Baltimore Unveils Preliminary Budget Focused on Core Services and Youth Initiatives

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has put forth Baltimore’s preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a plan that aims to bolster essential city services and prioritize investments in youth, vulnerable populations, and neighborhood improvements. The proposed budget addresses a $12 million funding gap while aiming to enhance public safety, foster clean and sustainable communities, promote equitable economic development, and modernize the city’s infrastructure. This budget aligns with the city’s newly adopted strategic pillars, which guide resource allocation toward improving safety, opportunity, and the overall quality of life for Baltimore residents.

A significant portion of the proposed budget is dedicated to supporting Baltimore’s youth and vulnerable communities, with a total investment of $645.3 million across all funds. This includes an additional $300,000 for the Mayor’s early childhood initiative, aimed at increasing Pre-K enrollment and assisting childcare providers in meeting licensing standards. Furthermore, $3.2 million is allocated for PreK programs managed by Baltimore City Public Schools, in line with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The budget also earmarks $16.5 million for YouthWorks, a program designed to provide 8,500 summer jobs for Baltimore youth. For the city’s senior population, the budget supports the development of an Age Friendly Baltimore Plan, intended to facilitate aging in place. Immigrant communities are set to receive $3.4 million in support through the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. The Enoch Pratt Free Library will see an expanded collection, with a $900,000 increase in funding, representing a 54% year-over-year growth. Additionally, $1.2 million is designated for the reopening of two renovated recreation centers: Gardenville and Elijah Cummings.

Public safety remains a key focus, with the preliminary budget proposing an investment of $1.3 billion across all funds to advance a comprehensive, community-based approach. This includes $4.35 million to sustain violence prevention efforts through the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, encompassing hospital and school-based intervention programs, support for individuals re-entering the community, and the Group Violence Reduction Strategy. The budget also allocates $35 million in capital funding for the replacement of the Northeast Police District Station.

The plan also emphasizes the creation of clean, healthy, and sustainable communities, with an investment of $1.1 billion across all funds. This includes ongoing support for additional trash and recycling crews within the Department of Public Works and dedicated yard waste collection to advance the city’s zero-waste objectives. Funding for the city’s homeless shelter network will increase by $2.3 million, with an additional $8.0 million in capital funds for the acquisition of two new facilities to serve as permanent shelters. The city has reported that since the pandemic, its shelter model has focused on dignity and housing outcomes, with 57% of clients transitioning to permanent housing. To address public health needs, $2.0 million is allocated to reopen a second Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic, restoring capacity lost due to previous funding reductions and increasing available visits by 33%. The Clean Corps program, previously funded by ARPA dollars, will continue with $3.0 million in funding, maintaining six regional teams that provide proactive neighborhood cleaning services. Furthermore, five new positions will be created to enhance the city’s graffiti removal response.

The proposed budget also details investments in equitable economic development, totaling $380.6 million across all funds, aimed at fostering growth and neighborhood stability. Continued investment in the city’s permitting system includes dedicated customer service and 311 support, alongside $500,000 for additional Fire Department staffing to expedite plan reviews. The Department of Housing and Community Development and the Law Department will receive an additional $1.35 million in staffing to support the ReFrame initiative, a strategy to address the vacant housing crisis. The budget also includes ongoing support for broadband infrastructure to expand public Wi-Fi access and capital funding to extend internet connectivity to residents in public housing. Housing incentives, including the “Buy Back the Block” program and initiatives to protect legacy homeowners, will receive $8.5 million. The Baltimore Development Corporation will see increased operating and capital investment, including the launch of a $15 million revolving fund to stimulate business attraction, retention, and economic growth. Additionally, $0.9 million is allocated for new positions to support traffic calming projects.

Responsible stewardship of city resources is addressed with an investment of $239.3 million across all funds. This includes the relaunch of the Innovation Fund, which will support projects in Recreation and Parks and the Department of General Services aimed at generating recurring savings through reduced maintenance, fleet costs, and energy consumption. The budget also proposes increased investment in IT infrastructure to address system vulnerabilities and reduce reliance on external contractors by building internal capacity. Funding is also provided to support the newly established Office of Business Licensing and Consumer Protection, including an expansion of the Consumer Protection team.

In terms of modernizing public infrastructure, the preliminary budget includes $1.0 billion in capital investment. This encompasses $337 million in locally supported capital investment, more than doubling the annual average of the past two decades. Over $300 million is designated for transportation improvements across various categories, including neighborhood traffic calming, resurfacing, ADA compliance, bridges, and traffic signals. Recreation and parks are set to receive over $45 million, including $20 million for a new youth sports complex. Emergency response operations will be strengthened with $12.4 million for a CAD system replacement. Public Works facilities will undergo upgrades, demolition, and stabilization efforts with over $60 million allocated for these projects.

Looking beyond Fiscal Year 2027, the budget advances elements of the City’s updated 10-Year Financial Plan. This includes an increase in General Obligation borrowing to $125 million, $80 million in Highway User Revenue for capital investment, and the strategic use of FEMA COVID-19 reimbursements for one-time capital investments. The second year of the city’s salary study implementation for CUB and AFSCME employees is also included, aiming for more equitable pay structures and providing an average 8% cost-of-living adjustment for some of the lowest-paid workers. The relaunch of the Innovation Fund is intended to support initiatives that yield long-term savings and improve service delivery.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore.

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