Council President Scott Creates New Committee to Tackle Equity & Charter Amendments

Council President Scott Creates New Committee to Tackle Equity & Charter Amendments 

BALTIMORE, MD (December 16, 2019) — Council President Brandon M. Scott announced a new City Council committee at the last Council meeting on 2019.

The “Equity and Structure” Committee will be responsible for hearing the nine charter amendments that have been introduced this term. The majority of these charter amendments are government reform measures that have been introduced in the wake of the “Healthy Holly” scandal. Councilmember Bill Henry will be the chairman of the three person committee consisting of Councilmembers Kristerfer Burnett, Danielle McCray and himself.

The committee will also be responsible for providing oversight to the City agencies’ equity plans and the implementation of the Equity Assessment Program created by City Council Bill 18-0223 , introduced by Council President Scott.

“Baltimore City has a long history of racial inequity. It’s absolutely imperative that we do all that we can as a Council to address the structural barriers that hold us back,” said Council President Scott.

“The Council has introduced a variety of government reforms aimed at transparency and accountability,” Councilman Henry explained. “I’m looking forward to this committee doing its due diligence to review each bill and charter amendment thoroughly in the next few months as we engage in a public conversation about the change we need.”

The first Equity & Structure Committee Hearing will be January 15th at 5pm in the City Council Chambers. Following hearings and work sessions will be announced in January. The majority of hearings will be at night, across the city, so residents have multiple opportunities to weigh in.