Council Advances City Administrator Proposal to 3rd Reader

Council Advances City Administrator Proposal to 3rd Reader

Council President Scott’s Bill To Be Considered for Final Passage at Next Council Meeting

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 13, 2020) — This evening, the Baltimore City Council advanced Bill 19-0382: Charter Amendment - City Administrator to 3rd Reader with a 9-6 vote. The bill, sponsored in 2019 by Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott, will be considered for final passage by the City Council on Monday, July 20.

The charter amendment changes the Baltimore City Charter by establishing a Chief Administrative Officer position in city government. The Chief Administrative Officer must be a Baltimore City resident and have at least 5 years of public administration experience, as well as thorough knowledge of accounting and budgeting.

“As Council President, I have been focused on restoring accountability and bringing transparency to City government. We have to professionalize our local government and bring it in line with all our surrounding counties,” said Council President Scott. “Baltimore City’s government should run efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with best practices. That’s what this charter amendment is about.”

This charter amendment would bring Baltimore City in line with the majority of Maryland counties and Washington, DC. All but four Maryland counties have an administrator role in their local government structure.

Currently, Baltimore City, Wicomico County, Dorchester County, and Frederick County are the only jurisdictions in Maryland without a Chief Administrative Officer.

“The Chief Administrative Officer established by this charter amendment should not be confused with a city manager form of government,” continued the Council President. “They would be appointed and supervised by the Mayor, and focused on improving performance in City agencies, ensuring accurate information about City services is publicly available, and increasing government responsiveness to resident’s needs.” 

If approved by the Mayor by the August deadline, the charter amendment will appear on the November 2020 ballot for final approval by voters. 

Members of the public can see progress on this bill and other initiatives outlined in Council President Scott’s Legislative and Policy Agenda released one year ago by using this tracker.