Baltimore, MD

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

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is holding a reconvening hearing on the City's Response to the Opioid Crisis (LO25-0021), sponsored by Phylicia Porter. The stated purpose is to give city agencies, healthcare providers, and community advocates a platform to discuss ongoing challenges, identify service gaps, and explore policy solutions for opioid addiction and overdose prevention. The agenda lists no votes, contracts, or dollar amounts; it is a discussion and public hearing item only.

• Public hearing on LO25-0021, City's Response to the Opioid Crisis, sponsored by Phylicia Porter
• Stated purpose: discuss challenges, identify service gaps, and explore policy solutions for opioid addiction and overdose prevention
• Meeting is open to the public and offered virtually via Webex and phone
• No ordinances, contracts, or fee changes appear on this agenda

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee meets Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM to hold public hearings on six land-use items (docket 26-0154, 26-0198, 26-0204, 26-0206, 26-0208, 26-0252). The agenda covers a conditional-use conversion, three rezonings, a parking-lot conditional use, the repeal of a Planned Unit Development ordinance, and the closing of a 10-foot alley. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person at City Hall, Room 408, or online via Webex.

• 26-0154: Conditional use to convert a single-family dwelling to 2 units in the R-8 district at 1610 E Chase Street, with a lot-size-area variance (sponsor Jermaine Jones)
• 26-0198: Rezoning 505, 507, and 515 E 28th Street from R-7 to IMU-1 (sponsor Odette Ramos)
• 26-0204: Rezoning 3840 Bank Street from I-1 to IMU-2 (sponsor Mark Parker)
• 26-0206: Conditional use for a principal-use parking lot in the R-6 district at 1732-1736 Gorsuch Avenue (sponsor Odette Ramos)
• 26-0208: Repeal of Ordinance 87-1040, the Sherwood Ford, Inc. Planned Unit Development at and around 5104 York Road (sponsor Mark Conway); 26-0252: closing a 10-foot alley bounded by Ensor Street, East Lanvale Street, Holbrook Street, and Federal Street

Baltimore City Council

Budget & Appropriations Committee

The Budget & Appropriations Committee will hold public hearings on several supplementary appropriation bills. These proposals seek additional funding to cover budget deficits and specific equipment or service needs across multiple city agencies.

• Bill 26-0249: $88,000,000 for Department of Transportation snow and ice control
• Bill 26-0248: $30,000,000 for Fire Department budget deficit
• Bill 26-0250: $22,000,000 for Police Department budget deficit
• Bill 26-0245: $9,140,000 for Health Department school nurse reimbursements
• Bill 26-0246: $1,450,162.71 for Fire Department facilities and equipment

Public Safety Committee

The Committee is scheduled to hold an informational hearing regarding policies and procedures for missing persons incidents. The hearing aims to brief the City Council and request data concerning missing persons incidents, staffing, and turnover from the past 5 years.

• Informational Hearing – Missing Persons – Policies and Procedures (25-0022R)

Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee of the Baltimore City Council meets Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM to hold an informational hearing on home repair assistance for older adults. The hearing invites the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, the Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success, the Mayor's Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy, and relevant stakeholders to update the Council on the status of these programs. The agenda otherwise consists of procedural items: call to order, introductions, attendance, and adjournment. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Informational hearing (25-0027R) on the status of home repair assistance programs for older adults in Baltimore
• Invited agencies: Department of Housing and Community Development, Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success, Mayor's Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy
• Sponsored by Odette Ramos, Mark Parker, Mark Conway, Sharon Green Middleton, James Torrence, Paris Gray, John Bullock, Zac Blanchard, Jermaine Jones, Zeke Cohen, and Phylicia Porter
• Meeting held at City Hall, Room 408, 100 North Holliday Street, with a virtual option via Webex
• Meeting is open to the public

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

Public Safety Committee

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

• Baltimore Vacant Reinvestment Council Oversight

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

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) quarterly financial oversight hearings
  $641.0M

Board of Estimates

Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee will hold a public hearing regarding outdoor early learning. The body will examine current city investments, benefits for children, and environmental barriers to safe outdoor play.

