Baltimore Unveils $3.9B Preliminary Budget for FY2027

Mayor Scott's plan focuses on core city services, youth programs, and public safety initiatives.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:51am

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has unveiled the city's $3.9 billion preliminary budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, a 5.9% increase over the current fiscal year. The budget plan prioritizes investments in youth, older adults, and vulnerable communities, including expanded pre-K and early childhood development programs, 8,500 summer jobs through YouthWorks, and support for immigrant communities. The capital plan also includes $1 billion, a 14.3% increase, to fund a new state-of-the-art sports facility and public safety initiatives like replacing the Northeastern District police station and expanding the city's graffiti removal program.

Why it matters

Baltimore's budget reflects the mayor's priorities to address the city's most pressing needs, from supporting youth and vulnerable populations to improving public safety and quality of life. As the city faces economic uncertainty, this budget proposal aims to maintain core services and make strategic investments that will benefit Baltimore residents in the long run.

The details

The $3.9 billion operating budget and $1 billion capital plan include funding for several key initiatives, such as expanding pre-K and early childhood programs, supporting 8,500 summer jobs through YouthWorks, and opening two recently renovated recreation centers. The budget also allocates $35 million to replace the Baltimore Police Department's Northeastern District station and add five positions to the city's graffiti-removal program. Additionally, the mayor's office will continue to fund the Group Violence Reduction Strategy and the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.

  • The preliminary budget was unveiled on April 2, 2026.
  • City agencies will make their budget presentations and residents can share their opinions during Taxpayer Night on April 22, 2026.
  • Virtual town hall meetings and community budget forums are scheduled for April 6, April 15, and April 20, 2026.

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who presented the city's preliminary budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.

Bob Cenamme

The city's deputy budget director who provided details on the budget increases compared to the current fiscal year.

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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 residents can provide feedback on the budget proposal during the upcoming town hall meetings, community forums, and Taxpayer Night event in April 2026.

The takeaway

Baltimore's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027 reflects the mayor's commitment to investing in the city's core services, youth programs, and public safety initiatives, despite economic uncertainties. The budget increases focus on supporting vulnerable communities, expanding early childhood education, and enhancing quality-of-life measures, demonstrating the city's efforts to address its most pressing needs.