Baltimore Proposes City Charter Amendments

Changes include boosting inspector general's record access and budget review timeline

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:12am

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A serene, painterly depiction of Baltimore City Hall, its facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight and cast in deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic contemplation and the need for transparency.The proposed charter amendments aim to shed light on Baltimore's local government operations and strengthen independent oversight.Baltimore Today

Baltimore City Councilmembers are proposing several amendments to the city's charter, including designating the inspector general as a co-custodian of agency records and adjusting the timeline for the city's budget process. The proposed changes aim to increase transparency and strengthen oversight in local government.

Why it matters

The proposed charter amendments come amid tensions between the city's inspector general and the mayor's office over access to records for investigations. Improving the inspector general's ability to access records could enhance accountability and uncover potential fraud or mismanagement in city operations.

The details

One key amendment proposed by Councilman Mark Conway would make the city's inspector general a co-custodian of agency records, addressing gaps in record access that can limit the inspector general's ability to effectively oversee city government. Another amendment from Councilwoman Odette Ramos would move the deadline for the mayor to deliver the city's budget to the council from May 15 to April 15, providing more time for the council to review and discuss the budget.

  • The proposed charter amendments were introduced during the City Council's Monday meeting.
  • Councilman Conway said he wants to see a hearing on his inspector general amendment and have it passed before the end of April.

The players

Mark Conway

A Baltimore City Councilman representing District 4 who proposed the charter amendment to designate the inspector general as a co-custodian of agency records.

Isabel Cumming

The Baltimore City Inspector General who has claimed the mayor's office has not provided necessary information for investigations.

Odette Ramos

A Baltimore City Councilwoman representing District 14 who proposed an amendment to move the deadline for the mayor to deliver the city's budget to the council.

Zeke Cohen

The Baltimore City Council President who expressed concerns about the legality of the inspector general amendment.

Association of Inspectors General

The organization that penned a letter supporting the effort to designate the inspector general as a custodian of records.

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What they’re saying

“The goal here is to make sure that oversight and accountability in Baltimore City always reflect independent, effective measures that protect the interests of the public.”

— Mark Conway, Baltimore City Councilman

“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.”

— Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President

What’s next

Councilman Conway said he wants to see a hearing on his inspector general amendment and have it passed before the end of April.

The takeaway

The proposed charter amendments in Baltimore aim to strengthen the inspector general's ability to access records and improve the city's budget review process, addressing concerns about transparency and oversight in local government.