For Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, 2025 was a year of pressure and progress, from record-breaking reductions in violent crime to major investments in youth, education and neighborhood revitalization. As 2026 begins, Scott says he plans to build on those achievements while continuing his focus on public safety, economic development and changing the national narrative about Baltimore.
Category: Baltimore Government
Posted inBaltimore News
Building, thriving, celebrating: Charm City Wins from 2025
2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and empowerment across Baltimore. From new Black-owned businesses and parks to wellness events and neighborhood projects, these highlights showcase the people and initiatives strengthening the city’s communities.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore launches new housing partnership to support youth and families at risk of homelessness
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) and other local nonprofits Dec. 4, to ensure families who are at risk or currently facing homelessness can be rapidly placed in permanent housing with […]
Posted inBaltimore News
How Baltimore mentorship programs are closing the racial income gap for Black boys
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Eighteen-year-old Kenneth Dorsey of Cherry Hill hopes to attend college to study mechanical engineering and establish his own home renovation business, spending hours studying trades on YouTube. But statistics show that he’ll grow up to earn less than his White peers because of his race, even if they come from […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Allendale rec center reopens after nearly three years of closure
Baltimore’s Allendale community celebrated the reopening of the Mary E. Rodman Rec Center after nearly three years of closure. The $1.8 million renovation brings new fitness, a playground and community spaces for local youth and families.
Posted inBaltimore News
City leaders unveil 10-year financial plan to stabilize Baltimore, strengthen services
Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach says Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s 10-year plan aims to target the city’s current budget deficit, while investing in service delivery, infrastructure and making taxes more equitable for residents.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Bradon M. Scott signs $4.6B FY26 Baltimore City budget
Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) signed a $4.6 billion fiscal year 2026 budget that closes an $85 million gap without layoffs or broad tax increases. The plan increases funding for youth programs, public safety and immigrant communities, and takes effect July 1.
Posted inBaltimore News
Mayor Brandon Scott named to Ebony Power 100 and Time 100, credits Baltimore for the honor
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2025, joining a legacy of Baltimore visionaries such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and Freeman Hrabowski III, and Ebony’s Power 100. Scott calls the honor “a humbling experience,” crediting his city for its growing global influence and its role in reshaping national perceptions of Baltimore.
Posted inBaltimore News
Reviving Johnston Square: New housing and library signal community renewal
On Nov. 10, ReBUILD Metro celebrated the opening of the Hammond at Greenmount Park, as well as the new Johnston Square Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Posted inBaltimore News
Former Baltimore mayors honored with portrait unveiling
By Ericka Alston BuckSpecial to the AFRO On Nov. 1, the Rotunda of Baltimore City Hall was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude as four of the city’s former mayors– Sheila Dixon, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Catherine Pugh and Bernard “Jack” Young– joined Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott for the unveiling of their official portraits. […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Elected officials call out blatant racist messages
Black officials are increasingly confronting racist attacks online, by phone and email. Leaders like Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) are exposing the derogatory comments to highlight its persistence and the resilience it demands.
Posted inBaltimore Government
With homicides at 50-year low, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says focus should turn to quality-of-life crimes
Baltimore has hit historic lows in violent crime, with homicides at their lowest in more than 50 years. But State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says the city is falling short in addressing quality-of-life crimes, like car break-ins, vandalism and public drug use.