Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott presented a nearly $5 billion proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a virtual town hall, emphasizing investments in infrastructure, youth programs and public safety without raising property or income taxes. Residents raised concerns about transportation, housing and access to grocery stores as officials encouraged continued public input ahead of City Council hearings. The post Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott hosted a virtual town hall on April 6 to discuss the city’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes planned investments in infrastructure, youth programs, support for older adults and public safety.
“This budget is all about meeting the needs of the residents of the city of Baltimore so that we can provide better core city services for you,” Faith Leach, chief administrative officer of Baltimore City, said to viewers.
According to Chief Financial Officer Michael Mocksten, the city is functioning well economically despite economic challenges, allowing for increased capital investment.
The nearly $5 billion proposal includes about $3.9 billion for daily operations and just over $1 billion for capital investments. Mocksten highlighted an “unprecedented” $337 million in capital projects, along with targeted funding such as $16.5 million for Youth Works summer jobs, $4.35 million for violence prevention efforts to sustain the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. And for the first time, the city is deploying $42 million from the opioid restitution fund to continue to tackle the opioid crisis, with a portion allocated to community organizations.
Scott highlighted that these investments will occur without raising property taxes.
“This proposed budget closes a $12 million gap without raising property or income taxes,” he said.
He added that the city is on track to lower property taxes below $2, and described the plan as the “largest capital investment our city has seen in 20 years.” He said the investment will help build parks, recreation centers, schools, affordable housing and raise workers’ salaries.
City officials answered questions from the public while also highlighting new tools for transparency. First is the city’s Repave Baltimore website, which shows repairs scheduled for ADA ramps, sidewalks, alleys and roads. Additionally, there is an online investment map that demonstrates how funding is being distributed across neighborhoods.
Officials are continuing to gather public input through additional community engagement sessions throughout the months of April and May.
“We want to make sure that people have an opportunity to see it, understand it, and to give their feedback,” said Scott.
Residents posed questions about transportation, vacant homes, the opioid restitution fund, and access to grocery stores.
The post Mayor Scott outlines $5 billion budget at virtual town hall appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