• Public hearing on LO26-0051: First Steps, Strong Start: Outdoor Early Learning

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request. The proposal involves changing the zoning designation for three specific properties on E 28th Street.

• Rezoning of 505, 507, and 515 E 28th Street from R-7 Zoning District to IMU-1 Zoning District

Baltimore City Council

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold public hearings on three items. These include a proposed disparity study for businesses owned by returning citizens and an informational hearing on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

• Bill 25-0068: Proposed disparity study for returning citizen-owned and employing businesses
• Bill 26-0059R: Informational hearing on Affordable Housing Trust Fund annual reports
• Bill 26-0146: Proposed licensing and operational requirements for used tire dealers

Board of Estimates

Biennial Audits Oversight Commission

Committee for Office Oversight for the Office of Water Advocacy & Customer Appeals

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is holding a reconvened public hearing on Zero Waste (LO25-0017). The hearing assesses the City of Baltimore's progress toward its Zero Waste goals in the Baltimore Sustainability Plan, examines current waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs, reviews implementation and enforcement challenges, and explores possible improvements and investment in waste management infrastructure. The agenda lists no votes or decisions, only the hearing and adjournment.

• Public hearing reconvening on Zero Waste (LO25-0017)
• Review of progress toward Zero Waste goals in the Baltimore Sustainability Plan
• Examination of waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs
• Evaluation of implementation and enforcement challenges
• Discussion of improvements and investment in waste management infrastructure

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

• Vacant Land Use & Resident-Led Solutions

Board of Estimates

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee will hold three informational hearings. City and state agency representatives are invited to update the Council on services provided to and the well-being of transgender people, gay men, and lesbian women in Baltimore.

• Informational Hearing 25-0015R: Well-being of the Transgender Community in Baltimore
• Informational Hearing 25-0020R: Well-being of Gay Men in Baltimore
• Informational Hearing 25-0021R: Well-being of Lesbian Women in Baltimore

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.

• Tax Sale Reform & Vacancy Prevention

Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee of the Baltimore City Council meets Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM to hold an informational hearing on the condition of older adult residential housing in Baltimore City. The hearing invites the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, and the Mayor's Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy to report on and discuss recommendations for improving housing conditions for older adults. The agenda lists no votes or legislation beyond this hearing; the meeting is open to the public.

• Informational hearing 25-0033R on the condition of older adult residential housing in Baltimore City
• Invited agencies: Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Authority of Baltimore City, Mayor's Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy
• Purpose includes agency reports and recommendations for improving housing conditions for older adults
• Sponsors include Odette Ramos, Mark Parker, Mark Conway, Sharon Green Middleton, James Torrence, Paris Gray, John Bullock, Phylicia Porter, Jermaine Jones, Antonio "Tony" Glover, Zac Blanchard, and Zeke Cohen
• Meeting held at City Hall, Room 408, 100 North Holliday Street, with virtual option via Webex

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee held an informational hearing regarding the condition of older adult residential housing in Baltimore City. The hearing invited the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, and the Mayor's Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy to discuss housing conditions and recommendations. No legislative votes or final actions were recorded.

• Held informational hearing on older adult residential housing (25-0033R)

Committee for Office Oversight for the Office of Water Advocacy & Customer Appeals

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is holding an informational hearing on the operations of the Building Backup Expedited Reimbursement Program and the Sewage Onsite Support Program. The hearing requires the Department of Public Works, Law Department, Baltimore City Information Technology, and the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to appear and discuss these programs. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only item.

• Informational hearing on Sewage Backup Expedited Reimbursement and Direct Assistance Program (26-0055R)
• Review of Building Backup Expedited Reimbursement Program operations
• Review of Sewage Onsite Support Program operations
• Requires DPW, Law Dept, BCIT, and Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to appear

The Public Health & Environment Committee held an informational hearing regarding the Sewage Backup Expedited Reimbursement & Direct Assistance Program, featuring discussions called for regarding the Department of Public Works and other city agencies. The hearing was recessed without any substantive votes or final decisions recorded.

