Baltimore
Upcoming
Public Health & Environment Committee
The Public Health & Environment Committee meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled. The scheduled item, LO25-0023, would have examined the accessibility, effectiveness, and regulatory oversight of psychiatric rehabilitation programs in Baltimore City. The discussion aimed to improve coordination, accountability, and equitable mental health service delivery.
- Public hearing on psychiatric rehabilitation programs (LO25-0023) cancelled and rescheduled
- Focus on mental health service accessibility, oversight, and equitable delivery
Labor & Workforce Committee
The Labor & Workforce Committee will review Ordinance 26-0211, which proposes extending city retirement system membership to specific employees at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum. The legislation requires an actuarial study to determine the financial impact and establishes effective dates for the new eligibility rules. The committee will hold a public hearing on the measure before voting.
- Ordinance 26-0211: Extends Employees’ Retirement System eligibility to select Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum staff
- Mandates an actuarial study to assess the financial impact of the proposed membership expansion
- Public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2026, at City Hall Room 408
Land Use & Transportation Committee
The Land Use & Transportation Committee will hold public hearings on four land use matters. Members will review a rezoning request for 901 S Caton Avenue and three conditional use applications, including two single-family home conversions and one commercial retail proposal. The committee will vote on these items before forwarding recommendations to the full City Council.
- Public hearing on rezoning 901 S Caton Ave from OR-2 to C-2 district
- Public hearing on converting 1118 N Carey St to three dwelling units
- Public hearing on converting 812 N Carey St to two dwelling units with a lot-size variance
- Public hearing on a retail goods establishment with alcohol sales at 600 W North Ave
Baltimore City Council
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee will hold an informational hearing on missing persons policies and procedures. Representatives from the Baltimore City Police Department, state agencies, and advocacy groups will brief council members on current protocols. The committee will also request five years of data on missing persons cases, staffing levels, and turnover rates.
- Informational hearing on missing persons policies and procedures (Item 25-0022R)
- Request for five years of Baltimore City Police Department missing persons case data
- Review of staffing and turnover rates for the Missing Persons Unit and district offices
- Briefings from the State’s Attorney, Maryland DJS, Maryland DHS, and Black and Missing
Board of Estimates
Public Safety Committee
The Baltimore City Council Public Safety Committee was scheduled to review police and city efforts to combat open-air drug markets. The oversight hearing has been canceled and will be rescheduled. No policy decisions or contracts will be discussed.
- LO25-0005: Oversight hearing on open-air drug markets (canceled)
- Review of Police Department and Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety initiatives
Public Health & Environment Committee
The committee will hold a public hearing regarding the regulation and safety of substance abuse clinics and recovery homes. They will also review amendments to update city forest and tree conservation laws to meet new state requirements.
- Public hearing on oversight of recovery homes and substance abuse clinics (LO25-0024)
- Amendments to Article 7 of the Baltimore City Code regarding forest and tree conservation (26-0161)
Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee
Public Health & Environment Committee
The committee is holding a reconvening hearing to assess the allocation and impact of Opioid Restitution funds. The goal is to ensure money supports effective, evidence-based strategies for vulnerable populations.
- LO25-0022: Oversight of the Opioid Restitution Fund
Board of Estimates
Public Health & Environment Committee
The committee is holding a reconvening hearing to evaluate the city's ability to handle increasing behavioral health challenges. Discussions will focus on BCHD staffing levels, data reporting, and how City-funded entities are aligned.
- LO25-0007: Behavioral Health reconvening hearing
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The committee will review policies regarding the city's whole block strategy for abandoned properties. They will also discuss oversight of the Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council and consider designating St. Peter’s Cemetery as a historical landmark.
- Landmark designation for St. Peter’s Cemetery (2310 Laurens Street and 1301 Moreland Avenue)
- Review of whole block strategy for vacant and abandoned properties
- Oversight of Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council policies
Board of Estimates
Public Health & Environment Committee
The committee will hold a public hearing regarding the Zero Waste initiative. The discussion focuses on evaluating current recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs under the Baltimore Sustainability Plan.
