Maryland Census 2020 - Be Counted

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States every 10 years, mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2.  The data collected by the decennial census determines the number of seats Maryland has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to its local communities. 

  • It's Important

  • It's Easy

  • It's Safe

  • It's Right Around the Corner - April 1, 2020

The law requires the Census Bureau to keep all information confidential and use it only to produce statistics.  For More Information

For Baltimore Specific Information, click the link below:

https://mima.baltimorecity.gov/census2020

https://census2020.baltimorecity.gov/census-2020-landing-page

For Job Opportunities:

https://2020census.gov/en/jobs


The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) would like to remind you that immigrants who are Baltimore City residents may be eligible for legal services (including representation if they are detained) through Safe City Baltimore. You can find descriptions of services available through Safe City Baltimore and contact information for service providers in the graphic below.

Additionally, given the rumored increase in immigration enforcement, please remember that EVERYONE in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights. Please review the Know Your Rights information below. Additional Know Your Rights information in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean is attached.

Please feel free to share these graphics and information via social media, or share MIMA’s related Facebook posts: https://www.facebook.com/MIMABaltimore/

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Home is Here March

On November 8, Baltimore welcomed DACA and TPS holders and allies as part of the #HomeIsHere march from New York City to Washington DC. Marchers arrived in the capital for the first day of oral arguments on the termination of DACA at the Supreme Court. Mayor Young met with a group of Baltimore City DACA holders who shared their experiences living, working, and growing up in Baltimore.

Because the Supreme Court's ruling is difficult to predict, DACA recipients are encouraged to prepare for any outcome and consult with immigration attorneys. DACA renewal applications are still being accepted.

Get the facts and make a plan. For more information, visit keepyourbenefits.org 

To learn more about the impact and lives of DACA recipients in our city, watch Monica's story. She is one of the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients that is making a difference in our city and who is fighting to have her voice heard. Together, we can make a difference and make sure others like her can stay in the only homes they know. For more information, please visit Home is Here.


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Women’s History Month

During Women's History Month in March, the Office of Minority Health (OMH) joins partners to celebrate women and raise awareness of women’s health. Throughout the month, OMH will focus on women’s contributions within the fields of public health and health equity.

In 1991, the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) was established to focus on and coordinate women’s health efforts. OMH and OWH announced their Youth Engagement in Sports: Collaboration to Improve Adolescent Physical Activity and Nutrition (YES) Initiative grantees in September of 2019. The initiative addresses unhealthy physical activity and nutrition behaviors among racial and ethnic minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged youth, including girls.

Learn More

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Knowledge Center

The Office of Minority Health (OMH) Knowledge Center online catalog provides access to a broad spectrum of government documents, article abstracts, and other reports related to health disparities. Read about how nutrition awareness and increased physical activity can improve the health status of racial and ethnic minorities. Search here to see a summary of recent publications on this topic.

To find out more about how to use the Knowledge Center Online Library, watch this video.

Learn More


Food Safety Education

Join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in observing Food Safety Education and  learn how to be a food safety superhero!

According to the CDC, every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food. In order to avoid getting sick from foodborne illnesses, the CDC recommends the following four steps: 1) clean; 2) separate; 3) cook and 4) chill. These four steps to food safety are just some of the ways to protect yourself and your family.

For free materials to help you become a food safety superhero, head over to CDC's Food Safety Education Month website.

Learn More


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Maryland Department of Health Offers Online Suicide Prevention Module

Online Suicide Prevention Module Now Available

With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Maryland Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Network has diligently been working over the last several months to develop a free online suicide prevention module. MD-SPIN is happy to announce that our online module is now available.

The Suicide Prevention Training module provides basic information on suicide including risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and how to begin a conversation with someone you are concerned about. The module offers a brief opportunity to practice having a conversation with someone who is thinking about suicide and how to develop a safety plan and encourage the person to seek professional help. This course is designed for anyone who may come into contact with someone at risk for suicide and does not require a clinical background.

The online suicide prevention module is titled 'Suicide Prevention Training: Recognize, Ask, Care, Encourage' and can be accessed on the Maryland Behavioral Health website.


