In Annual Speech, Scott Addressed Public Safety Progress, New Investments, and Vision for the Future

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, April 21, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott delivered the 2025 Baltimore State of the City address at the M&T Bank Exchange. The theme of this year's address was "Built Different, Building Different."

Mayor Scott emphasized the City's positive momentum over the past four years. He highlighted the City's success in reducing homicides, rehabilitating vacants, and renewing support for local businesses. In the face of federal uncertainty, the Mayor offered a vision of stability. While leaders in Washington are focused on division, Baltimore will double down on strategies that make life better for all residents.

"I can't think of a better place to get a job, grow a business, buy a house, or start a family than our city. Yes, it's because of all the great progress I just talked about: record reductions in violence, economic growth, investments in public health, new housing initiatives, and world-class arts and culture. But mostly, it's because of Baltimore's greatest asset. The thing that makes us Charm City: You, the people of Baltimore," said Mayor Scott. "This city is full of folks who love her, want to make her better, and will check anyone from outside who comes after her. I'm grateful that I get to go to work, every day, to help them do just that: to make Baltimore better - for your children, my children, and all of us. Baltimore is built different. We are building different. And I invite you all to build with us."

The Mayor made several key announcements during his speech, including:

Education Goals

• To increase the percentage of students who are reading and writing on grade level by more than 10 percent by 2027.
• And more than double the percentage of students on grade level for math in that time.

Over the past three years, students across Baltimore have ranked second in the country for their reading progress. As part of a renewed commitment to keep this progress going, Mayor Scott announced he is working alongside City Schools to meet two goals:

Addressing Opioid Crisis

To date, Baltimore has recovered nearly $700 million in settlements and legal victories tied to the opioid crisis. Through a comprehensive strategic plan, led by the city's new Office of Overdose Response and supported by the Restitution Advisory Board, this money is being invested directly back into communities.

311 Revitalization

Mayor Scott announced a full overhaul of the 311 system, which began with the launch of the 311 Reimagined Project in October 2024. Mayor Scott's goal is simple: improve communication and accessibility to make 311 work better for all Baltimore residents.

New Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Mayor Scott announced the launch of the Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment- MOACE- a unified office that will shape the future of Baltimore's live events, cultural workforce, creative economy, nightlife, and film industry- positioning the arts as a core driver of the city's growth and identity.

Under the leadership of Director Linzy Jackson III, and with the continued guidance of Senior Advisor Tonya Miller Hall, MOACE will help to build an inclusive economy where talent is nurtured, opportunity is accessible, and the arts are central to Baltimore's long-term economic growth and identity.

Reframe Baltimore

Tonight, Mayor Scott unveiled a new official website encompassing the City of Baltimore, BUILD, and GBC's vision to end the vacants crisis for good within 15 years: Reframe Baltimore.

The website, launched alongside the new official name for the vision, provides residents and developers alike with resources on how to get involved. Through Reframe Baltimore, the city and their partners have mapped out a $3 billion capital stack to eliminate vacants over 15 years - comprised of state, city, and private funding, including $50 million every year from the state of Maryland, and the nation's first-ever non-contiguous TIF aimed at transforming vacants into affordable housing.

Zoning Reform

Mayor Scott announced that, with the leadership of Councilman Dorsey, he is proposing comprehensive changes to the city's building and zoning codes. These reforms will overhaul outdated standards that prevent the city from expanding multifamily housing options. These reforms will make housing both more abundant and affordable - while expanding options, including more 1-bedroom apartments.

MOID Executive Order

Mayor Scott announced that he signed an Executive Order this morning, authorizing MOID to modernize its capital project delivery process. These reforms, developed through a comprehensive review of existing challenges in the contracting process, will streamline project delivery, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency of how infrastructure projects are planned and executed. The executive order will strengthen project oversight and expand outreach initiatives, making it easier and faster to bring investments to communities.

To view the full text of the address as prepared for delivery, visit the link here: https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/sotc-2025