Baltimore City Council Proposes Charter Changes to Strengthen Inspector General's Office

Amendments aim to increase transparency and oversight by designating IG as co-custodian of records

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:12am

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A conceptual, abstract painting depicting the Baltimore city skyline in fractured, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, gray, and orange, representing the dynamic changes being proposed to the city's government oversight.Proposed charter amendments aim to empower Baltimore's Inspector General to enhance transparency and oversight of city government.Baltimore Today

Baltimore City Councilmembers have proposed several amendments to the city's charter, including one that would designate the city's Inspector General as a co-custodian of agency records. This comes after the IG accused the Mayor's Office of not providing necessary information for an investigation into possible fraud. The council also proposed changes to the budget process, shortening the timeline for mayoral vetoes.

Why it matters

These proposed charter changes are aimed at strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the Inspector General's office, which plays a crucial role in providing oversight and accountability for the city government. Ensuring the IG has full access to records is seen as key to fulfilling this watchdog function.

The details

Councilman Mark Conway introduced the amendment to make the IG a co-custodian of records, arguing that delays in accessing information can limit the IG's ability to act effectively. Inspector General Isabel Cumming has accused the Mayor's Office of not providing her with the information needed to complete an investigation into possible fraud. Other proposed amendments include moving up the deadline for the mayor to submit the city's budget to the council, and shortening the timeline for mayoral vetoes related to the budget.

  • Councilman Conway introduced the proposed IG amendment during Monday's City Council meeting.
  • The council is aiming to have a hearing and pass the amendments before the end of April.

The players

Mark Conway

Baltimore City Councilman who introduced the proposed amendment to designate the Inspector General as a co-custodian of agency records.

Isabel Cumming

Baltimore City Inspector General who has accused the Mayor's Office of not providing necessary information for an investigation into possible fraud.

Zeke Cohen

Baltimore City Council President who expressed concerns about the legality of the proposed IG amendment.

Odette Ramos

Baltimore City Councilwoman who introduced proposed amendments to change the budget process timeline.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to be able to do my job, and that's it. I need now the people to come forward and support us and support this bill and tell their elected officials that is what you wish.”

— Isabel Cumming, Baltimore City Inspector General

“I support increased transparency, I support the good work of the inspector general. What I cannot do is support a bill that I don't know whether it's legal or not. The opinions of the attorneys I've spoken to seem to indicate that it's not — that it would have to be done at the state level.”

— Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President

What’s next

The City Council is aiming to hold a hearing and vote on the proposed charter amendments before the end of April.

The takeaway

These proposed changes to Baltimore's city charter demonstrate the ongoing efforts to strengthen government oversight and accountability, particularly by ensuring the Inspector General's office has the necessary tools and access to effectively fulfill its watchdog role.