Baltimore Unveils $3.9B Budget Plan Focused on Core City Services

Mayor Scott's FY2027 proposal includes increased funding for youth, older adults, and vulnerable communities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:37am

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has unveiled the city's $3.9 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, a 5.9% increase over the previous year. The plan focuses on investing in core city services, including expanding pre-K and early childhood programs, funding 8,500 summer jobs through YouthWorks, supporting immigrant communities, and opening two recently renovated recreation centers. The capital plan also includes $1 billion, a 14.3% increase, with plans to break ground on a new state-of-the-art sports facility.

Why it matters

Baltimore's budget proposal reflects the mayor's priorities of supporting youth, older adults, and vulnerable communities amid concerns about uncertainty from the federal government. The investments in core city services and infrastructure aim to address long-standing challenges and improve quality of life for residents.

The details

The $3.9 billion operating plan includes funding for expanding pre-K and early childhood development programs, supporting the city's immigrant communities, and opening two recently renovated recreation centers. The $1 billion capital plan will fund the construction of a new state-of-the-art sports facility featuring an indoor track, basketball, and volleyball courts. Other priorities include $35 million to replace the Baltimore Police Department's Northeastern District station and add five positions to the city's graffiti-removal program.

  • The FY2027 budget proposal was unveiled on April 2, 2026.
  • The city will hold a virtual town hall on April 6, 2026 to discuss the budget.
  • A citywide community budget forum is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
  • The Cabinet in Community walking discussion will take place on April 20, 2026.
  • Taxpayers' Night, where residents can share their opinions, is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who unveiled the city's $3.9 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.

Bob Cenamme

The city's deputy budget director who provided details on the operating and capital plans.

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What they’re saying

“When you are in tough times, you focus your priorities and make them work in some way.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore

“The operating plan is $3.9 billion — that's a 5.9% increase vs. fiscal 2026. The capital plan is $1 billion — that's a 14.3% increase vs. fiscal 2026.”

— Bob Cenamme, Deputy Budget Director

What’s next

City agencies will make their budget presentations, and city residents can share their opinions during Taxpayer Night on April 22, 2026. The city will also hold a series of town hall meetings and community forums to gather feedback on the proposed budget.

The takeaway

Baltimore's budget proposal reflects the mayor's focus on investing in core city services, supporting youth and vulnerable communities, and improving infrastructure, despite concerns about uncertainty from the federal government. The plan aims to address long-standing challenges and enhance the quality of life for Baltimore residents.