“Through Governor Moore’s Reinvest Baltimore initiative, we have built a powerful partnership of public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic stakeholders, focused on reducing vacancies through targeted, tangible, visible whole-block revitalization that creates homes, businesses, and community assets that truly improve Baltimore City’s rich and diverse neighborhoods,” said Secretary Day. “As the Department’s new Director of Baltimore City Revitalization Programs, Ira Kowler’s experience, expertise, and leadership will be critical to the state’s ongoing efforts to unleash Baltimore’s potential and empower economic growth and opportunity.”
Kowler brings more than 15 years of experience in community and economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and public-sector leadership to the department. Most recently, he served as the Chief Investment Officer for the Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC), a quasi-governmental Community Development Entity established to build long-term financial capacity and sustained investment in New Market Tax Credit geographies throughout Maryland. At MCIC, Ira was instrumental in guiding $30 million of state investment through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative.
Prior to his service with MCIC, Kowler worked for government and nonprofit organizations in Baltimore and across Maryland, including Managing Director at the Baltimore Development Corporation, Director of Housing & Community Development for the City of Takoma Park, and roles at multiple community-focused organizations. He is recognized and respected for working directly with neighborhood residents and stakeholders to deliver positive community outcomes. He holds a bachelor’s and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
“I’d like to thank Secretary Day and Assistant Secretary Snyder for the opportunity to support the great work of the Neighborhood Revitalization team in Baltimore,” said Kowler. “I look forward to continuing working with the State and City leaders, community stakeholders, and residents who bring their passion and commitment to Baltimore’s neighborhoods every day.”
To learn more about the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Reinvest Baltimore, and other Neighborhood Revitalization programs, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.
