City Council Hearing: Housing & Economic Development; June 16, 2026

The City Council Hearing on Housing & Economic Development held by the CharmTV Citizens' Hub on June 16, 2026, focused primarily on code enforcement and inspector accountability related to property maintenance in Baltimore City. Deputy Commissioner Booker and other officials presented detailed updates on the challenges faced by code enforcement inspectors, including staffing shortages, workload prioritization, and the complexity of managing vacant building notices and other violations. The discussion included a pilot program for a code enforcement courtesy call to improve abatement rates and reduce inspector workload. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) also reported on their activities, including illegal dumping enforcement, zoning violations, and rental licensing, highlighting staffing constraints and ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency. Council members expressed strong support for inspectors, emphasized the need for timely inspections (ideally within 30 days), and discussed potential strategies to enhance community involvement and resource allocation. Specific procurement or contract awards were not discussed, but the hearing underscored the importance of adequate staffing and technology improvements to support enforcement activities and housing quality in the city.