Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott presented a nearly $5 billion proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a virtual town hall, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, youth programs and public safety without raising property or income taxes. Residents raised concerns about transportation, housing and access to grocery stores as officials encouraged continued public input ahead of City Council hearings.
Category: Baltimore Government
Posted inBaltimore News
Moore unveils Baltimore Transit-Oriented Development Plan
State and local officials unveiled the Baltimore Regional Transit-Oriented Development Strategy at Rogers Avenue Metro Station on April 6. The strategy aims to boost housing, expand transit access and drive economic growth, including 400 new housing units and major Light Rail investments.
Posted inBaltimore News
Special committee seeks public input on changes to Baltimore City charter
Baltimore’s Charter Review Special Committee is gathering public input on potential changes, including revisions to how city contracts are awarded. Residents and council members alike say understanding the charter’s complexities is key to making informed decisions.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore’s preliminary budget targets youth programs, economic development and infrastructure upgrades
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott released his preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027 on April 1. The $4.98 billion spending plan seeks to fill a $12 million structural deficit and includes $1.06 billion in capital spending— up nearly 14 percent from last year. The proposal prioritizes investments in youth programing, […]
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore Mayor Scott delivers sixth annual State of the City
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) delivered his sixth State of the City address, unveiling a series of key initiatives while highlighting crime reduction and community partnerships across Baltimore.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office hosts town hall on preventing juvenile crime
The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office hosted a town hall on March 18 at Digital Harbor High School to discuss juvenile crime and the impact of local smoke shops in Baltimore. Panelists and community members advocated for a fight against the opening of these businesses, as well as providing local resources to attendees.
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Baltimore residents speak out as BGE skips oversight hearing
Baltimore residents, especially Black families, are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills, forcing some to take on debt or cut essential expenses. City officials and advocates are pressing BGE for answers during rising cost concerns.
Posted inBaltimore Government
City Council holds hearing on bill to protect immigrant residents
The Baltimore City Council is considering the “Safe Spaces and Communities” bill, which would protect immigrant residents by codifying executive order safeguards and limiting local agency cooperation with federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore mayor responds to scrutiny over staffers’ use of procurement card
A recent OIG report says that the Baltimore Mayor’s Office failed to follow policies for 336 procurement card transactions totaling $167,455.06, including purchases for food, flowers and sporting events. The questioned spending represents less than 1 percent of the office’s $36 million in P-card use since June 2022.
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Maryland leaders conduct surprise inspection of Baltimore ICE facility
Maryland leaders toured the Baltimore ICE facility, condemning the inhumane conditions identified even in the absence of detainees. Legislators praised Judge Julie R. Rubin’s March 6 order limiting capacity for detainees at the facility to 55 people and city officials have pledged to protect immigrants by fighting private detention centers.
Posted inBaltimore News
Study finds disjointed youth crime data hinders public understanding
A recent Abell Foundation report finds Baltimore’s juvenile crime data is fragmented, making it hard for the public to track trends. Experts say a more cohesive, accessible system is needed for clarity and accountability.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore inspector general challenges city over limited access to records
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com Baltimore City Inspector General (IG) Isabel Mercedes Cumming has filed suit against Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Council after the city denied her office access to certain records and provided heavily redacted information in response to subpoenas. The suit seeks a court declaration confirming the Office of […]