Right before the new year, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott released his first-term progress report, highlighting key achievements in public safety, youth programs, and more.
Mayor Scott has made tackling violent crime a top priority, and his report shines a light on the city’s Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). The strategy focuses on engaging a small group of high-risk individuals who are most likely to be involved in or affected by violence.
Scott pointed to a major success: between 2023 and 2024, non-fatal shootings dropped by 34%, thanks in part to the GVRS.
The program, which began in Baltimore’s Western District in January 2022, has since expanded to the Southwestern, Central, and Eastern Districts. According to the report, 195 participants have chosen to step away from violence, a clear sign that the program is making a real impact.
The report also highlights significant progress in Baltimore’s Safe Streets program. In six communities—Belvedere, Woodbourne McCabe, Park Heights, Penn North, Franklin Square, and Brooklyn—there were no homicides reported over the past year, a milestone the report proudly points out.
On the public safety front, the city secured a $1.2 million settlement with Polymer80, a major manufacturer of ghost guns, and made strides toward a consent decree with the Baltimore Police Department. The report notes that nearly 10% of the decree’s requirements are now fully met, and 76% are either in “initial compliance” or “on track” to be fully compliant soon.
Mayor Scott has also placed a strong focus on youth mentorship and education. He committed to a $477.1 million investment in Baltimore City Public Schools for the Fiscal Year 2025, signaling his dedication to supporting the city’s next generation through education and recreational opportunities.
Scott plans to renovate several key schools in the city, including Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western High School, Frederick Douglass High School, and Joseph C. Briscoe Academy. These projects are part of his ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure.
In addition, Scott has prioritized investments in recreation and wellness. The city has earmarked $80 million for recreation areas and $23 million for the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Cherry Hill, which will provide much-needed health and fitness resources for the community.
The city’s YouthWorks program, which helps young people (ages 14-21) find work in their fields of interest, has also seen strong participation, with 200 new enrollees this year. Over the past four years, the program has provided more than 30,000 job opportunities for young Baltimoreans.
Mayor Scott has made improving public health a central goal of his first term. His administration has invested in green spaces, sanitation improvements, and efforts to tackle public health disparities throughout the city.
A standout achievement was Scott’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Baltimore City reached an impressive 85% vaccination rate in 2020.
In response to the opioid crisis, Baltimore City took legal action against major pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, securing a $668.5 million settlement. By opting out of a global settlement, Scott was able to secure over six times the amount the city would have received otherwise.
Additionally, the city has rolled out a number of community resources, including harm reduction vending machines and naloxone training to combat overdoses, further demonstrating Scott’s commitment to creating healthier and safer communities.
