Baltimore City Government

City Government Description

The City of Baltimore operates under a mayor–council government system. The Mayor serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for overseeing city departments, preparing budgets, and enforcing local laws. The City Council, composed of 14 district council members and a president elected at-large, serves as the main legislative body—passing ordinances, approving the budget, and confirming appointments.

Administrative functions are managed by department heads who report to the Mayor’s Office. The city organizes its services into areas like public safety (Police and Fire Departments), public works (sanitation, transportation, water), health and social services, housing and community development, education and youth programs, economic development, and cultural and recreational affairs.

City agencies coordinate to deliver services such as law enforcement, emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, waste collection, public health, and zoning and permitting. Baltimore also maintains several semi-autonomous boards and commissions—like the Planning Commission, School Board, and Housing Authority—that advise city leadership and implement policies.

Key priorities in recent years include crime reduction through community policing, urban revitalization and neighborhood redevelopment, improved water quality and stormwater management, expansion of affordable housing, and investment in public transportation, small business support, and youth education initiatives.