If you are a part of a community based organization looking to beautify your block please consider applying for a grant through the Love Your Block Grant Program. This program provides $1500 to communities for projects that brings your neighbors together and adds curb appeal. You can learn more about the Love Your Block program here. Applications are due on August 7th, and the link to the application can be found here.

Tonight I’m introducing a resolution for a hearing to get updates about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. We are celebrating 10 years since residents and advocates initiated a charter amendment to create the Affordable Housing Trust Fund nonlapsing fund and enable the City Council to create funding sources to put into the fund. I am proud to have been one of the lead advocates while I was the Executive Director of the Community Development Network of Maryland. While it took

The City Council passed and the Mayor signed my bill to add vacant lots to the vacant property tax. The goal of the vacant property tax is to incentivize owners of vacant properties to utilize their property, or ensure the vacant property can be eligible for In-Rem tax foreclosure so we can acquire the property. The implementation date of the tax was moved to July 1, 2029. It was originally supposed to be enacted this year. While I was disappointed to have to move it back two

Live Baltimore is hosting their next workshop on finding your ideal neighborhood to live here in Baltimore City! We have amazing neighborhoods throughout our great city, all with their own unique cultures and history. If you are thinking of moving here, or are already here and interested in exploring additional neighborhoods, this workshop is for you. It takes place on Wednesday, July 8th at 6pm virtually. To learn more about the event and reserve your spot for the workshop p

Baltimore City has launched a campaign to ensure that all homeowners are signed up for the Homestead Tax Credit. The Homestead Tax Credit sets a limit on taxes for homes that are owner occupied based on annual income. Representatives from the Mayor’s Office may be knocking on your door throughout the summer and fall to make sure that your home is marked as owner-occupied so that you can qualify for the Homestead credit. To learn more about the Homestead Tax Credit and to appl

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) has started across Baltimore City and the entire state. This program starts on June 22nd and goes until August 21st. SFSP provides free lunch to students under 18 over the summer break. Baltimore City has multiple sites across our city where students can pick up free lunch on the weekdays during the summer. To learn more about the program please click here, and to find a meal site near you can click here.

Before starting any home improvement projects or rehabbing a vacant property, please go through the proper channels of obtaining a building permit. While our current permit system is challenging, it is vital to secure the building permits so that we can ensure that health and safety standards are being met. There are improvements in the permit system that have been ongoing for the past year, but more works needs to be done. If you are experiencing issues with the permit syst

Earlier in the month we wrapped up on our FY27 budget hearings. Throughout the process we listened to insightful presentations, asked questions, and advocated for an increase in funding to different agencies. To watch the DHCD budget hearing please click here. On June 2nd we held the budget hearing for DHCD. I advocated for funding for several different housing issues so that can access the resources that would help us address with reducing our number of vacant houses and lot

First-time homebuyers are encouraged to take a homebuyer education workshop and work with housing counselors so that they are prepared to buy their first home. Baltimore City has several excellent organizations that assist residents in the homebuying process. Take a look at the list of housing counseling organizations below and give them a call today. Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc. 410-485-8422 Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. 410-500-5300 Druid Heights Community