The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) has set Feb. 21 as the deadline for proposals from groups that would like to become the new operator of the Baltimore Farmer’s Market that’s held under the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga streets on Sunday mornings.The previous operator, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, disclosed this month that it will no longer run the market, considered Maryland’s largest “producer-only farmer’s market.”The BDC, on behalf of Mayor Brandon Scott’s office, this week issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting responses from organizations with proven experience in managing events, markets, or similar public-facing initiatives. Established in 1977, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market is open on Sundays from April to December, 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Its vendors offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and seafood, along with handcrafted goods and other products.“The collaboration between the BDC and the Mayor’s Office reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the Baltimore Farmers’ Market remains an accessible space for residents and visitors alike,” said Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor for the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, in a statement. “As a vital food source for Baltimore, the market plays a critical role in providing fresh, affordable produce while supporting local farmers and small businesses. We will be thoughtful in our search for a new operator, prioritizing innovation while preserving the market’s legacy and ensuring alignment with our mission to sustain this invaluable resource and uplift our community.”According to the BDC, the new operator will oversee all aspects of the market for the 2025 calendar year, including day-of operations, vendor selection and management, event promotion and marketing, and event logistics and permitting. Interested applicants must meet the following qualifications:Be a licensed nonprofit or for-profit entity in good standing with the state of Maryland and in compliance with all existing city, state, and federal regulations. Demonstrate experience managing events, markets, or similar public-facing initiatives, including permitting, public safety, and stakeholder relations. A proven ability to develop and manage budgets. Familiarity with vendor relations and market regulations. Knowledge of Baltimore’s cultural and economic landscape, with a focus on supporting local businesses. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement. The RFP submission process opened on Tuesday. Interested applicants are requested to send a comprehensive proposal of no more than five pages, not including the operating budget and financial information, in a single PDF to BDC Executive Vice President Kimberly Clark at [email protected] BDC will receive and compile RFP submissions for the Mayor’s Office, which will review eligible proposals and make the final selection. Proposals will be evaluated on:Relevant organizational and key staff experience and qualifications in running markets and similar events. Organization experience and understanding of Baltimore City permits and event management systems. Innovative and community-focused approach to market management. Alignment with the Mayor’s Office mission and values, including minority- and woman-owned business participation. Financial feasibility and fiscal impact of the proposal.Additional information about the RFP is available at: baltimoredevelopment.com/doing-business/request-for-proposal or by emailing: [email protected] with the subject line “Baltimore Farmers’ Market RFP.” The required market start date for the selected operator is April 13, 2025.