By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
Mayor Brandon M. Scott delivered his 2025 State of the City address at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center on April 21, touting accomplishments in public safety, education, public health, housing and community and economic development.
The speech was given under the theme “Built Different, Building Different,” underscoring Baltimore’s unique identity and the need for distinct strategies to improve the city. Scott notably took on the current White House administration in his address, which has lodged attacks against federal workers and their agencies, immigrant communities and equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
“We know that when we create opportunity for all of our citizens—especially our young people— everybody is better off. Equity and DEI may be under attack in Washington, but they are alive and well in Baltimore,” said Scott. “So, call us the DEI capital of the United States. Call us whatever you like– we are never gonna apologize for investing in the people of our city.”
In March, the 47th president blasted Baltimore City Public Schools for underperforming math scores. The criticism came as he signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.
Scott denounced the rhetoric from Washington, pointing out that the current president has never spent a day in City Schools. He highlighted several strides in public education, including kindergarten readiness reaching its highest level in nearly a decade, a decline in chronic absenteeism and Baltimore ranking second in the country for reading progress.
He committed the city’s school system to increasing the share of students who are reading and writing on grade level by 10 percent in the next two years. He also pledged to double the percentage of students on grade level in math by that time.
“I’ll be straight with you, federal funding cuts won’t make any of this easier, but we’re not going to let their problems derail our children’s progress or prevent young Baltimoreans from finding great careers after graduation,” said Scott.
During his remarks, Scott recalled the doubt he was met with regarding his Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan. The blueprint, which was released in 2021, set out to reduce homicides by 15 percent every year.
Since then, homicides have fallen from 335 in 2020 to 201 in 2024, a 40 percent decline. Non-fatal shootings also dropped 43 percent in that time.
Last year, robberies decreased by 23 percent, auto thefts by 40 percent and carjackings by 19 percent. Scott said Baltimore has less violence today than it’s experienced in the last 50 years.
“Ending violence in Baltimore is going to take all of us working together,” said Scott. “That’s why this strategy is built on: bringing together all of the pieces of the community violence intervention ecosystem, empowering residents to help us make their neighborhoods safer and offering real alternatives for those who want to change their lives.”
Scott’s address came two days after the 10th anniversary of 25-year-old Freddie Gray’s untimely death in Baltimore police custody. In his remarks, the mayor said the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is doing their work with fewer officers while continuing to make reforms.
He noted that police-involved shootings and complaints have fallen by 67 percent and use of force incidents have experienced a 50 percent decline.
“It should have never been up to BPD alone to keep our streets safe,” said Scott. “But, building a stronger, better department is still a critical part of this work.”
Scott boasted public health as a strength for Baltimore institutions, like Morgan State University, Coppin State University and Johns Hopkins University.
He noted that the city has delivered $2 million in grants to aid home health care workers. He also expressed plans to support first responders. Baltimore is not only actively recruiting more paramedics and firefighters, it is also expanding Tele911. The service will enable residents who do not require emergency care to connect with telehealth services on demand.
Scott explained that first responders have played an integral role in combating the city’s opioid crisis. Fatal opioid overdoses were down 35 percent last year.
“That’s progress,” said Scott. “But, it will take time and resources to repair the damage done to our communities, and that takes accountability for everyone responsible for the spread of opioids in our communities— not just dealers but also Big Pharma companies who profited from the overprescription of these drugs.”
The city of Baltimore has sued a number of pharmaceutical companies and has racked up nearly $700 million in settlements and damages. Scott said the money amassed will be invested directly into neighborhoods impacted by the opioid epidemic.
The mayor also reflected on his 2023 vision to end the vacancy crisis within 15 years in collaboration with Baltimoreans United in Leadership (BUILD) and the Greater Baltimore Committee. He announced an official name for the $3-billion plan for the first time: Reframe Baltimore.
Currently, there are less than 13,000 vacant properties across the city, the lowest number in more than 20 years. In its next step, the city will be reviving the Baltimore Industrial Development Authority to rehabilitate 1,000 abandoned properties. It’s also bringing tax breaks to every Baltimore neighborhood for the transformation of vacant properties into affordable housing.
Permit and zoning processes are also being streamlined in Baltimore to help tackle the crisis.
As Baltimore’s population experienced an increase for the time in a decade, Scott addressed efforts to promote homeownership and affordable housing. In 2024, Baltimore deployed an additional $900,000 in incentives for new homebuyers and over $750,000 in “Buy Back the Block” grants.
Scott also committed the city to bringing property tax rates under $2 by 2028. This would be the lowest level on record in 50 years.
“From housing, to health, to education and safety, we have a clear vision for our city’s future. But, we also know that with this unpredictable crew in charge in D.C., the only certainty is uncertainty,” said Scott. “They’re coming after everything that really makes this country great: the right to speak your mind, to make choices about your body, to live your life and educate your children; your right to worship the God of your choosing; your right to exist as a Black, brown or gay person. It’s the same stupidity and hatred we’ve heard for generations. Baltimore is not going to sit and take it.”
