Mayor Scott touts violence reduction, increased youth programs in first term report

BALTIMORE -- On Tuesday, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott presented his first term report, highlighting advancements in public safety, youth programs, and community health initiatives. Central to his efforts in combating violent crime is the city's Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), which engages individuals at the highest risk for violence. In the report, Scott announced a significant 34% reduction in non-fatal shootings between 2023 and 2024, tied to the program’s implementation across multiple districts since its start in January 2022.

In addition to the GVRS, the Safe Streets program showed promising results, with six neighborhoods reporting a year without homicides. Scott noted other achievements, such as a $1.2 million settlement with ghost gun manufacturer Polymer80 and steady progress toward full compliance with a consent decree for the Baltimore Police Department. Currently, about 10% of the decree has reached full compliance, and 76% shows initial compliance.

Scott emphasized investments in youth mentorship and education, proposing a budget of $477.1 million for Baltimore City Public Schools in Fiscal Year 2025. This funding will support renovations at several high schools and significant investments in recreational spaces, including $80 million for community areas and $23 million for the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center. Additionally, the YouthWorks program successfully enrolled 200 individuals aged 14 to 21, contributing to over 30,000 jobs for Baltimore youth in the past four years.

The report also outlines steps taken to improve public health in the city. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott facilitated vaccinations for 85% of Baltimore residents. In tackling the opioid crisis, the city secured $668.5 million from pharmaceutical companies, significantly benefiting its residents by enhancing community health resources. These initiatives include naloxone training and harm reduction vending machines.

Lastly, Scott highlights efforts to combat homelessness and vacant housing. In 2022, Baltimore allocated a historic $90.4 million to support homeless services, while recent data from the Housing Authority indicates a 12% increase in support for low-income households. Looking ahead, Scott announced a 15-year, $300 million plan to revitalize vacant properties and bolster affordable housing, prioritizing equity and resource allocation across all neighborhoods in Baltimore.