Loyola receives federal funding to promote improvements along the York Road Corridor
Loyola University Maryland’s York Road Initiative has received $675,000 in direct federal funding from the 2022 omnibus funding legislation to provide workforce development, small business capacity building, clean and safe programs, food security, & infrastructure improvements to the Govans neighborhood located on the York Road Corridor.
“Loyola is committed to continuing to make a meaningful impact with the local community,” said Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola University Maryland. “This request augments Loyola’s significant investment in the economic development and wealth creation of businesses and residents in the racially and socio-economically divided York Road corridor. We are grateful to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and all those who recognize the tremendous growth and potential on the York Road Corridor and advocated for this funding for our community.”
Funding will allow the hiring of capacity builders for small businesses and community economic development, creating new jobs for local residents as neighborhood commercial ambassadors to oversee the clean, green, and pedestrian safety of the business corridor, oversee health food access programming, and work on long-term infrastructure improvement and capital projects, as well as short-term beautification/greening projects like public art and façade improvement grants, to strengthen the economic viability of this commercial district for all its residents and businesses.
“In 2008, Loyola’s strategic plan called for the University to take a leadership role
in the development of a multi-dimensional plan to improve the quality of life for
all persons living, working, and learning on the York Road corridor,” said Marie McSweeney Anderson, assistant director of the York Road Initiative. “Since that time, Loyola has worked tirelessly to connect its Evergreen campus to
the York Road neighborhood. The University aspires to place a shared emphasis on the
engagement of Loyola students and faculty and the pursuit of positive community impact
in Loyola’s immediate neighborhood and throughout Baltimore City. We’re excited what
this investment means for the future of the York Road corridor.”
More about the York Road Initiative at Loyola
Partnering with neighbors and others, the York Road Initiative focuses on the educational development, health, and well-being of community residents, as well as upon the economic viability of our neighborhoods, including our residential and retail establishments. The mission is to collaborate with neighbors and partners to produce positive change for all residents in the York Road community that improves the area education and youth development, builds civic capacity and strengthens the York Road commercial corridor. Read more on the Center for Community, Service, and Justice website.