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Baltimore is ramping up enforcement in entertainment districts, tackling everything from open containers to illegal street vendors—are you ready to see the changes?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEnforcement #QualityOfLife
Baltimore outlines enforcement push for entertainment districts, open containers, dirt bikes and illegal vendors
Police told the committee a newly formed traffic unit and the Entertainment District team are enforcing open-container rules, targeting illegal street vendors and planning operations to disrupt dirt-bike rallies; council members were told to report problems via 911/311 and staff agreed to coordinate with liquor control and code enforcement.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 10:02 AM
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Baltimore City is tightening the reins on psychiatric rehabilitation programs to enhance service quality and accountability—what does this mean for mental health care in the community?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthReform #BehavioralHealthServices
Baltimore committee reviews COMAR 10.63 revisions aimed at psychiatric rehabilitation program accountability
The Baltimore City Public Health and Environment Committee heard from BHSB on proposed COMAR 10.63 regulation changes that would clarify local behavioral health authority roles, permit LBHAs to conduct pre-site visits, restrict PRP telehealth use, and extend an enrollment pause for certain Medicaid provider types through June 30, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 9:49 AM
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Baltimore's Board of Estimates has greenlit a $17.8 million heliport lease for police operations, but local residents are raising serious concerns about its impact on their waterfront community.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #UrbanAirspace
Board approves 20-year lease for police heliport at 1800 S. Clinton amid waterfront objections
The Board of Estimates approved a 20-year commercial lease at 1800 South Clinton Street for Baltimore Police aviation use, authorizing $17,868,799.20 for the lease; residents from waterfront condominiums raised concerns about flight patterns, enforcement and termination provisions and asked to review revised SOPs.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 6:14 AM
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Baltimore Council members are demanding action to prevent at-risk youth from falling back into a cycle of crime, emphasizing the need for stronger interagency support and proactive services.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Council presses interagency plan to keep at-risk youth from slipping through the cracks
Council members pressed police and youth services for a clearer interagency protocol after repeated incidents involving the same juveniles; staff committed to a 30-day status update on formalizing protocols and supports.
citizenportal.ai
February 5, 2026 at 10:27 PM
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Baltimore police report significant strides in compliance with their federal consent decree, leading to the lowest homicide rate since the 1970s!

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Baltimore police report consent-decree milestones and continued declines in homicides
Commissioner Worley told the Public Safety Committee that three consent-decree sections became fully compliant in January 2025 and additional areas entered sustainability periods; he highlighted 133 homicides last year and early 2026 metrics showing modest year-to-year improvement.
citizenportal.ai
February 5, 2026 at 8:27 AM
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Baltimore City Council is tackling the urgent childcare crisis as a scholarship freeze leaves families in a lurch—what’s being done to fix it?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreCity #ChildCareAccess #QualityEducation #WorkforceSupport #CitizenPortal
Baltimore City council committee hears state and local plans to address childcare scholarship freeze, workforce and capacity
Baltimore City’s Education, Youth and Older Adults Committee heard state and local officials describe why Maryland paused new child care scholarship enrollments, outline program growth and limits, and present city and philanthropic proposals — including a proposed $500,000 mayoral grant — to expand access and quality amid workforce and capacity strains.
citizenportal.ai
January 31, 2026 at 6:56 PM
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Baltimore City Council is taking crucial steps to create a non-police crisis response system, aiming for timely and effective support for those in need.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BehavioralHealth #BaltimoreCityCouncil #CrisisResponse #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Baltimore council asks administration for 3‑week cost plan to stand up civilian crisis response
After testimony from Durham and Denver officials and local experts, Baltimore City Council asked the administration to produce a three‑week analysis estimating what it would cost to build a best‑in‑class civilian and clinician crisis‑response system dispatched from 911; administration noted $15,000,000 in opioid restitution funds already allocated.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 6:35 AM
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Baltimore is taking a giant leap towards digital equity by upgrading resident labs and providing affordable internet access for older adults, all backed by a $2.3 million grant!

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreCity #SeniorTechnology #AffordableInternet #DigitalEquity
Board approves $2.3M HRSA-backed MOU with Housing Authority to upgrade digital labs for older adults
Baltimore's Board of Estimates approved a memorandum of understanding with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City to upgrade five labs serving older adults, deploy devices and provide digital navigators and $20/month gigabit service, funded in part by a $2.3 million HRSA grant.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 2:31 AM
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The Baltimore Board of Estimates has approved a $30.4 million emergency amendment to tackle the failing storm drain at Tiffany Run, raising critical questions about infrastructure planning and budget management.