- Public hearing for LO25-0017 - Zero Waste
Board of Estimates
Public Health & Environment Committee
The Public Health & Environment Committee will hold a reconvened public hearing on the city's response to the opioid epidemic. Officials and community members will discuss service gaps, healthcare provider challenges, and potential policy solutions to improve overdose prevention. No binding votes or contracts are scheduled for this session.
- Public hearing on LO25-0021: City's Response to the Opioid Crisis
- Reconvened session to discuss addiction treatment and overdose prevention policies
- Open forum for city agencies, healthcare providers, and community advocates
Public Safety Committee
The committee will hold a public hearing regarding a new ordinance for firearm dealers. The proposal would require businesses to provide suicide prevention and safe storage education at the point of sale.
- Public hearing for Bill 26-0160: Firearm Dealers - Mental Health & Safety - Required Postings
Baltimore City Council
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The committee will hold public hearings regarding strategies for repurposing vacant properties through community-led initiatives. They will also conduct oversight on the city's code enforcement process, including inspector accountability and staffing constraints.
- Public hearing on vacant land use (LO25-0031)
- Public hearing on code enforcement and inspector accountability (LO25-0034)
Budget & Appropriations Committee
The Budget & Appropriations Committee will hear routine quarterly financial updates from the Finance Department, the Department of Planning, and Baltimore City Public Schools. These briefings track actual spending against approved budgets. This is a procedural informational meeting with no votes or policy decisions scheduled.
- Quarterly spending report from the Finance Department's Bureau of Budget and Management Research
- Capital budget update from the Department of Planning
- Financial performance briefing for Baltimore City Public Schools
Board of Estimates
Public Safety Committee
The committee is conducting legislative oversight hearings to monitor city agencies. Discussions will focus on progress made by the Baltimore Police Department and the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.
- Legislative Oversight - Crime Reduction and Violence Prevention (LO25-0005)
- BPD presentation on FY 25 Youth Arrests
- Police Accountability hearing materials
- PAB Annual Reports for 2023 and 2024
Baltimore City Council
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold public hearings on two bills addressing vacant properties. Councilmember James Torrence sponsored measures to review the mayor’s $3 billion vacant housing strategy and propose tax sale reforms to prevent foreclosures. The committee will hear from city agencies and stakeholders before deciding on next steps.
- Public hearing on LO25-0030: Mayor’s $3 billion vacant property financing strategy
- Public hearing on LO25-0033: Tax sale reform and vacancy prevention measures
- Review of homeowner protections and equitable ownership strategies
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
Public Safety Committee
The committee is conducting legislative oversight hearings to monitor progress on public safety. The session includes reviews of activities from the Baltimore Police Department, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and the Department of Juvenile Services.
- Legislative Oversight LO25-0005: Crime Reduction and Violence Prevention
- BPD FY 25 Youth Arrests report review
- Monitoring of Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) progress
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing on oversight of the Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council. Members will review interagency cooperation, implementation status, and public accountability for vacant housing reinvestment policies. The meeting covers standard procedural items including roll call and adjournment.
- Public hearing on Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council oversight (LO25-0032)
- Review of interagency cooperation for vacant housing reinvestment
- Discussion of implementation status and public accountability measures
Public Safety Committee
Budget & Appropriations Committee
The Budget & Appropriations Committee will receive a quarterly briefing on financial performance and budget execution. Representatives from the Finance Department, Department of Planning, and Baltimore City Public Schools will present spending data against approved budgets. This meeting is procedural and informational, with no votes or new contracts scheduled.
- Quarterly budget performance briefing from Finance, Planning, and Public Schools
Budget & Appropriations Committee
The Budget & Appropriations Committee will hold a quarterly oversight hearing on the management and disbursement of $641 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated to Baltimore. The session will review the current financial status and progress of these federal relief dollars. No binding votes or policy changes are scheduled for this meeting.