Cadet-Apprenticeship Program

The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council has approved for accreditation the newly-instituted Cadet-Apprentice Program, effective immediately. Qualified individuals can enter the Cadet program at age 18 and continue until 20.5 years, when they are then eligible to enter the Police Academy. Cadets will be involved with structured on-the-job learning, paired with rigorous educational programming and coordinated mentoring. Cadets’ starting salary is $30,000 and they will receive full employment benefits. There are currently 11 cadets in the program and we hope to expand it to up to 20 Cadets by year-end. 

https://www.baltimorepolice.org/careers/cadets 

Mobile WorkForce Center 

Ensuring that every Baltimore City resident who wishes to work is able to find suitable employment, it was my pleasure to christen our new Mobile Workforce Center. Operated by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, the Mobile Workforce Center will bring job resources to citizens and provide services such as job readiness assessments, résumé review and customization, job referral assistance, recruitment and resource information event information. This roving employment resource is equipped with 16 computer workstations, laptops to increase service capacity to up to 24 customers at a time, satellite internet access, exterior audio visual and broadcasting capabilities, as well as tables and chairs for outdoor presentations. For more information about where the Mobile Workforce Center will be in the community, check regularly at: https://moed.baltimorecity.gov/mobile-workforce-center 

Violence Reduction Initiative

Each and every day of the work week, leaders from every City agency join me in meeting with Police District Commanders as part of our Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI) to identify and develop solutions to neighborhood issues that have the potential to lead to violence and crime.  This Violence Once a week, we walk throughout a specific neighborhood to meet with community leaders and residents and see first-hand the problems that threaten the safety of citizens and their quality of life. This initiative – along with our bi-monthly “Call to Action” meetings is leading to clear and positive results. Crime continues to decline in every category: homicides are down 20%; non-fatal shootings are down 10%, overall violent crime is down 16%, burglaries are down 28%, and aggravated assaults are down 13%.  Overall, total crime in the city is down 18% compared to the same period last year.  We will continue to be relentless in our efforts to reduce crime and create a City worthy of all our citizens. 

https://sheriff.baltimorecity.gov/sheriff-community-service

https://www.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Violence%20Reduction%20Update%2008-11-17.pdf 

Baltimore Healthy Start Fatherhood Symposium - For more than two decades, Baltimore Healthy Start Inc. has been investing in the health and well-being of Baltimore’s families. Head Start pushes to reduce perinatal health disparities, including infant mortality, by providing direct services to pregnant and postpartum women, their infants and fathers living in socially, economically, and medically disadvantaged communities. 

https://human-services.baltimorecity.gov/head-start 

https://www.cfuf.org/


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BALTIMORE, MD (March 2, 2020) — Baltimore City Council President Brandon M. Scott released the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s new “public charge” rule, which took effect one week ago today:

“Last Monday, the Federal Department of Homeland Security’s “public charge” rule took effect. I completely oppose this rule and stand in strong solidarity with all of Baltimore’s immigrant residents who are impacted by this appalling change. I recognize this change disproportionately impacts our Latinx residents. I want to make it clear to our Latinx community: Baltimore is your home. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and provide you with the resources you need to live a prosperous life.

The public charge in effect criminalizes poverty. I will not allow our immigrant residents to be attacked like this. Everyone, regardless of where they come from, is entitled to life, liberty and happiness. As a local government, our role is to ensure the well-being of our residents, not attack them and take away their access to resources. I stand with Baltimore’s immigrant communities during this difficult time.”

On February 24, 2020, the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule took effect. It seeks to block non-citizens who are seeking a green card, who request an extended stay in the United States, or who apply for a change of status if they are deemed likely to rely on federal support in the future. 

Confusion and misinformation about this rule has caused a chilling effect, where undocumented immigrants, including women and families, are not taking advantage of benefits they are eligible for (including food and nutrition programs) due to fear.

For more information on the “public charge” rule, its impact on immigrants and resources, visit Keep Your Benefits and Protecting Immigrant Families: Know Your Rights.

