By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) has outlined his 2026 legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session, which aims to advance Baltimore’s long-term growth and stability. The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session is set to begin on Jan. 14 and end on April 13.
The proposed legislation includes housing reform, economic development, transportation funding and public safety measures by expanding local authority and targeted funding to support redevelopment, safety and infrastructure.
“Each year, the Maryland General Assembly session is an opportunity for the City of Baltimore to advocate for funding and support that will help us sustain our progress,” said Scott, in the release. “We know that, once again, the General Assembly will face a number of hard choices in order to balance the budget. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to bring home the resources and policies that our residents need and deserve.”
Some of the mayor’s key legislative priorities include a bill that would reauthorize access for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to juvenile records and one that would broaden the city’s authority to set up and operate speed monitoring systems outside the areas currently permitted under state law.
Several leaders shared their perspectives with the AFRO on some of the mayor’s other priorities and what they hope the city will achieve during the upcoming session.
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen (D) said he appreciates the mayor’s focus on improving the Baltimore Convention Center.
“We know that fixing, rebuilding the Convention Center is critical. It’s why folks will want to come and work with us downtown,” said Cohen, before speaking on another goal in mind for improving life in Baltimore.
“One other legislative priority for me this year in Annapolis is working with our legislators on reducing these absolutely out-of-control utility costs,” said Cohen. “When I talk to residents, whether it’s here in West Baltimore or over in East Baltimore, folks are struggling right now. People are having to choose between gas and electricity or the internet, food or rent, and that’s just unacceptable.”
Last year, several Baltimore residents reported seeing significant increases in their utility bills, in one case, from $390.50 in December 2024 to $784.18 in January 2025 and $975.22 in February.
“I appreciate Mayor Scott’s proactive legislative agenda for the 2026 session, particularly the emphasis on securing resources for housing, economic development, transportation and public safety,” said State Del. Malcolm P. Ruff (D-Md.-41), who was recently appointed as chairman of the Capital Budget subcommittee on Appropriations by new House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. “His call for a local share of existing sales tax revenue to support vacant housing rehabilitation and property tax relief is a pivotal step toward reinvigorating our neighborhoods, attracting new residents and addressing long-standing disinvestment in underserved communities across the city.”
Ruff added, though, that he’d like to see city officials call for more state investment in youth engagement and employment programs during the legislative session, including expanded funding for YouthWorks.
“These programs not only provide our youth with meaningful jobs and pathways to careers, they have also proven to be essential to preventing juvenile crime,” said Ruff.
As the General Assembly convenes, Baltimore City residents can expect debates on legislation with direct implications for housing, public safety and affordability.