City Council Hearing: FY2027 DHCD; June 2, 2026

This City Council hearing held by the CharmTV Citizens' Hub on June 2, 2026, focused extensively on the Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) fiscal year 2027 budget and operational challenges. Director Keane presented the proposed $103 million budget, highlighting a $1.1 million increase dedicated to reoccupying vacant properties and supporting eight new positions. The discussion emphasized critical procurement and operational issues, including the troubled building permitting system, enforcement of rental licensing laws, and strategies for neighborhood revitalization through property acquisition and rehabilitation. Council members requested detailed data on revoked rental licenses, vacant building notices, and enforcement actions, and pressed for improvements in staffing, technology, and inter-agency coordination. The potential merger of DHCD with the planning department was also discussed, with a consultant team engaged to study the feasibility and expected to report initial recommendations in the fall. Several motions and committee requests were made to improve enforcement, accelerate vacant property rehabilitation, and enhance constituent services, reflecting a strong focus on procurement, contract management, and resource allocation to address Baltimore's housing challenges.