Clerestory

Shaping Places. Building Prosperity.

Illuminating Strategy

Creating Impact

About Clerestory

At Clerestory, we bring clarity and purpose to every project, illuminating the path from vision to reality. Like the architectural feature that invites light to transform a space, our approach reveals the full story—strategically aligning efforts for measurable impact.We revitalize communities through tailored strategies that integrate economic development, urban planning, quality design, and impactful real estate development. With a partnership-driven approach, we celebrate each community’s character, blending creativity and strategy to ensure lasting, meaningful transformation.We partner with leaders shaping cities, institutions, and communities. Reach out to explore how we can work together.

Advisory Services

To deliver on this vision, Clerestory provides the following core services:● Economic Development Strategy — Designing practical, data-informed approaches to drive business growth, job creation, and visible investment.↪ Project Example - Market-Rate Rental Housing Tax Credit● Real Estate Development Advisory — Guiding public, private, and nonprofit clients through complex real estate projects from vision to execution.↪ Project Example - Lexington Market● Public-Private Partnership Structuring — Navigating the intersection of government, anchor institutions, and developers to unlock meaningful partnerships that benefit all parties.↪ Project Example - CFG Bank Arena● Place-Based Investment Strategy — Leveraging assets, incentives & funding, collaborative partners, and design to deliver high-impact, long-term neighborhood transformation.↪ Project Example - Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund● Strategic Planning & Implementation — Crafting clear, actionable plans that align community goals, funding, and leadership to produce tangible results.↪ Project Example - Baltimore Together

Vision

We envision a future where cities and communities have the inspiration, strategy, and resources to shape their own path toward growth and prosperity — creating vibrant places that reflect their identity, foster opportunity, and inspire a renewed sense of pride and connection.

Mission

At Clerestory, our mission is to work with public and private leaders to deliver a comprehensive approach to urban growth and investment that is as practical as it is transformative.

Why We’re Unique

We align economic development strategies and tailored design to provide clients transformative solutions. But that is only the beginning. Clerestory is committed to ensuring that solutions are implemented and not left on a shelf. We advise clients on all aspects of the investment lifecycle from garnering grassroots support to designing the right solution to financing, constructing and activation. We don’t make plans; we create lasting impact.

Who We Serve

Public Sector and Civic OrganizationsWe work with leaders in the public and civic sectors to shape strategies, structure investment, and move priority projects forward. Whether advising city governments, economic development organizations, regional authorities, or public-private partnerships, we bring the capacity, clarity, and coordination needed to deliver high-impact results. From revitalizing downtowns and corridors to launching catalytic programs or managing complex stakeholder dynamics, we provide the insight and leadership to get things done.Real Estate DevelopersWe work with mission-driven and market-driven developers to unlock value in complex urban projects. Our curated teams and strategic insights help clients navigate entitlement hurdles, secure incentives, engage communities, and structure deals that balance risk with long-term results. Whether repositioning assets, activating public spaces, or executing adaptive reuse, we serve as your strategic partner from concept through construction and activation.Anchor Institutions & Non-ProfitsWe help universities, hospitals, foundations, and community-based organizations translate mission into measurable outcomes through place-based investment. From campus expansion and neighborhood revitalization to small business support and workforce initiatives, we build customized strategies and assemble the right experts to move from vision to execution — ensuring alignment with internal priorities and the needs of the communities they serve.

Leadership

Colin Tarbert is a nationally respected economic development executive with deep experience delivering transformative outcomes at the intersection of public leadership, private investment, and community impact. Over two decades, he has led ambitious revitalization efforts — from reimagining downtown districts to repositioning public assets — while advancing inclusive strategies that support both major employers and small businesses.He most recently served as President & CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation and previously held the role of Deputy Mayor for the City of Baltimore, overseeing 10 city agencies focused on economic development, housing, planning, and workforce initiatives. These leadership roles have shaped his ability to drive equitable urban revitalization through both strategic vision and implementation.Colin brings a rare blend of policy insight, real estate strategy, and deal-making expertise. Known for aligning diverse stakeholders and structuring high-impact initiatives, he leads with clarity and purpose to deliver measurable results. His work advising mayors, guiding institutional partners, and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems informs Clerestory’s mission to help places realize their full potential.Colin is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credentialed by the International Economic Development Council. Learn more about Colin by viewing his LinkedIn profile below:

Project Highlights

The projects in this portfolio reflect the work of many — public leaders, private partners, and community stakeholders. Colin has played both leading and supporting roles, helping move complex efforts forward.This is not about taking sole credit. It is about sharing the lessons — what worked and what did not — to inform future work and help translate your ambitions into measurable impact — through thoughtful strategy, catalytic investment, and tangible improvements in the built and economic environment.

Insights & Press

Lessons from the Key Bridge Collapse by Colin TarbertBaltimore Business Journal, March 2025How a tragic event revealed systemic challenges and sparked a call for resilient economic planning.

Nostalgia vs. Progress on Baltimore’s Waterfront by Colin TarbertThe Baltimore Banner, October 2024A response to the Harborplace redevelopment plans—balancing history, equity, and economic growth.

The Arena Effect by Colin TarbertThe Baltimore Sun, April 2024An analysis of the CFG Bank Arena transformation and its role in downtown Baltimore’s broader revitalization.

Can Baltimore Grow Its Economy with Everyone in Mind?WYPR Midday with Tom Hall, August 2024A conversation on inclusive economic development and the future of Baltimore’s growth strategy.

What Leaders Are Saying

"Colin's dedication to Baltimore has been unwavering, playing a pivotal role in driving investment, creating jobs, and leading transformative projects that have shaped our city’s future. His leadership at BDC has strengthened Baltimore’s economy, and his impact will be felt for years to come."— Mayor Brandon M. Scott, City of Baltimore"Colin Tarbert’s leadership has been instrumental in driving major investment into Baltimore. His ability to navigate complex deals and attract major employers has significantly strengthened the city’s economy."— Augie Chiasera, Executive Vice President, M&T Bank & Chair, Baltimore Development Corporation

Contact Us

We’re excited to announce that Clerestory will officially launch in June 2025 and begin accepting new clients at that time. In the meantime, we welcome early conversations — if you're interested in learning more about our work and how we might support your goals, we’d be happy to connect.

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