the Neighborhood Design Center

is the trusted non-profit to call when you want to get things done. Since 1968, we’ve worked on more than 4,000 community-led projects in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What We Do

partners with residents and local leaders to envision better parks, revitalize commercial districts, develop greening strategies, and make our public spaces more vibrant, safe, and sustainable.

Our Services

How we kickstart projects

When a community has a vision — but lacks resources or meets systemic roadblocks — the Neighborhood Design Center can help.

We bring people together, build capacity, conduct research, and provide top-notch design and planning services (often for pro bono).

With the right tools, communities can secure funding for implementation and maintenance, and bring their dreams to life.

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Addressing historic inequity

From our founding over fifty years ago, our mission has always been to serve low- and moderate- income communities affected by institutional neglect.

We redirect resources to underserved areas because everyone deserves healthy, high-quality public spaces.

What our partners have to say

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“We’ve done a number of projects with NDC. All of them have been spectacular. My 14 years of working with them have been nothing less than great.”

— Gwendolyn Clerkley, department of public works and transportation

“NDC is without a doubt one of our most prized partners. Their unique set of services cannot be secured anywhere else, at any cost.”

— Margaret Morgan Hubbard, Eco-City Farm

“Being a part of the NDC Board has allowed me to build stronger connections to my Prince George’s County community and see change happening each day.”

— Sonja Ewing, AICP, NDC Board Member

“Working with NDC has taught me to listen to every unique voice in a design process and to always include those voices in design decisions.”

— Carol Currotto, Interior Designer

“I could not tell you where a better group of people exist than within Neighborhood Design Center. Wherever they are, that is exactly where change is happening.”

— Kristina Williams, former NDC Board President

“Their staff are knowledgeable, skillful at customizing their service to the practical needs of our community, and friendly to work with.”

— Brad Pudner, Public Works Director

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Resources

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We consider ourselves leaders in the field of community design. Check out our NDC-designed guidebooks, reading recommendations, and more.

The Blueprint

Best practices and principles for conducting meaningful engagement and community-led projects

Signal Station North Lighting Guidebook

Practical tools, critical theory, and inspiration for neighborhood light projects

News + Stories

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Read up on events we’re hosting, project updates, and insightful thought leadership pieces.

Stories

November 9, 2023

How We Made a Difference in 2023

Events

October 31, 2023

Join Us for Bike the Sites 2023 on November 11th

News

October 29, 2023

How to Make an Impact This Giving Season

Volunteer Opportunities

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Northwest Community Life Center

Baltimore

Neighborhood signage and greening design

Baltimore

Featured Case Study

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Signal Station North: An Arts District's Plan for Equitable Lighting