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Board notes $30.4M emergency amendment for Tiffany Run storm-drain repair
The Board of Estimates noted a fifth amendment to an emergency Garney Companies contract for repair of a failed 108-inch storm drain at Tiffany Run (Montebello). The final cost was reported at $30,387,638.93—about $671,000 under the authorized $31 million—and the board flagged procedural delays in timely notation of prior amendments.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 2:30 AM
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Baltimore's Board of Estimates takes a bold step to streamline city contracts, reducing costs and improving oversight while addressing past projection errors!

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #PublicTrust #BaltimoreCity #ProcurementOversight #InteragencyCollaboration
Board approves contract consolidations and reduced upset limits after projection errors; $11M engineering upset-limit approved
The Board of Estimates approved a consolidated locksmith services upset limit after DGS revised an overprojection downward, and approved an $11 million upset-limit agreement with Atkins to support DPW wastewater and consent-decree work. Officials emphasized tighter assumptions, interagency collaboration and building in-house capacity.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 2:29 AM
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After spending decades behind bars for a crime he didn't commit, Gary Washington has secured a settlement as Baltimore City confronts the dark realities of wrongful convictions.

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Board approves settlement for man exonerated after decades in prison
Baltimore City approved a settlement resolving litigation brought by Gary Washington, who was convicted in 1987 and later exonerated after a witness recanted. City officials cited litigation risk and ages of witnesses in negotiating a settlement they said balanced fiscal and moral considerations.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 2:26 AM
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Baltimore City has taken a bold step by approving its first citywide project labor agreement, aiming to boost local jobs but facing criticism over its impact on nonunion contractors.

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Baltimore board approves first citywide project labor agreement for four DPW utility projects
The Board of Estimates approved a project labor agreement between Baltimore City and the Baltimore DC Metro Building & Construction Trades Council covering four DPW utility projects. Supporters said the PLA will boost local hiring and reduce change orders; critics warned it could disadvantage nonunion minority contractors and sought stronger accountability and training commitments.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 2:24 AM
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Baltimore is taking decisive action against the opioid crisis with a new two-tier rapid response protocol for mass overdoses—find out how this plan aims to save lives and improve public health!

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #HealthResponse #CivicCollaboration #PublicSafety
Baltimore details two-tier mass overdose rapid response protocol with unified command
The Baltimore City Health Department described a two-tier rapid response protocol for mass overdoses — partial activation at 5–10 overdoses and full activation at 11 or more — using the Incident Command System and unified command with BPD during full activations.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:36 AM
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Baltimore City Council is demanding urgent answers on alarming overdose rates and staffing shortages as they push for a strategic plan to tackle this crisis.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #SubstanceAbuse #HealthCareAccess #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #BaltimoreCityHealth
Council presses health department for finalized data, oversight of treatment quality and school‑health staffing
Councilmembers asked Commissioner Michelle Taylor for finalized 2025 overdose counts, clearer short-term reduction benchmarks, whether EMS can deliver buprenorphine, and a breakdown of school-health vacancies after Taylor said the department’s vacancy rate is 33.8%.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:32 AM
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Baltimore City Council is questioning the safety and effectiveness of a $5.46 million AI weapons-detection system after the FTC revealed that the vendor overstated its capabilities.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #EducationReform #BaltimoreCityCouncil #PublicSafety
Baltimore council committee grills school officials over Evolve weapons‑detection contract, data and FTC findings
Council members pressed Baltimore City Public Schools on a $5.46 million rollout of Evolve weapons‑detection units, asking how the district vetted AI claims, what data the vendor stores and whether the district has recourse after an FTC finding that the company overstated detection capabilities.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:26 AM
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Baltimore is taking a bold step in tackling the overdose crisis with a new Division of Public Behavioral Health, aiming for a 40% reduction in overdose deaths by 2040!

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #OverdoseResponse #PublicHealth #SubstanceUseDisorder #CitizenPortal
Baltimore health chief outlines new Division of Public Behavioral Health, strategic plan and staffing push
Health Commissioner Michelle Taylor told the City Council committee the department has created a Division of Public Behavioral Health funded in part by opioid restitution funds, is adding staff and will expand prevention, harm reduction and treatment programs as part of a citywide overdose response strategy.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 3:25 AM
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Baltimore City Council is demanding answers from the Department of Transportation after approving $15.5M for the Hannibal Street Corridor while questioning why funds remain unspent on existing projects.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreCity #UrbanPlanning
Council presses DOT on delivery as it OKs $15.5M Hannibal Street NEPA study and $1M for traffic calming
Council members raised repeated concerns about the Department of Transportation's ability to execute projects as the Budget Appropriations Committee approved a $15.5M engineering/NEPA package for the Hannibal Street Corridor and a $1M transfer for neighborhood traffic calming, and asked DOT for written follow-ups on unspent funds and timelines.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 12:40 AM
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Baltimore is taking a bold step to ensure security guards receive the fair compensation they deserve—are you ready to find out how this new ordinance could change the game?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreCity #WorkforceEquality #LaborRights #CommunitySafety
Baltimore committee advances amendments to bill setting pay rules for security guards
The Baltimore City Labor and Workforce Committee reviewed Bill 25-0116 to set minimum compensation and benefit rules for security guards, heard law department approval and administration comments, and agreed on seven amendments that adjust definitions, posting, and timing before recessing to vote later.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 12:38 AM
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Baltimore's Labor and Workforce Committee just took a significant step towards better pay for security guards with the approval of Bill 25-0116 and nine key amendments!