El Presidente del Consejo Scott muestra su solidaridad con los inmigrantes de Baltimore

El Presidente del Consejo dice que la Regla de “Carga Pública” Criminaliza la pobreza 

BALTIMORE, MD ( 2 de marzo de 2020) — El Presidente del Consejo de la Ciudad de Baltimore, Brandon M. Scott, dio la siguiente declaración sobre la nueva regla de “carga pública” del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional que tuvo efecto hace una semana:

“El lunes pasado, la regla de “carga pública” del Departamento Federal de Seguridad Nacional tuvo efecto. Estoy completamente en contra de esta regla y muestro mi solidaridad con todos los residentes inmigrantes de Baltimore quienes están impactados por este cambio espantoso. Me doy cuenta que este cambio afecta desproporcionadamente a nuestros residentes latinos. Quiero aclarar a nuestra comunidad latina: Baltimore es su casa. Haré todo lo que está en mi poder para mantenerlos seguros y proveerles de los recursos que necesitan para vivir una vida próspera.  

La carga pública en efecto criminaliza la pobreza. No permitiré que nuestros residentes inmigrantes sean atacados de esta manera. Todos, a pesar de donde vienen, tienen derecho a la vida, a la libertad y a la felicidad. Como un gobierno local nuestro rol es asegurar el bienestar de todos nuestros residentes, no atacarlos y garantizar su acceso a los recursos. Estoy con las comunidades inmigrantes de Baltimore durante este tiempo difícil.”

El 24 de febrero de 2020, la regla de “carga pública” de la administración de Trump tuvo efecto. La regla trata de bloquear a los inmigrantes que piden su residencia permanente, piden extender su estadía en los Estados Unidos, o aplican para un cambio de estatus si el gobierno considera que necesitará apoyo federal en el futuro.  

La confusión y la desinformación sobre esta regla han creado un efecto de miedo, donde inmigrantes sin documentación, incluyendo mujeres y familias, no están aprovechando de los beneficios a cuales están con derecho a usar, (incluyendo programas de comida y nutrición) debido al miedo.  

Para más información sobre la regla de “carga pública,” a quiénes se impacta y recursos vea Keep Your Benefits y Protecting Immigrant Families: Know Your Rights.

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Friends & Neighbors- 

Greetings! As the 2020 Legislative Session quickly approaches, I am excited to share with you a few things I will be working on and provide information on how to contact me so your voice can be heard during what I know will be the most important session we have had in my time in Annapolis.

This year, I am excited to work on bills that will improve public transportation, fund programs to prevent violence, reduce plastic waste, increase access to affordable housing, and enhance the transparency of government agencies. Although by no means a complete list, here are some of the major bills I will be introducing this year (And of course, although this list does not include the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, I will be strongly supporting that legislation - and many other pieces of legislation that my colleagues are bringing!).

Transit Safety & Investment Act
Violence Intervention and Prevention Program - Mandatory Funding
Plastics and Packaging Reduction Act
The Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act (HOME Act)
Strengthening Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) The Jordan MacNair Safe & Fair Sports Act

Full List of Legislation Below:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Index/house

Maryland’s General Assembly meets in Annapolis for 90 days for the next session on January 8th and concluding on April 6th. For the next three months, I will be in Annapolis every day representing the people of District 46 and working to pass meaningful statewide legislation. During that time, you can reach me at brooke.lierman@house.state.md.us or call my office at 410-841-3319.

Below you will find a short recap of some of the major pieces of legislation we passed last session and information about the FY20 budget. For my full End of Session Report, please click HERE.

http://www.brookelierman.com/


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The Maryland General Assembly completed our 439th Legislative Session on April 8th. As always, I am grateful for the trust you have put in me as one of your elected representatives in Annapolis. This was my first year serving as the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, and I was appointed to serve on the Kirwan Commission at this critical moment as we develop an equitable public school funding formula over the next nine months.

I want to specifically thank my three phenomenal 46th District partners - Delegates Luke Clippinger, Brooke Lierman, and Robbyn Lewis - all three are top-tier lawmakers in their own right. Together, we passed significant legislation that will make real, positive changes for Maryland’s residents, particularly for those living and working in Baltimore City’s 46th Legislative District.

Here is an overview of some of my legislation and the most important issues contemplated by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2019 Legislative Session which garnered significant advocacy from constituents in District 46:

http://www.billforbaltimore.com/sine_die_2019_legislative_session_in_review

Best, 

State Senator Bill Ferguson 
http://www.billforbaltimore.com/


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Dear Friend,

I am committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive in our state. In that effort, here are several resources that may be of interest to small business owners in Maryland.

