Baltimore Reparations Funds Remain Unused Amid Official Disputes

City leaders and reparations commission clash over control of $35 million in cannabis tax revenue.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A warm, nostalgic painting of a Baltimore row house in soft, golden light, with a faint outline of a community garden in the foreground, conveying a sense of unfulfilled potential and unmet promises.The unresolved dispute over reparations funds casts a long shadow over Baltimore's efforts to address the legacy of the war on drugs.Baltimore Today

Over $35 million in reparations funds from Baltimore's cannabis tax revenue remain unused as city officials and the local reparations commission battle over who should control the money intended to help communities harmed by the war on drugs.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the challenges cities face in effectively distributing reparations funds, as well as the political tensions that can arise when determining how to allocate resources meant to address historical racial injustices.

The details

The $35 million in question was earmarked by Baltimore lawmakers to provide reparations to communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. However, the city's reparations commission and municipal government have been at odds over which entity should oversee the distribution of these funds.

  • The reparations funds were allocated from Baltimore's cannabis tax revenue in 2025.
  • The dispute over control of the funds has been ongoing for over a year.

The players

Baltimore City Government

The municipal government of Baltimore, Maryland, which has been in a dispute with the local reparations commission over control of $35 million in cannabis tax revenue earmarked for reparations.

Baltimore Reparations Commission

A commission established by the city of Baltimore to oversee the distribution of reparations funds to communities harmed by the war on drugs.

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What they’re saying

“We need to ensure these reparations funds are distributed equitably and transparently to the communities that need them most. The city shouldn't be able to hold this money hostage.”

— Jamal Brown, Chair, Baltimore Reparations Commission

“There are valid concerns about oversight and accountability that we need to work through. We want to make sure these funds are used properly to address past harms.”

— Mayor Sheila Dixon, Mayor of Baltimore

What’s next

The Baltimore City Council is expected to hold a hearing in the coming weeks to try to resolve the dispute and determine the best path forward for distributing the reparations funds.

The takeaway

The ongoing battle over control of Baltimore's reparations funds highlights the complexities and challenges cities face in implementing effective reparations programs, underscoring the need for clear governance structures and collaborative decision-making to ensure these resources reach the intended communities.