BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, April 22, 2025) - Yesterday, ahead of his 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Brandon M. Scott signed an executive order directing the Mayor's Office of Infrastructure Development (MOID) to implement 23 key recommendations to modernize Baltimore capital contracting process. These reforms, developed through a comprehensive review of existing challenges, will streamline project delivery, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency in how infrastructure projects are planned and executed.

"For too long, outdated processes in our capital contracting system have slow projects, driven up costs, and limited participation for small businesses," said Mayor Scott. "By modernizing our approach, we are making sure infrastructure projects are delivered more efficiently, opportunities are more accessible, and public dollars are managed with greater accountability."

"These reforms are about bringing capital contracting into the modern era," said City Administrator Faith Leach. "By improving transparency and efficiency, we will ensure projects are delivered on time and small businesses have greater access to opportunities."

The recommendations focus on five core areas:

1. Transparency & Accountability - Strengthening oversight, reporting, and tracking.
2. Equity & Inclusion - Expanding opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs/WBEs).
3. Communication & Coordination - Improving collaboration between agencies and contractors.
4. Operational Efficiency - Reducing bottlenecks and streamlining processes.
5. Innovation & Strategic Improvement - Leveraging technology to modernize capital contracting and project management.

MOID will lead implementation efforts in partnership with city agencies, prioritizing early actions such as launching a centralized bidding website and updating project management training programs.

Implementation will occur in phases. Initial reforms will focus on improving transparency, efficiency, and training programs. This will be followed by expanded outreach initiatives and regulatory improvements, while long-term initiatives will standardize contracting practices and support systemic improvements in project management.

"This is about making Baltimore work better for everyone," Mayor Scott added. "By modernizing our processes, we can deliver projects that support growth and help our communities across the city."