City Council Hearing: FY2027 DOT: June 1, 2026

The City Council hearing held on June 1, 2026, by the CharmTV Citizens' Hub focused extensively on the Baltimore City Department of Transportation's (DOT) FY2027 budget and operational priorities. Director Veronica Perry McBth presented key accomplishments, including fleet expansions, infrastructure improvements, and federal and state grant acquisitions totaling nearly $2 million for smart signal operations and charging infrastructure. The council engaged in detailed discussions about procurement and contracting practices, emphasizing concerns over the high volume of outsourced engineering work and the need to increase in-house staffing to reduce reliance on contractors. A staffing study by PFM was announced to assess opportunities for insourcing work division by division. The DOT also outlined capital improvement projects such as street lighting upgrades, traffic calming installations, and resurfacing plans targeting 90.5 lane miles citywide. Committee requests were made for detailed cost analyses of crosswalk painting and bumpout installations, updates on traffic safety investments, and timelines for greenway trail construction. The council also addressed emergency contracting practices during snow removal, emphasizing minority business engagement. Overall, the meeting highlighted budget allocations, contract management, procurement strategies, and capital projects aimed at improving Baltimore's transportation infrastructure and safety.