City Council Unanimously Overrides Mayor’s Veto

City Council Unanimously Overrides Mayor’s Veto

Council President’s City Administrator Proposal To Appear On November Ballot

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, August 6, 2020) — At a special meeting tonight, the Baltimore City Council voted unanimously (15-0) to override Mayor Young’s veto of 19-0382: Charter Amendment - City Administrator.

The Council’s override sends the measure to the November ballot for consideration by the voters. The Charter Amendment requires the Mayor to appoint a Chief Administrative Officer, who would work under the Mayor’s direction to ensure effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of services.

“Anyone can walk down the street and find an example of our government not working as effectively as it could be. This Charter Amendment is about bringing Baltimore in line with our neighboring jurisdictions and best practices for local governance nationwide,” said Council President Scott. “I am proud of this Council for overriding the Mayor’s veto and sending this measure to the voters.” 

Currently, Baltimore is one of only four counties in the State of Maryland that do not require a professional administrator by charter. Surrounding jurisdictions, including Baltimore County and Washington, D.C., all have city administrators.

The Charter Amendment was sponsored in 2019 by City Council President Brandon Scott. The initiative was one of the good government proposals outlined in the Council President’s Legislative and Policy Agenda, released one year ago. 

Read 19-0382: Charter Amendment - City Administrator.