Committee of the Whole; October 26, 2026

Baltimore City Council Committee of the Whole, October 26, 2026: Members considered Bill 26-0221, which would establish a Department of Neighborhood Safety to coordinate violence-prevention work and create an alternative response for mental-health and other crises. Three technical amendments were presented, including changes to the department’s powers and definitions and a proposed effective date of January 1, 2027. The transcript provided does not record a vote or final disposition. Members discussed a preliminary budget, staffing and ongoing costs; officials said $15 million in opioid restitution funds is earmarked to launch and implement the agency, likely for about five years, with separate state and city funding set aside for a new CAD system. One council member raised concern that citywide costs could reach tens of millions annually and that the restitution funds could be depleted by 2032. Public testimony also urged collaboration with community organizations and stronger services for people experiencing homelessness.

Officials said an external evaluation partner would develop accountability measures, ideally within three to six months. The chair requested baseline measures and integration of performance indicators into the upcoming budget books. Officials described an initial crisis-response pilot expected in about a year, with citywide coverage identified as a goal by the end of year three. No contract award, vendor selection, or other procurement decision was identified in the transcript.