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Resources for Small Businesses

·  Permanent Extension of Small Business Expensing: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 made the Section 179 tax deduction for small businesses permanent at the $500,000 level. This will allow our nation's small businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. Businesses exceeding a total of $2 million of purchases in qualifying equipment have the Section 179 deduction phase-out dollar-for-dollar and completely eliminated above $2.5 million. Additionally, the Section 179 cap will be indexed to inflation in $10,000 increments in future years.

·  Increasing Capital Available for Small Business: The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 created the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), a dedicated fund of $30 billion in low-cost capital made accessible to qualified community banks (assets less than $10 billion) to encourage lending to small business. As of December 2015, the United States Treasury Department reported that participating lending institutions had increased lending by over $17.2 billion since the program's inception.

·  Building on the Success of the 504 Loan Program: The 504 loan program provides capital for fixed asset projects, such as purchasing land and improvements; construction of new facilities; modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; or purchasing machinery and equipment. To ensure small businesses have access to 504 loans, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has reduced or eliminated the fees associated with this lending program and has increased the maximum loan size to $5.5 million. Since its launch, the 504 loan program has created over 2 million jobs -- a proven win-win for businesses and lenders.

·  Expanding the 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program: The 7(a) loan program provides capital to establish a new business or to assist in the operation, acquisition or expansion of an existing business. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 permanently increased the maximum 7(a) loan size from $2 million to $5 million -- helping provide the capital needed to help small businesses expand for the future. 

·  Boosting Small Business Lending Micro-Loan Program: This SBA program provides very small loans to start-ups and newly established or growing small businesses. Under the SBA Micro-Loan Program, SBA makes funds available to nonprofit, community-based lenders that, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $35,000.

Additional Information

·  U.S. Small Business Administration: The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people across Maryland and throughout the United States (http://www.sba.gov). Contact: 1-800-827-5722 or answerdesk@sba.gov.

·  Maryland Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC): The Maryland Small Business & Technology Development Center (MDSBTDC) Network provides sound advice, counseling and support to entrepreneurs and small to mid-size businesses across the state. The Network links private enterprise, government, higher education and local economic development organizations to provide management, training and technical assistance to Maryland's small businesses (http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu). Contact: (301) 403-0501.

·  Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP). The Baltimore-Washington corridor is also home to a large community of small businesses that compete for the vast array of government contracts awarded by the federal government each year. The federal government has set a goal of awarding 23 percent of all contracts to small businesses. The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program assists Maryland small businesses in how to do business with federal, state, and local government agencies (https://www.mdptac.org/).

·  Statewide Procurement Assistance: (301) 403-2740 or admin@mdptap.umd.edu.

·  BusinessUSA is a new online resource that makes it easier for America's businesses to access the services and information they need to grow, hire, and export. For more information, visit www.usa.gov/business. ​​​​​​​

For more information about specific tax provisions as they apply to your business, please visit www.irs.gov or contact the IRS small business helpline at 1-800-829-4933.

Sincerely,
​​​​​​​John P. Sarbanes
Maryland's Third Congressional District


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Hogan Administration Announces New Maryland Workforce Expressway Website 

 Multi-agency Collaboration Offers Education, Training, and Employment Resources to Connect Businesses with Skilled Workers 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Higher Education Commission, Maryland Department of Human Services, and the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, unveiled the Maryland Workforce Expressway, a new website that connects businesses to the full array of state workforce development resources in Maryland. 

“Our administration is committed to using every resource possible to provide excellent customer service to our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “This innovative website will modernize the way our businesses connect with Maryland’s incredible array of workforce resources, helping our businesses identify and grow their talent.” 

The new website, www.maryland.gov/workforce, hosts nearly 50 workforce resources in one, easy-to-navigate location. Previously spread across many state agencies, the Expressway is a single source for links to talent engagement services, workforce education, hiring incentives, workforce training grants, labor and industry standards, and reemployment services. By streamlining access to state workforce resources, Maryland employers can more easily access the tools and services they need to secure and develop their talent pipelines. 