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreSecurityGuards #WorkforceDevelopment #LaborRights #WageEquity
Committee advances ordinance to set minimum compensation standards for Baltimore City security guards
The Labor and Workforce Committee voted to move Bill 25-0116 favorably as amended, approving nine amendments that change terminology to 'security guard,' delay and narrow initial local wage calculations, require employer postings, and direct OECR and the Wage Commission to report between 2027 and 2031.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 12:37 AM
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Baltimore's City Council is set to vote on a new bill that could boost the passenger-for-hire tax and generate an extra $2 million annually for vital city projects!

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Baltimore committee advances 13¢ hike to per‑trip ride tax; projects about $2 million more a year
The Baltimore City Budget & Appropriations Committee voted to recommend Council Bill 25-0138, raising the passenger-for-hire excess tax from $0.25 to $0.38 per trip; the administration estimates roughly $2 million in additional annual revenue and the bill moves to second reader Jan. 26.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 12:36 AM
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Baltimore's Budget Appropriations Committee is making waves by advancing $13.65M for city IT and $15.5M for the Hannibal Street Corridor design—what's next for the city's future?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #BaltimoreCity #PublicFunding #CommunityInfrastructure
Committee advances seven supplemental appropriations; recreation item recessed
The Budget Appropriations Committee voted to move seven supplemental appropriations and transfers to second reader on Jan. 12, including $13.65M for city IT, $15.5M for Hannibal Street Corridor design/NEPA, and a $1M transfer for neighborhood traffic calming; the Recreation & Parks item was recessed.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 12:34 AM
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Baltimore's Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals just approved exciting new commercial ventures while postponing a major downtown rooming house conversion—what does this mean for the community?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CommunityDevelopment #BaltimoreCity
BMZA approves neighborhood commercial, fence and reuse requests; postpones large downtown rooming-house plan
Baltimore City’s Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals on Jan. 6 approved multiple conditional uses and variances — including neighborhood commercial uses, fence height variances for safety, and an industrial reuse with a parking variance — and postponed a proposed 182‑room rooming‑house at the American Building for more operational detail.
citizenportal.ai
January 8, 2026 at 7:47 PM
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The controversial approval for 52 townhomes in Baltimore's Reservoir Square has residents voicing concerns over broken promises and environmental impacts, igniting a heated debate about the future of their community.

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BMZA approves 52 townhomes at Reservoir Square parcel after lengthy public opposition; developer stresses grocery lease
After extensive public comment alleging broken promises on retail and tree removal, the BMZA approved conditional use and front‑yard setback variances to allow 52 townhomes at Parcel C (700 W. North Ave) of the Reservoir Square redevelopment; developer and MCB Real Estate said the team secured a lease with Street's Market for grocery space at nearby 600 W. North Ave.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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Baltimore's City Council hears impassioned testimonies as they consider a critical overhaul of the Children and Youth Fund, balancing oversight with the need for operational flexibility.

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #CommunityCollaboration #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal
Baltimore committee hears hours of testimony on proposed Children and Youth Fund overhaul
Councilmembers, BCYF leaders and dozens of grantees and youth testified on Bill 25-0100, a proposed update to the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund. Supporters praised BCYF’s results and urged collaboration; critics and budget offices warned that rigid statutory grant rules and mandated audits could impose unfunded burdens on small providers.
citizenportal.ai
December 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM
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Seniors at Hanover Square Apartments are fighting against alarming bed-bug infestations and broken elevators, but will their voices finally lead to action?

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#BaltimoreCityBaltimoreCounty #MD #HousingInsecurity #PublicHealth #BaltimoreSeniors #CitizenPortal #TenantRights
Hanover Square tenants tell council persistent bed‑bug, heat and elevator failures continue amid licensing disputes
Seniors and tenant leaders testified at committee oversight that Hanover Square Apartments (1 West Conway) faces ongoing bed‑bug infestations, broken elevators and poor management; DHCD acknowledged complaints and the council said a forthcoming renters‑safety bill will increase scrutiny of large, repeat‑violator properties.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 9:51 PM