Baltimore Unveils 10-Year Fiscal Plan Targeting $2.5 Billion in Savings

Overview

• Mayor Brandon Scott presented a blueprint of 85 initiatives spanning core service delivery, infrastructure investment, and tax competitiveness.
• Officials project $2.5 billion in cumulative savings, with $1.5 billion earmarked for reinvestment and about $1 billion to close expected budget gaps through fiscal 2035.
• Tax changes aim to cut the property rate to $1.99 per $100 assessed value over three years, apply a progressive city levy on income above $500,000, and rely on higher taxes for vacant properties.
• Operational reforms include a leave buyback to reduce long‑term payout liabilities and technology upgrades such as license plate readers for vehicle-based parking enforcement that could save up to $155 million, with exploration of AI and police drones.
• Public safety staffing would shift select duties from sworn officers to civilians with no layoffs planned, and the plan sets targets like a 10% General Fund vacancy rate and an 8% Rainy Day Fund while still requiring City Council action and labor negotiations.