Read More Here

Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
Maryland is OPEN for Business. As a coordinating office for Governor Larry Hogan, the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs connects the small business community, including those firms owned by minorities, women, and veterans to greater economic opportunities. Learn more by visiting our website at goMDsmallbiz.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.


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This month, the Department of Planning had to nimbly adjust operations after the ransomware attack. We have set up alternative e-mail addresses for all staff, which are publicly available on our website via this link.

From Baltimore City Department of Planning

https://planning.baltimorecity.gov/

Census 2020

As recently covered in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City has recently released an outreach plan in advance of the 2020 Census. The City's goal is the increase participation by 5% from 2010. For each person who is not counted in Baltimore, the City could lose an estimated $1,800 per year in available federal funding. This funding goes to support critical programming such as Head Start, food stamps and more.

We are looking for community support around outreach for the Census! If you have an idea or or want to serve as a Census Ambassador, contact Austin Davis at austin.davis@baltimorecity.gov. If you are seeking part time work, the Census is also hiring for their Baltimore office over the coming year. Apply and learn more via this link.

Funding Opportunities

Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge Grant is due by November 2019 (rolling application process). The Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge is a grant program for student-led sustainability projects in Baltimore City Public Schools. Students must be a part of an organized green team that meets to complete their project. Teams just starting to develop sustainability initiatives can apply for up to $1,000.

Dockless Scooters - Share your opinion!

Baltimore's Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a survey about mobility and the impact of dockless vehicles (scooters and bikes).  The survey is NOW OPEN and will inform the evaluation of the dockless pilot program.  

Neighborhood associations can request paper copies and send group recommendations to dot-community@baltimorecity.gov . Take the survey and have your voice heard! 

Link to survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PvQg7AgXxgzVgPWn2 

Less Waste, Better Baltimore

Get involved in the Less Waste, Better Baltimore Plan. DPW needs your help as it conducts a master planning effort to identify options for improving solid waste diversion, recycling, and disposal in the City.

Historic Tax Credit Program

For information on the local historic tax credit program, please see https://chap.baltimorecity.gov/tax-credits


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State Department of Assessments & Taxation

SDAT Offers Tax Relief, Mails More Than 75,000 Postcards for  

Tax Credit Awareness Campaign  

Encourages Low-income Homeowners and Renters to Apply for Property  

Tax Credits

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is urging Marylanders to consider whether they may be eligible to receive a homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit and to submit an application before the September 1 deadline. As part of this awareness campaign, this week SDAT mailed 77,544 postcards to low-income Maryland homeowners who may be eligible to receive a credit, but have not yet submitted an application. SDAT representatives have consistently participated in various community outreach events throughout the year hosted by senior centers, neighborhood alliances, and non-profit organizations to educate Marylanders about tax relief that may be available to them. 

The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible homeowners by setting a limit on the amount of property taxes owed based on their income. If a resident has already paid their property taxes and applies before September 1, any tax credit that the homeowner may be eligible for will be refunded by their county finance office. The Renters’ Property Tax Credit Program similarly provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income. This credit is issued in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000 a year.  
 
To determine whether you are eligible to receive a tax credit, you may visit the links above or call 410-767-4433 or 1-800-944-7403 (toll free within Maryland). To receive an application, please email sdat.taxcreditapp@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4238.  
 
These credits must be applied for annually by September 1. In 2017, approximately 47,000 homeowners received an average of $1,339 in tax relief, while more than 8,800 renters received an average of $402 in tax relief. Combined, these two tax credit programs saved Maryland taxpayers more than $65 million last year. After the 2017 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, an additional 10,000 Maryland homeowners and renters applied for a tax credit. Many counties and municipalities also provide supplemental credits, which provide additional tax relief. If a resident is approved to receive the state credit, they will automatically receive any local supplemental credit for which they are eligible. 

In order to educate Maryland homeowners and renters about the availability of these tax credits, SDAT has been proactively sharing this information with the public through direct mail, email campaigns, social media, and other forms of community outreach. 

Postcard 


Guest Speaker at HCA Meeting on 16 April 2018

We want to thank Baltimore City's 25th State Attorney Marilyn Mosby for attending our community meeting and answering our questions. Though we have a long road ahead in fixing issues surrounding criminal justice, we are thankful that you attended our meeting and shared your vision.