- Quarterly financial oversight hearing on $641 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds
- Review of fund management, disbursement status, and project progress
- Sponsored by Council Member Danielle McCray
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing on repurposing vacant properties through community-led initiatives. Sponsored by Councilmember James Torrence, the discussion will cover urban agriculture, land trusts, and property stewardship. The committee is gathering stakeholder input rather than voting on specific legislation.
- Public hearing on vacant land reuse and resident-led solutions (LO25-0031)
- Discussion of community-led property reuse, urban greening, and land trusts
- No specific rezoning, contracts, or fee changes scheduled
Board of Estimates
Board of Estimates
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing on legislation to reform property tax sales and reduce housing vacancies. Council members and stakeholders will discuss homeowner protections, strategies to limit property turnover, and methods to promote equitable ownership. No binding votes or contracts are scheduled for this session.
- LO25-0033: Public hearing on tax sale reform and vacancy prevention legislation sponsored by Councilmember James Torrence.
Last 30 days
Land Use & Transportation Committee
The committee will review several land use items, including a proposal to transfer Baltimore Harbor regulation to the Department of Transportation. Other discussions include adjusting building height calculations for gambrel roofs and increasing church parking permits in Riverside.
- Increase parking permit allotment and hours for churches in RPP Area 48 (Riverside)
- Transfer authority to regulate Baltimore Harbor from Housing to Transportation
- Establishment of the Office of the Harbormaster
- Amend building height measurement calculations for gambrel roofs
- Authority to change street name suffixes
Public Health & Environment Committee
The Public Health & Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to assess how Baltimore allocates and uses opioid restitution funds. Council members will evaluate whether the money effectively supports evidence-based strategies for vulnerable residents. The agenda contains no other substantive policy or budget items.
- Public hearing (LO25-0022) on oversight, allocation, and impact of opioid restitution funds.
Board of Estimates
Baltimore City Council
The Council will vote on several major financial items, including the city's annual property tax and agency appropriations for fiscal year 2027. They are also considering a charter amendment to create a dedicated Department of Water and Wastewater.
- Charter Amendment: Establishing a Department of Water and Wastewater
- Annual Property Tax – Fiscal Year 2027
- Operating Budget for the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (FY 2027)
- Ordinance of Estimates for all city agencies (FY 2027)
Board of Estimates
Public Health & Environment Committee
The committee is holding a public hearing to assess how opioid restitution funds are being allocated. The goal is to ensure money supports effective, evidence-based strategies for vulnerable populations.
- Public hearing on LO25-0022: Oversight of the Opioid Restitution Fund
Other Meetings of the Public Body
Baltimore City Council
The Baltimore City Council will review and vote on zoning changes, property tax adjustments, and new citywide bans. Key legislation includes a moratorium on data centers, a ban on private detention facilities, and an increase to the homestead property tax credit. The council will also approve supplementary state funding for homeless services, courthouse security upgrades, and wastewater treatment. Additionally, multiple street closures, property sales, and rezoning requests will be considered.
- Increase homestead property tax credit for taxable year starting July 2026
- Ban private detention centers and prohibit data centers citywide
- Approve $2.5M in supplementary funding for homeless rental assistance and case management
- Rezoning 4308-4312 Hayward Avenue to TOD-1 and 3605 Hickory Avenue to IMU-1
- Close portions of Remington Avenue and Falls Road; sell former public property
Budget & Appropriations Committee
The Budget & Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing and vote on the Ordinance of Estimates for Fiscal Year 2027, which appropriates funds for all city agencies. It will also consider the annual property tax rate for FY2027 and approve the operating budget for the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
- Ordinance of Estimates for FY2027 (citywide operating and capital budgets)
- Annual Property Tax rate setting for FY2027
- Operating Budget for Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners for FY2027
- Public hearing on all three items
The Budget & Appropriations Committee voted 3-0 to recommend favorable passage of the FY2027 Ordinance of Estimates, the annual property tax rate, and the operating budget for the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. Two members were absent. The recommendations now go to the full City Council.
