On Tuesday, April 9^th, the Board of Estimates hosted the Annual Taxpayers’ Night at Baltimore’s War Memorial. From 6:00-7:00pm, BBMR hosted a budget pop-up, where residents could engage with City agencies and our analysts to learn more about the budget and their services. We were joined by 18 agencies and over 100 community members during the budget pop-up. From 7:00-8:00pm, the Board of Estimates hosted a hearing where residents could speak for two minutes about their thoughts and concerns about the budget. This year, we heard from over 30 residents, from across the City, on a variety of concerns about the budget, including funding for youth programs and a proposal for a year-round YouthWorks program; funding for recycling and a zero waste plan; funding for schools and recreation centers; and the level of funding for the Baltimore Police Department.

Following this event, the Board of Estimates hosted a hearing with the Budget Director, Bob Cenname, to ask questions about the budget and follow-up on what they heard from residents at Taxpayers’ Night. In May, the Board will vote on the budget and it will then move to the City Council for review, which includes hearings with agencies and a City Council Taxpayers’ Night. Learn more about the budget process here.