• Informational hearing on Sewage Backup Expedited Reimbursement & Direct Assistance Program was recessed

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing regarding the York Corridor Business Improvement District and its Management Authority. The body is reviewing the renewal and continuation of the district through June 30, 2031.

• Public hearing on the renewal of the York Corridor Business Improvement District and Management Authority through June 30, 2031 (26-0264)

The Housing & Economic Development Committee met and reviewed an ordinance to renew the York Corridor Business Improvement District and Management Authority through November 18, 2030. The committee voted to recommend the ordinance favorably to the Baltimore City Council.

• Recommended favorably: York Corridor Business Improvement District and Management Authority renewal through November 18, 2030 (4-0)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will hold public hearings on two proposed ordinances. These items concern required information postings for firearm dealers and in City-owned buildings.

• Bill 26-0160: Requiring firearm dealers to provide suicide prevention and safe storage materials at point of sale
• Bill 26-0240: Requiring domestic violence awareness and resource materials in common areas of City-owned and occupied buildings

The Public Safety Committee recommended two ordinances for the Baltimore City Council. These include requirements for firearm dealers to post suicide prevention and storage materials, and for city-owned buildings to display domestic violence resources.

• Recommended favorably with amendment Ordinance 26-0160 regarding firearm dealer safety postings (6-0)
• Recommended favorably with amendment Ordinance 26-0240 regarding domestic violence resource postings in city buildings (6-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider Ordinance 26-0221. This legislation proposes the creation of the Department of Neighborhood Safety, including its leadership, staffing, and duties regarding non-law-enforcement initiatives.

• Ordinance 26-0221 to create the Department of Neighborhood Safety

The Committee of the Whole voted to recommend the creation of a new Department of Neighborhood Safety. The proposed department will focus on non-law-enforcement initiatives and will be required to submit annual reports to the Mayor and City Council.

• Recommended favorable passage of Ordinance 26-0221 with amendment (12-1)

Baltimore City Council

The Baltimore City Council will discuss the creation of a Department of Neighborhood Safety focused on non-law-enforcement initiatives. The body is also reviewing several urban renewal plan amendments and a mental health resource awareness program.

• Proposed creation of the Department of Neighborhood Safety (26-0221)
• Mental Health Resource Awareness Act requiring information posting and employee training (26-0225)
• Transfer of Baltimore Harbor authority from Housing and Community Development to the Department of Transportation (26-0178)
• Zoning for retail goods with alcohol sales at 600 West North Avenue (26-0150)
• Sale of city property located at 210 Guilford Avenue (26-0241)

The City Council met to conduct procedural business, including the approval of the October 19, 2026, journal and the introduction of new zoning legislation. The minutes record the introduction of bills and the scheduling of future committee hearings, but do not record final votes on the listed legislative items.

• Approved October 19, 2026, journal
• Introduced zoning bill for 1324 N Calhoun Street
• Introduced zoning bill for 2101 E Madison Street

Committee on Legislative Investigations

The Committee on Legislative Investigations is holding a public hearing to examine the credit rating of the City of Baltimore and its enterprises. The agenda contains only this single item, with no other substantive business listed.

• Public hearing on LO26-0050: Credit Rating Oversight

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee of the Baltimore City Council meets Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM to hold public hearings on five ordinances amending Urban Renewal Plans in Broadway East, Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Johnston Square, Middle East, and Oliver. The amendments variously extend plan life, reauthorize property acquisition within project areas, and remove properties from plan appendices. The meeting is open to the public and also available via Webex.

• 26-0231: Broadway East Amendment 7 — extend plan life, remove properties from Appendix A
• 26-0232: Coldstream Homestead Montebello Amendment 14 — reauthorize acquisition of properties in the Project Area
• 26-0233: Johnston Square Amendment 14 — reauthorize acquisition, extend plan life, remove properties from Appendices A and B
• 26-0234: Middle East Amendment 16 — extend plan life, remove properties from Appendices C and D
• 26-0235: Oliver Amendment 17 — extend plan life, remove properties from Appendices B and C

The Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to recommend six ordinances to the full City Council. Five ordinances amend Urban Renewal Plans for Broadway East, Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Johnston Square, Middle East, and Oliver, extending plan lives or reauthorizing property acquisitions. The sixth ordinance authorizes the sale of city-owned property at 210 Guilford Avenue.

