By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) delivered his sixth annual State of the City address on March 31 at Baltimore Center Stage under the theme, “Building Together, Block by Block.”
Scott announced several major initiatives, including a five-year comprehensive violence prevention plan to be released this summer and a state-of-the-art sports facility the city will break ground on by the end of his second term.
He also unveiled a pilot program to wipe out property tax debt for legacy residents.
“Baltimoreans who are over 65, who have owned their home for more than 10 years and make less than $73,000 a year, can qualify next year if they sign up by April 15,” said Scott. “As Baltimore continues to grow, we have to do everything we can to protect the folks who built our city.”
To ensure eligible older adults are informed of the program, the Mayor’s Office of Older Adult Affairs and Advocacy will conduct outreach through the April 15 deadline.
Scott also announced two programs designed to help lower energy costs. The Energy Stability Fund is a targeted fund providing up to $1,500 in assistance to residents who are struggling with utility bills.
The Baltimore City Development Corporation provides small and medium-sized businesses with up to $25,000 in grant funding to assist with their utility bills. Businesses can begin finding out their eligibility and applying for this relief after May 1.
He also discussed a citywide security deposit assistance program.
“This program will help low-income residents who have found an apartment to rent, but don’t have the money in-hand for a security deposit,” said Scott. “It’s especially focused on residents transitioning out of homelessness or temporary housing. If you qualify, you can apply for up to $2,000 to cover a security deposit.”
Scott introduced Repave Baltimore, a new initiative to improve roads.
“I know this is a point of frustration for everybody in Baltimore,” he said. “During the Great Recession, the State cut our funding to the tune of $900 million and never put it back. I don’t control the State budget, but while we continue to work with our state partners to maintain the funding we have, there are steps we can and will take to improve our resurfacing program.”
The program will include paving 25 lane miles, filling 25,000 potholes, cleaning and mulching 500 tree pits, sweeping 25,000 miles of road, removing 6,000 graffiti tags, and completing 12,000 bulk waste pickups within 90 days starting in mid-April.
Scott also highlighted a goal to reduce overdose deaths by 50 percent by 2040 and announced Baltimore’s membership in the Partnership for Healthy Cities.
Despite the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act funding, Scott revealed Clean Corps Baltimore will continue, receiving $3 million in the fiscal year 2027 budget. The program has completed thousands of street, alley, vacant lot and tree pit cleanings citywide.
“When we talk about the ‘State of the City,’ we have to talk about so much more than what goes on at City Hall,” said Scott. “This is the greatest city in America because Baltimoreans are the greatest people on Earth. Baltimore’s potential is the potential of each and every person that calls her home.”
Scott recognized community leaders, including Regina Hammons of Rebuild Johnston Square and Yolanda Jiggets of Park Heights Renaissance, for improving their historic neighborhoods. He also addressed crime reduction efforts.
“In 18 of the 41 years I’ve been alive, Baltimore lost over 300 people to homicide,” said Scott. “That’s over 300 parents, neighbors, friends, children, loved ones – receiving the worst call of their lives.”
“These smart on crime solutions have reduced homicides and nonfatal shootings in Baltimore by 60 percent in the last five years,” he said. “No National Guard zero tolerance needed. Just a comprehensive plan by Baltimore for Baltimore. After years and years of 300-plus homicides, there were 133 in 2025 – the lowest number in 50 years.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) spoke at the address, noting the historic city-state partnership.
“As far as we know–we’ve gone back now several decades–a governor has never been invited to the Baltimore State of the City address, and that’s why this partnership is different,” Moore said. “The momentum we are seeing right now in the state of Maryland could not happen without Baltimore. This partnership is about results.”
Faith P. Leach, Baltimore City chief administrative officer, praised the city’s community-driven approach.
“We define Baltimore, not the headlines, not the stereotypes, but the community and how we show up for one another, tells the real story of who we are,” said Leach.
Scott also launched a new map of city investments since his inauguration on Dec. 8, 2020, highlighting major projects tied to specific addresses across Baltimore.
“In this moment, in this job, every day is an opportunity to go further and do better than the day before,” said Scott. “Neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, it’s a chance to improve the lives of the residents of this city.”
Councilman Paris Gray (D-District 8) expressed support while noting budget considerations.
“It looks like we’re continuing to push the city forward, and that’s something I’m proud of,” he said. “When it comes to the Mayor’s plan…it’s very ambitious. I’m very eager to look at the numbers, but, anything to push the city forward I am in full support.”
Gray acknowledged the need for careful budgeting before outlining his approach.
“My team will break it down, we’ll start looking at it and seeing what makes sense and what doesn’t for this fiscal year,” he said.
But, Gray pointed out that these initiatives include multi-year endeavors.
“Our job is going to be to figure out which ones can the city do along with the priorities that we have as a council,” he said.
A full recording of the speech is available at www.baltimorecity.gov/live.