News Summary
In 2024, Baltimore’s 311 system recorded over 1 million service requests, a 5% increase from 2023. Concerns about litter, rodent infestations, potholes, and parking dominated the reports. The Belair-Edison neighborhood led with over 29,000 requests while proactive efforts to manage rodent populations saw significant enhancements. The increase in requests marks a strong resident engagement with city services, prompting officials to strategize for improved community responsiveness.
Baltimore is experiencing a historic surge in service requests through its 311 system, which documented over 1 million requests for various city services in 2024. This marks a significant 5% increase from 2023. The data reflects the deep engagement of residents with their municipal services and highlights ongoing community issues like litter and rodent infestations.
The predominant areas of concern reported through the 311 system were complaints related to litter and rats. The Belair-Edison neighborhood notably stood out as the busiest area for 311 requests, accumulating over 29,000 reports throughout the year.
In terms of rodent activity, Baltimore recorded more than 153,000 entries last year, with an impressive 95% of these categorized as “proactive.” The city’s proactive rat rubout team intensified their efforts, conducting nearly 15,000 additional interventions in 2024 compared to the previous year, a move aimed at curbing rodent populations effectively.
Pothole complaints also surged in Belair-Edison, which logged the highest number with 414 reports. It was noted that slightly over half of these complaints originated from residents themselves. Furthermore, the Department of Public Works flagged 179 pothole complaints in the same neighborhood, indicating a concentrated need for infrastructure improvements.
In the southeast neighborhoods of Baltimore, parking concerns reached significant levels with Canton recording over 1,500 parking complaints in 2024. Particularly, the block on South Bond Street in Fells Point emerged as a hotspot for parking issues, accumulating over 380 complaints. The citations issued for lack of residential permits in the area highlighted the ongoing struggles with parking regulations.
Another notable concern reported through the 311 system was graffiti. Charles Village reported the most graffiti complaints, with over 1,100 entries. Nearby Charles North followed with 727 complaints, as graffiti issues manifested predominantly along busy roads and areas adjacent to the Station North Arts District.
The 311 system plays a vital role in enabling Baltimore’s residents to communicate community concerns and enhances the city’s ability to respond effectively. Residents utilized the 311 system for a variety of issues, including clogged storm drains. The engagement with the system varied by neighborhood, illustrating diverse levels of community involvement and responsiveness to municipal initiatives.
City officials and data analysts utilize 311 data, in conjunction with 911 calls, to acquire a comprehensive understanding of community dynamics and resident engagement across Baltimore neighborhoods. This analysis of complaints not only aids in recognizing prevalent issues but also assists in formulating strategies to enhance municipal services and address local concerns swiftly.
The increase in requests is reflective of a commitment to community engagement and responsiveness in Baltimore. City officials are expected to strategize based on the patterns identified through the data, aiming to improve quality of life by effectively allocating resources and addressing the community’s most pressing issues.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Sun: 311 Data Report
- NY Times: Ravens Draft Picks Guide
- Washington Post: Baltimore Sun Staff Meeting Report
- Wikipedia: Baltimore 311
- Google Search: Baltimore Community Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