• Recommended Broadway East Urban Renewal Amendment 7 (6-0)
• Recommended Coldstream Homestead Montebello Urban Renewal Amendment 14 (5-0)
• Recommended Johnston Square Urban Renewal Amendment 14 (6-0)
• Recommended Middle East Urban Renewal Amendment 16 (6-0)
• Recommended Oliver Urban Renewal Amendment 17 (6-0)
• Recommended sale of property at 210 Guilford Avenue (5-0)

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is holding an informational hearing on youth peer violence in Baltimore City. Representatives from city health and safety agencies, schools, and universities are invited to discuss the scope of the problem, current institutional responses, and potential next steps. No legislative action is scheduled; the hearing is for information gathering.

• Informational hearing on youth peer violence (Resolution 26-0064R)
• Invited agencies: Baltimore City Health Department, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success, Mayor's Office of African American Male Engagement
• Invited institutions: Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore City School Police, University of Maryland Baltimore Center for Violence Prevention, Johns Hopkins University

The Public Health & Environment Committee held an informational hearing regarding youth peer violence in Baltimore City. The committee voted to recommend the resolution favorably.

• Recommended Resolution 26-0064R favorably (4-0)

Board of Estimates

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

The meeting was called to order but immediately recessed due to a lack of quorum. No substantive decisions were made on the scheduled items.

• Financing for Vacant & Abandoned Properties
  $3.0B
• Tax Sale Reform & Vacancy Prevention

Baltimore City Council

The Baltimore City Council is voting on the Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Enforcement Act and new zoning for grocery stores. The body is also reviewing several property rezonings and nominations for city commissions.

• Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Enforcement Act (25-0141) regarding licensing and penalties
• Zoning for grocery stores (26-0220) to establish retail use and parking exemptions
• Rezoning of 1 E Mount Vernon Place and 600 Saint Paul Street from OR-2 to C-2 (26-0260)
• Sale of city property at 221-233 N Gay Street and 300, 320, and 332 N Front Street (26-0162)
• Proposed informational hearing on the use of surveillance technology (26-0067R)

Biennial Audits Oversight Commission

Committee on Legislative Investigations

The Committee on Legislative Investigations is scheduled to hold public hearings on a series of appointments (EA26-0175 through EA26-0210) to various city boards and commissions, including the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council, Commission on Aging, Police Accountability Board, and several department director positions. The agenda lists the nominees and their proposed roles but does not include any other substantive items.

• Appointments to Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (EA26-0175 to EA26-0181)
• Appointments to Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council (EA26-0182 to EA26-0204)
• Appointments to Commission on Aging, Resources, and Empowerment (EA26-0205, EA26-0206)
• Appointment to Police Accountability Board (EA26-0207)
• Appointments of department directors: Consumer Protection, Planning, Housing (EA26-0208 to EA26-0210)

The Committee on Legislative Investigations voted to recommend confirmation for high-level city leadership, including Timothy Keane as Commissioner of Housing and Community Development and Mamadou Samba as Director of Consumer Protection and Business Licensing. The committee also advanced appointments to the Police Accountability Board, the Commission on Aging, Resources, and Empowerment, the Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council, and the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee. Several board and council nominations were passed over without a vote.

• Recommended Timothy Keane as Commissioner of Housing and Community Development (4-0)
• Recommended Mamadou Samba as Director of Consumer Protection and Business Licensing (4-0)
• Recommended Zachary Alberts to the Police Accountability Board (4-0)
• Recommended Dr. Steven R. Daviss and Kevin Anthony Mason to Commission on Aging (4-0)
• Recommended 13 nominees to the Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council (twelve 4-0, one 3-0)
• Did not vote on 9 nominations to the Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council
• Recommended 4 nominees to the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Did not vote on 3 nominations to the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee

Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee is holding an informational hearing to discuss how escalated federal immigration enforcement is affecting Baltimore City students. Representatives from Baltimore City Public Schools, the Health Department, the Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success, and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs are invited to appear. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Informational hearing (25-0024R) on impact of federal immigration enforcement on city students
• Invited agencies: Baltimore City Public School System, Health Department, Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
• Sponsored by 12 council members including Mark Parker, Odette Ramos, and Zeke Cohen

The Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee held an informational hearing regarding the impact of escalated federal immigration enforcement on city students. The meeting invited representatives from city agencies and stakeholders to discuss the issue. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

Committee of the Whole

The City Council is holding a public hearing on Ordinance 26-0221, which would create a Department of Neighborhood Safety focused on non-law-enforcement initiatives. The ordinance would establish the department's leadership, staffing, purpose, powers, and duties, and require annual reports to the Mayor and City Council. This is the main item on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 26-0221 to create the Department of Neighborhood Safety
• Establishes leadership, staffing, purpose, powers, and duties of the new department
• Requires annual report to Mayor and City Council
• Sponsored by Council President Zeke Cohen and 10 other council members

The Committee of the Whole met to discuss a proposal to create a new Department of Neighborhood Safety. The ordinance outlines the department's leadership, staffing, and duties regarding non-law-enforcement safety initiatives. No vote was taken on the matter during this meeting.

• Public hearing held for Department of Neighborhood Safety ordinance
• No vote taken on Department of Neighborhood Safety ordinance

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing on two bills. One would establish grocery stores as a zoning use and exempt them from certain parking maximums. The other would regulate vehicle towing from private lots, including setting maximum charges, requiring credit card acceptance, and limiting patrol towing.

• Bill 26-0220: Establish retail grocery store as a zoning use and exempt from certain parking maximums
• Bill 26-0216: Set maximum towing charges and require towing receipts and daily logs
• Bill 26-0216: Require towing services to accept credit cards
• Bill 26-0216: Prohibit certain instances of patrol towing
• Public hearing scheduled for both bills

The Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to recommend an ordinance that establishes 'retail: grocery store' as a specific zoning use. The proposal also includes exemptions for grocery stores from certain parking maximums and defines related terms. The measure will now move forward with amendments.

• Recommended favorable passage of Ordinance 26-0220 with amendment (5-0)

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is reconvening a public hearing on Bill 26-0161, which would amend Baltimore City Code Article 7 to align forest and tree conservation rules with new state requirements. The hearing is open to the public; no vote is scheduled on the agenda.

• Public hearing on 26-0161: Forest and Tree Conservation conforming amendments
• Amends Article 7 of Baltimore City Code to comply with new state requirements
• Sponsored by Council President (Administration), Sharon Green Middleton, Paris Gray, Phylicia Porter, Zac Blanchard, Antonio 'Tony' Glover

Other Meetings of the Public Body

The City Council will participate in the YMCA of Central Maryland's Mission in Action Tour. The itinerary includes visits to the Druid Hill location and various community programs.

• Tour of Geraldine Young, Fresh Mart, fitness floor, and pool at Druid Hill
• Tour of Sherman Early learning center Headstart and Preschool
• Visit with ENOUGH community at Weinberg, including apprenticeship students

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee of the Baltimore City Council meets Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM to hold a public hearing on Bill 26-0195, which would permit accessory dwelling units on properties with a principal dwelling unit. The bill would define accessory dwelling units and set bulk, yard, and rear-yard encroachment rules for them. The agenda lists the bill as the only item scheduled for public hearing, followed by adjournment.

• Public hearing on Bill 26-0195, Zoning - Accessory Dwelling Units
• Bill would allow an accessory dwelling unit on a property with a principal dwelling unit
• Bill would set bulk and yard requirements and allow ADUs as a permitted rear-yard encroachment
• Sponsors include Ryan Dorsey, Mark Parker, Mark Conway, John Bullock, Zac Blanchard, Jermaine Jones, Antonio "Tony" Glover, Odette Ramos, and Zeke Cohen
• Meeting at City Hall, Room 408, 100 North Holliday Street, with a virtual option; link and phone access code listed as TBA

Committee on Legislative Investigations

The Committee on Legislative Investigations will hold a public hearing. The session features Ren Southard, Director of the Department of Planning, regarding item EA26-0209.

