2024 Voter Guide
Compiled by the Baltimore Sun and Summarized by GBC Mayor Brandon Scott
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/04/11/brandon-m-scott/#nt=taboola-feed
Category: Taxes
Pressure is mounting to reduce Baltimore’s property tax rate, which is higher than surrounding jurisdictions. Do you think a reduction is possible and how would you accomplish it?
Baltimore is disadvantaged as an independent city.
We can lower property taxes without gutting the city’s general fund and drastically reducing services, like the November ballot initiative proposal would do.
I have a $3 billion vision to tackle vacant housing:
o includes a 2% share of our local sales tax.
o 1% would help fund the vacant strategy and invite more investment and more residents.
o 1% would be used to provide all homeowners with a $1,000 yearly rebate on their property taxes.
Baltimore needs to receive a share of its sales tax. This can lower property taxes and protect the city services.
Category: Harborplace
A plan currently calls for the redevelopment of Harborplace into high rise buildings offering a mix of uses including apartments on the waterfront. Do you support this plan and if not, what would you prefer to see in its place?
I support the redevelopment of Harborplace. It will provide good-paying jobs, continue to spur growth in tourism and our economy.
Harborplace project design has been conducted with care, community engagement, and an emphasis on welcoming all Baltimoreans.
Those opposed to the redevelopment have not offered a viable alternative vision.
Category: Transportation
Many Bal moreans rely on public transit to get to work and move around the city. What can the city do to improve access to public transporta on?
Committed to building a transportation system that is equitable, safe, and accessible for all.
Working to make a more accessible bus system in historically neglected neighborhoods.
Fought hard to advance transformational transit projects like the Red Line.
Oversaw the adoption of the Baltimore Complete Streets Manual to help create highquality pedestrian and transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Introduced speed bumps and stop signs, made intersections more pedestrian-friendly, and built out protected infrastructure, such as separated bike and bus lanes.
Category: Vacant Housing
Bal more’s many vacant homes a ract crime and decrease the quality of life for city residents who live in their midst. How would you assess the city’s current approach to vacant proper es and what would your plan entail?
14% reduction in vacant housing citywide since December 2020.
In partnership with BUILD and GBC, I outlined a $3B, 15-year vision to eliminate vacants once and for all
o Brings together city, state, philanthropic, and private funding to accelerate the work.
o Employs innovative strategies, like utilizing non-contiguous TIF bonds.
We have utilized other investments like home repair grants, especially for Baltimore’s older adults to age in place, affordable and inclusionary housing, and equitable neighborhood development.
Category: Public Safety
Bal more’s homicide rate dropped in 2023 for the first me in nearly a decade. How would you maintain that decrease while also focusing on quality of life crimes that make residents feel less safe in their neighborhoods?
Introduced Baltimore’s first-ever Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan.
Focused on reducing violence with a public health informed approach that combines community violence intervention and targeted enforcement.
Working to remove illegal guns and ghost guns from our streets, holding everyone responsible for violence accountable, including those who pull the trigger to those who supply the weapons.
Helped deliver the largest single-year reduction in homicides in 2023 and another 20% reduction in 2024.
Successfully targeted the nation-wide spike in auto-thefts, reduced carjackings, and dramatically reduced squeegee-related incidents.
Reached compliance on whole sections of the consent decree for the first time.