Baltimore, MD - As cities across the country confront governance challenges and federal gridlock limits progress, Baltimore is modernizing how local government serves residents. On Wednesday, November 5, at 3:00 PM, the Baltimore City Council’s Charter Review Committee will hold a press conference to launch the newest charter amendment drafting process.
The Committee is chaired by Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, vice-chaired by Councilmember John Bullock, and includes Councilmembers Jermaine Jones, Zac Blanchard, and Odette Ramos. The first public meeting of the Committee will follow the press conference at 4:00 PM.
The Charter Review Committee will meet throughout spring 2026 to draft amendments that improve Baltimore’s governing framework, focusing on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and service delivery for residents. Amendments approved by the council by May will be put before city voters on Election Day 2026. Potential topics of discussion may include veto timelines, capital budgeting, and the biennial audit structure, as well as structural considerations such as the composition of the Board of Estimates.
The Committee will actively solicit ideas from residents, advocates, and experts, and will host several public engagement sessions to ensure Baltimoreans have a meaningful voice in shaping any potential reforms. Residents may submit their suggestions to charter.review.committee@baltimorecity.gov.
Statement from Council President Zeke Cohen: “Baltimore deserves a government that is transparent, effective, and accountable to the people it serves. This Charter review is an opportunity to modernize our systems, strengthen public trust, and build a structure that delivers better results for residents. At a time when dysfunction in Washington is hindering progress, cities like ours must step up. Baltimore is choosing to strengthen our democracy, not wait for someone else to fix it.”
Statement from Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, Chair: “This is about building a government that works the way everyday people expect it should. The City Charter defines how power flows, whether to the people whose document it is, whether the people elected to represent the City are even authorized to act in their constituents’ interests, or whether power stops in a bureaucrat’s office. We are undertaking a comprehensive review of potential reforms aiming to create hard-and-fast rules where necessary, and flexibility where it is more appropriate to meet the people’s needs and expectations.”
Who: Council President Zeke Cohen; Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, Chair; Councilmember John Bullock, Vice Chair; Councilmembers Jermaine Jones, Zac Blanchard, and Odette Ramos.
When: Wednesday, November 5, 3:00 PM, press conference; 4:00 PM, committee meeting.
Where: Baltimore City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street, Du Burns Council Chamber, 4th Floor.
Members of the press are invited to attend. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the press conference.