• Public hearing with Ren Southard, Director of the Department of Planning (EA26-0209)

The Committee on Legislative Investigations held a public hearing regarding the executive nomination of Ren Southard for Director of the Department of Planning. The committee voted to recommend the nomination for confirmation by the full Baltimore City Council.

• Recommended confirmation of Ren Southard as Planning Director (3-0)

Board of Estimates

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is holding a public hearing on Bill 26-0225, the Mental Health Resource Awareness Act. The bill would create a program requiring certain businesses and City buildings to post mental health resource information, and require specified employees to distribute information and undergo training. The committee is scheduled to hear public testimony on this proposed ordinance.

• Public hearing on Bill 26-0225, Mental Health Resource Awareness Act
• Would establish a Mental Health Resource Awareness Program
• Requires posting mental health resource info at certain businesses and City buildings
• Requires specified employees to distribute info and take training
• Establishes penalties for non-compliance

The Public Health & Environment Committee held a public hearing and voted to recommend favorably on Ordinance 26-0225, the Mental Health Resource Awareness Act. The ordinance establishes a mental health resource awareness program, requires information posting and distribution in certain locations, mandates employee training, and sets penalties. The measure now moves forward with a 6-0 favorable vote.

• Recommended favorably on Ordinance 26-0225, the Mental Health Resource Awareness Act (6-0)

• Mental Health Resource Awareness Act — introduced
  null

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing to examine how the Baltimore Police Department and other agencies handle confiscated property and money. The discussion aims to review policies for safeguarding, accounting for, and disposing of seized assets. No votes are scheduled; this is an informational session only.

• Informational hearing on law enforcement asset forfeiture policies and procedures
• Baltimore Police Department required to appear; State's Attorney, Police Accountability Board, Sheriff's Office invited
• Hearing sponsored by Councilmembers Gray, Porter, Torrence, Parker, Middleton, Bullock, Blanchard, Jones, and Cohen

Baltimore City Council

The Baltimore City Council meets Monday, September 28, 2026, to introduce new bills and act on committee recommendations. Much of the agenda is budget: proposed supplementary appropriations totaling about $153 million to cover Fiscal Year 2026 deficits at the Fire Department, Department of Transportation, Police Department, and Sheriff's Office, plus Health Department and fire grants. The Council also takes up surveillance technology oversight, zoning changes, property sales, and executive nominations to city boards and commissions.

• Supplementary General Fund appropriations proposed: $88,000,000 for Transportation (Snow and Ice Control), $30,000,000 for Fire (Fire Suppression and Emergency Rescue), $22,000,000 for Police (Police Patrol), $2,750,000 for Sheriff's Office (Courthouse Security)
• Supplementary appropriations proposed: $9,140,000 to Health Department (School Health Program) to reimburse City Schools for school nurses for FY2023-2025; $1,450,162.71 and $30,918.29 in State Grant funds to the Fire Department
• Bill 26-0237 would create a Community Advisory Commission on Surveillance and set reporting rules for city agencies' procurement and use of surveillance technology
• Zoning items: Harford Road Overlay District (25-0093, recommended favorable with amendments), accessory dwelling units (26-0195, recommended favorable with amendments), and rezonings at 205-209 E Cold Spring Lane and 2441-2449 W Baltimore Street
• Property matters: sale of 210 Guilford Avenue; sale of 221-233 N Gay Street, 300 N Front Street, 320 N Front Street, and 332 N Front Street; Crown Cork & Seal Development District (26-0242) creating a tax increment fund

Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee will hold public hearings on four zoning items. These include a conditional use to convert a single-family home to three units at 1118 N Carey Street, two rezoning requests for properties at 205-209 E Cold Spring Lane and 2441-2449 W Baltimore Street, and a proposal to establish the Harford Road Overlay District with new use and bulk regulations.