- Recommended favorable FY2027 Ordinance of Estimates (3-0)
- Recommended favorable FY2027 annual property tax rate (3-0)
- Recommended favorable FY2027 operating budget for Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (3-0)
Charter Review Special Committee
The Charter Review Special Committee will vote on two charter amendments to be placed before voters: one establishing a new Department of Water and Wastewater separate from Public Works, and another creating a Parking Benefits District fund to return parking meter revenue to specific areas.
- Charter Amendment 26-0202: Establishes Department of Water and Wastewater, transferring powers from Public Works
- Charter Amendment 26-0201: Creates a continuing, nonlapsing parking benefits district fund using meter revenues
The Charter Review Special Committee voted 5-0 to recommend favorably with amendment a charter amendment that would establish a Department of Water and Wastewater, transferring powers from the Department of Public Works. The committee did not vote on a separate charter amendment regarding a Parking Benefits District Local Fund.
- Recommended favorably with amendment charter amendment to establish Department of Water and Wastewater (5-0)
Board of Estimates
Housing & Economic Development Committee
The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold public hearings on the city's whole block strategy for vacant properties, oversight of the Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council, and code enforcement processes. Discussions will include implementation timelines, interagency cooperation, and inspector accountability.
- Public hearing on Whole Block Strategy & Disposition Timelines for vacant properties
- Oversight hearing on Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council
- Review of Code Enforcement process including inspector accountability and staffing constraints
The Housing & Economic Development Committee opened and then recessed three scheduled public hearings on whole block strategy, vacant reinvestment oversight, and code enforcement. No votes or substantive actions were taken.
- No substantive decisions were made; all items were recessed.
Baltimore City Council
Charter Review Special Committee
The Charter Review Special Committee will hold public hearings on two proposed city charter amendments. One would create a standalone Department of Water and Wastewater by transferring functions from the Department of Public Works. The other would establish a dedicated fund to return parking meter revenue to a specific geographic area. Both measures will be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
- Charter Amendment 26-0202: Create Department of Water and Wastewater
- Charter Amendment 26-0201: Establish Parking Benefits District Local Fund
- Public hearings on both proposed charter amendments
- Submission of both measures to city voters for approval
The Charter Review Special Committee discussed two proposed charter amendments—one to create a Department of Water and Wastewater and another to establish a Parking Benefits District Local Fund. No votes were taken on either matter; the meeting was purely informational.
Budget & Appropriations Committee
The Budget & Appropriations Committee will hold a work session on a proposal to increase the homestead property tax credit for 2026. The body will also conduct a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Ordinance of Estimates, which outlines projected spending for city agencies and capital projects. No specific dollar amounts or line items are detailed in this agenda.
- Work session on increasing the homestead property tax credit percentage for 2026
- Public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Ordinance of Estimates for city agency appropriations
The Budget & Appropriations Committee voted 3-1 to recommend favorably with amendment a bill (26-0151) that would increase the homestead tax credit percentage for the taxable year beginning July 2026. The Ordinance of Estimates for FY2027 (26-0188) was recessed with no action taken.
- Recommended favorably with amendment property tax homestead credit increase (26-0151) (3-1)
Baltimore City Council
The Baltimore City Council will consider four bond issues totaling $280 million to fund affordable housing, schools, community and economic development, and public infrastructure. These bonds require voter approval at the November 2026 general election. The meeting also includes procedural items like approval of the previous journal and bills signed by the mayor.
- Affordable Housing Loan - $22,000,000 bond issue for affordable housing programs
- School Loan - $60,000,000 bond issue for school construction and renovations
- Community and Economic Development Loan - $50,000,000 bond issue for community and economic development
- Public Infrastructure Loan - $148,000,000 bond issue for public infrastructure projects