Baltimore Launches Spring Youth Engagement Strategy in Inner Harbor

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement partners with community organizations to provide resources and build relationships with young people.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A realistic painting depicting a group of teenagers gathered in a shadowy corner of the Inner Harbor, the scene bathed in warm, cinematic lighting that creates a sense of quiet contemplation and urban melancholy.A city initiative to engage and support Baltimore's youth aims to build relationships and prevent violence in popular gathering spots like the Inner Harbor.Baltimore Today

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) in Baltimore has launched a Spring Youth Engagement Strategy, which aims to provide resources, programming, and positive engagement for young people congregating in the city's Inner Harbor on weekend nights. MONSE is working with community partners like B-360 and Redesigning Minds to connect with youth, de-escalate conflicts, and prevent potential violence.

Why it matters

Baltimore has struggled with youth violence and crime in recent years, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Inner Harbor. This new youth engagement strategy is an effort by the city to proactively address these issues by building relationships with young people and connecting them to services and opportunities.

The details

MONSE teams will be present in the Inner Harbor from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., and in Fells Point from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekend nights, engaging with young people, providing resources, and enforcing curfew laws. The initiative aims to empower and uplift youth, while also keeping the community safe.

  • The Spring Youth Engagement Strategy launched on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The program will continue through Labor Day weekend 2026.

The players

Mayor Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who announced the launch of the Spring Youth Engagement Strategy.

Chanel White

The chief of staff for MONSE, the city agency responsible for mobilizing the youth engagement efforts.

Marcus Wise

A community liaison for Redesigning Minds, a mental health agency that is partnering with the city on the youth engagement initiative.

B-360

A youth connection center in the Inner Harbor that is working with MONSE as part of the engagement strategy.

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What they’re saying

“We are here making sure that our youth are well taken care of, that they have resources, that they can connect to services, that they're abiding by curfew, they're abiding by laws the ordinances of the city, that they have a safe place to come and enjoy and hangout at the Harbor.”

— Chanel White, Chief of Staff, MONSE

“I always encourage my guys when we're out there to engage, but to also listen, ask them what they need. (We want to) empower and uplift.”

— Marcus Wise, Community Liaison, Redesigning Minds

“Keeping young people safe is a community effort. While City government and public safety agencies are fully engaged in providing resources, opportunities, and attention to our young people, it is critical that parents and families are equally engaged in ensuring their teens are safe and making choices that protect themselves and their friends.”

— Mayor Brandon Scott

What’s next

MONSE and its community partners will continue their youth engagement efforts in the Inner Harbor and Fells Point neighborhoods throughout the spring and summer, with a focus on providing resources, building relationships, and preventing potential violence.

The takeaway

Baltimore's new youth engagement strategy represents a collaborative effort between city government, community organizations, and families to address the complex issue of youth violence. By meeting young people where they gather and providing support, the initiative aims to empower youth and keep the community safe.