• Conditional use for 3 dwelling units at 1118 N Carey Street in R-8 zoning
• Rezoning of 205-209 E Cold Spring Lane from R-1-C to EC-2
• Rezoning of 2441-2449 W Baltimore Street from I-1 to C-2
• Proposed Harford Road Overlay District with new use, bulk, and parking regulations

The Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to recommend favorably to the Baltimore City Council a series of zoning ordinances, including the Harford Road Overlay District (25-0093) and rules allowing accessory dwelling units (26-0195), both with amendments. Several individual rezoning and conditional use bills also advanced, including 1118 N Carey Street, 205-209 E Cold Spring Lane, 2441-2449 W Baltimore Street, and 432 E 32nd Street. A hearing on data center conditional use and Health Equity Assessment (26-0174) was recessed without a vote. All seven members were recorded present.

• Recommended favorably 25-0128: convert single-family dwelling at 1118 N Carey Street to 3 units in R-8 district (7-0)
• Recommended favorably 26-0148: rezone 205-209 E Cold Spring Lane from R 1 C to EC-2 (7-0)
• Recommended favorably with amendment 26-0149: rezone 2441-2449 W Baltimore Street from I-1 to C-2 (7-0)
• Recommended favorably with amendment 25-0093: establish Harford Road Overlay District (5-0, 1 abstain, 1 out of chamber)
• Recessed hearing on 26-0174: data centers as conditional use and Health Equity Assessment (no vote)
• Recommended favorably 26-0205: rezone 432 E 32nd Street from C-1 to OS (6-0, 1 out of chamber)
• Recommended favorably with amendment 26-0195: allow accessory dwelling units (4-3)

• Conditional use conversion of single-family dwelling to 3 units
  1118 N Carey Street · 3 units
• Rezone from R-1C to EC-2
  205-209 E Cold Spring Lane
• Rezone from I-1 to C-2
  2441-2449 W Baltimore Street
• Establish Harford Road Overlay District

Public Health & Environment Committee

The Public Health & Environment Committee is reconvening an informational hearing on data centers, focusing on their impact on Baltimore's infrastructure, environment, and community. The hearing will involve multiple city departments and agencies to discuss best practices for zoning, use standards, and technologies to limit public health and environmental effects.

• Informational hearing on data center community impact and use standards (26-0050R)
• Invited agencies: Office of the People’s Counsel, Public Service Commission, Department of Planning, Law Department, Department of Finance, Health Department, Department of Public Works
• Discussion topics: infrastructure and environmental impact, zoning and development standards, public health mitigation techniques

The Public Health & Environment Committee voted 4-0 to recommend Ordinance 26-0194 favorably with amendments, updating the application and approval process for municipal identity cards. An informational hearing on data centers (26-0050R) was recessed without action.

• Recommended favorably with amendments: Ordinance 26-0194, municipal ID card application process (4-0)
• Recessed informational hearing on data centers (26-0050R)

• Data Centers - Community Impact and Use Standards — deferred
• Municipal Identification Cards – Applications and Personal Information — introduced

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

The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on LO25-0005, a legislative oversight measure to monitor the city's crime reduction and violence prevention efforts. The hearing was recessed, meaning no substantive decision was made. The item remains pending for future consideration.

• Recessed hearing on LO25-0005 (crime reduction oversight)

• LO25-005 - Crime Reduction and Violence Prevention — recessed
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Land Use & Transportation Committee

The Land Use & Transportation Committee recommended several ordinances for City Council approval, including transit-oriented development designations for multiple metro and light rail stations. The committee also approved the closure and sale of specific street portions near W. Lafayette Avenue. A zoning proposal regarding accessory dwelling units was recessed and rescheduled for September 24, 2026.

• Recommended Rogers Avenue transit-oriented development designation (5-0)
• Recommended downtown transit-oriented development designation with amendment (5-0)
• Recommended closure of streets near W. Lafayette Avenue (5-0)
• Recommended sale of city-owned street parcels near W. Lafayette Avenue (5-0)
• Recessed accessory dwelling unit zoning hearing (to 09/24/26)

• Zoning – Accessory Dwelling Units
• Transit-Oriented Development – Rogers Avenue
  Rogers Avenue Metro Station area
• Transit-Oriented Development – Downtown Baltimore
  Lexington Market, Charles Center, and Shot Tower Metro Stati