Council President Scott Cancels City Council Meeting

Council President Scott Cancels City Council Meeting

Monday Meeting Canceled; City Council Not Scheduled to Reconvene Until Early April

BALTIMORE, MD (March 19, 2020) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott announced today that the Baltimore City Council will not convene on Monday, March 23, as previously scheduled, due to growing concerns around the spread of COVID-19.

“As Council President, I have a duty to keep our members and the public safe,” said Council President Scott. “At this time, we must do the responsible thing and cancel Monday’s meeting. My office will continue working towards a virtual alternative that will allow our members and Baltimore residents to participate remotely.” 

The City Council President’s Office is troubleshooting technology that would allow the Council to meet virtually, while also adhering to the Open Meetings Act and principles of transparency. The President is taking special care to find a solution that allows Baltimore residents⁠—⁠many of whom do not have reliable access to Internet or TV— to tune in and participate.

“This is about allowing the business of Baltimore City to continue in a safe way, while we take the necessary precautions to protect those who are still out doing their jobs each day. That includes our bus drivers, health care providers, and law enforcement officials,” said the Council President. 

At this time, the City Council will not reconvene until April 6, 2020 at the earliest. All Council hearings for the month of March have been canceled. Updates about City Council protocol and how residents can participate will be announced later this month. 

Residents are reminded that they can access an archive of public meetings, including City Council meetings, hearings, and Board of Estimates meetings, on CharmTV’s YouTube page and the Council President’s Facebook page.