HopkinsLocal is an initiative launched by Johns Hopkins University and Health System to leverage its role as the largest anchor institution in Baltimore and create economic opportunities in the city. The initiative has three core goals: 1) to expand the participation of local and minority-owned businesses in construction projects; 2) to hire more city residents, particularly those from neighborhoods most in need of job opportunities; and 3) to increase procurement from local firms. HopkinsLocal inspired 25 area businesses to initiate a similar effort, BLocal, which also aims to boost locally-based hiring, procurement, and construction contracting. As of 2016, BLocal participants had pledged to direct at least $69 million into local and minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses over a three-year period.