As Maryland’s largest city and the home of major institutions, Baltimore is a critical part of the state’s economy and policy decisions at the city level can affect more than just the 570,000 people who call Baltimore home. MDCEP aims to help city residents better understand the choices in the city budget and how they could affect their communities. We also occasionally focus on other policy conversations taking place at the city level, such as housing, wages, or tax policy.
- Related News and Resources
A Guide to Baltimore City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
In passing this year’s city budget, which went into effect July 1, the Baltimore City Council had to balance a sizable deficit, despite continued growth
“Renew Baltimore” Slash-and-Cap Tax Proposal Would Make Baltimore a Much Worse Place to Live, Work, and Do Business
By Christopher Meyer and Musaab Ibrahim A proposal to drastically cut and permanently cap Baltimore City’s property tax rate is again on the table, after
Access to Opportunity: Implications of Implementing Small Area Fair Market Rent in Baltimore’s Neighborhoods
Having a safe place to live and raise a family is critical to economic security, health, and many other aspects of daily life. Maryland has some of the highest housing costs in the country[i] and, despite recent progress on tenants’ rights and worker protections like raising the state’s minimum wage and guaranteeing paid leave, too many people are forced to pay far more than they can afford in rent or accept unsafe, unhealthy housing conditions.
For Stronger Communities, Baltimore City Needs Effective Affordable Housing Requirements for Developers
In order to provide greater opportunity for all city residents and address the lack of affordable housing, Baltimore City needs an effective policy requiring developers to include a certain number of affordable apartments or houses in new development projects.
Baltimore City Leaders Should Examine Costs of Tax Breaks for Developers to Guide Future Decisions
Last month, a Baltimore City Council committee voted down a bill to study and create a report on the impact of tax increment financing (TIF) to the City’s overall economic development and if such financial tools can be used equitably in underserved communities. The bill would have required several city agencies, including the Finance Department and Department of Housing and Community Development, to collaborate and conduct the study. Despite there being no opposition from the agencies, the bill failed.