About the City Charter

The Baltimore City Charter is the foundational governing document—often called the "constitution" of Baltimore City—that establishes the city's government's structure, powers, and functions. It was initially ratified by voters on November 8, 1994 (following earlier versions in 1949 and a significant revision in 1964). It has since been amended periodically to adapt to the city's evolving needs 

Key Points About the Charter

  • Framework for Government: It defines the three branches of city government (executive, legislative, and judicial), the roles of the Mayor, City Council, and municipal courts, and sets term lengths, election procedures, and vacancy protocols.
  • Fiscal Authority: It vests budgetary and financial powers—such as preparing the annual Ordinance of Estimates and creating the Board of Estimates—in specified offices and bodies, ensuring checks and balances in spending and contracting.
  • Home Rule Powers: Under Maryland's constitution (Article XI), the Charter grants Baltimore broad "home rule" authority, allowing the city to enact local laws, levy taxes, and regulate affairs without requiring state legislation for most matters.
  • Amendment Process: Charter changes require either a two‑thirds vote of the City Council plus voter approval or periodic charter review commissions convened every 10 years to recommend comprehensive updates.

These provisions make the City Charter the supreme local law of Baltimore, guiding everything from how ordinances are passed to how public officials are appointed and held accountable.

View City Charter Library

Charter Review Committee

Formed by City Council members, the Charter Review Special Committee examines how Baltimore’s government is structured and identifies ways to better serve residents.  

The Committee will:  

  • Review current Charter provisions and identify structural challenges.
  • Examine how government systems function across agencies.
  • Collect public input from residents across every district.
  • Analyze equity, transparency, and accountability gaps.
  • Produce recommendations for potential Charter amendments for the 2026 ballot.  

This committee isn’t rewriting the Charter in secret—it’s built to be transparent, community‑driven, and shaped by resident voices.  

Who Serves on the Committee?

  • Ryan Dorsey, Chair
  • John Bullock, Vice-Chair
  • Councilwoman Odette Ramos
  • Councilman Jermaine Jones
  • Councilman Zach Blanchard
CRC Press Conference

 

Why This Matters

Baltimore has changed—but much of its government structure has not.  

This review asks critical questions:  

  • Are agencies set up to collaborate effectively?
  • Are accountability systems strong enough?
  • Are residents meaningfully included in decision-making?
  • Do neighborhoods have equitable access to services and representation?
  • Is government transparent, efficient, and responsive to today’s challenges?  

If you couldn’t check every box, your voice matters here. Share your ideas to modernize the Charter and build a City government that’s more responsive, fair, and effective.  

Buckets of Discussion

  1. Budget - Simplifying budget process that gives the Council more power to be responsive to residents.
  2. Franchise/Minor Privilege Reform - Minor privilege permits that do not require you to petition the board of estimates. Minor privilege permits are small uses of the public right of way — like a business wanting to put a sign up on the sidewalk.
  3. Biennial Audits - City audits that happen every other year that are not unnecessarily redundant and respond to your concerns.

How You Can Participate

Public participation is essential. The Charter should reflect the people who live in Baltimore.  

The Charter Review Committee will host input sessions in community on these dates: 

  • March 25th at 6pm – Coppin State University. 2500 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216

    Map of visual instructions to community input session.

    The session will be held in PEC108 (Physical Education Complex), use lot F for parking.

  • April 14 at 6pm – Freedom Temple Church. 2926 Hollins Ferry Rd, Baltimore, MD 21230

Upcoming Hearings 

Save these dates on your calendar for future hearings. 

  • March 18, 2026 — 4:00 PM
  • April 8, 2026 — 4:00 PM 

Location: Du Burns Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 Holiday St.  
Virtual Access: CharmTV or WebEx  
Contact information: charter.review.committee@baltimorecity.gov