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Education   

Going to College Next Year or know someone that is? 

FASFA is the first and most important step to receiving Financial Aid. The FAFSA is a form you have to fill out in order to get financial aid, and colleges and universities use the FAFSA to award state and college aid. If you need financial aid, please go to Fasfa.com and proceed as prompted to do. The process is free. 


CollegeBound Foundation 2019-2020 Last Dollar Grants & Competitive Scholarships  

CollegeBound’s 2019-2020 scholarship and grant award season is now open.  Apply Now! 

Now accepting applications for its Last-Dollar Grant award (up to $3,000). To qualify, a student must be a 2019 graduate from a Baltimore City Public High School and demonstrate an economic need. Also available are over 60 scholarships based on academic merit or service learning, ranging from a one-time $400 award to a four-year full tuition award. Applications are due by March 1 and are available online at mycbf.awardspring.com

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Educational Assistance Grant Program specifically you may visit our website at www.mhec.maryland.gov or contact atosfamail.mhec@maryland.gov

In addition to school related matters, the Kirwan Commission's excellent preliminary report has provided a guidepost and vision for major policy and funding reform to genuinely improve the long-term prospects of our State's economic future. Want to help change the world? Check out Strong Schools Maryland today to see how you can be a part of making this vision for a world class education a reality in our State. You can access the full report here and the PDF version here.  

Last but not least, Strong Schools Maryland consists of hundreds of grassroots activists across Maryland speaking up and saying that the current education system is failing many of our students and crippling our economy. They know that the best way to ensure lasting change is to create the public will necessary to force our leaders to implement solutions we know work. Join the organization in building the public will to create a world-class education system for every student.   

The objective for Strong Schools Maryland is to create a system in which the following three ideas are true: 

 (1) All Maryland students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in post-secondary education without the need for remediation. 

 (2) All Maryland students graduate with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a career in which they find satisfaction and earn a living wage. 

 (3) All Maryland students graduate with the knowledge and skills to be an effective citizen

https://www.strongschoolsmaryland.org/ 

South Baltimore Adult High School - The website for the adult high school coming to South Baltimore is live and can be found here! The adult high school is slated to open in the Fall 2019 as a degree-issuing institution for adults over 21 who want to earn their high diploma.

https://www.elev8baltimore.org/opportunities/adult-learning/


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AN UNOFFICIAL STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL DUMPING

Baltimore has a major problem with dumping in our streets and alleys. The city asks residents to make use of the 311 system, but does not seem to be willing to invest in enforcement. Many believe that the cost of enforcement would be offset by the reduced costs associated with clean up. The cost of cleanup is not the only expense. Filth and trash are unsightly and attract rats which carry disease. Property values, and the related tax revenue to the city, are reduced.

Here is a list of possible strategies:

  • Use 311 whenever there is dumping – please be vigilant, this will not be resolved quickly

    • There is a free 311 phone app that automatically records 311 report numbers which allow you to track every 311 report you have ever made

      • It can be found at Google Play and the Apple Store

      • You can easily attach pictures to your report

      • It uses your phones GPS to record the location, although it often is not accurate enough to pin point the exact address – you can adjust the location or record the address in the body of the comment area

    • City employees may call you with questions or to follow up, so we know that the reports are seen

  • Contact your city council representatives and provide them with the 311 report numbers

    • East of Conkling Street contact Brandon Scott’s office at 410-396-4808 or at Brandon.Scott@baltimorecity.gov

    • West of Conkling Street contact Zeke Cohen’s Director of Civic Engagement, Joshua Thomson at 410-396-4821 or at Joshua.Thomson@baltimorecity.gov

    • copy the Highlandtown Community Asso. at highlandtown21224@gmail.com

    • Please include:

      • Your 311 report numbers

      • Any relevant pictures, including pictures that may show the dumping in progress and license plate numbers

      • Pictures of any incriminating evidence, such as mail with an address, found in the debris

  • Always ask your city councilman for stepped up enforcement, not just clean up

The Highlandtown Community Association has a portable motion activated camera with night vision (aka a wildlife/deer camera) that can be used to capture pictures at chronic dump sites. This camera requires a location where it is unlikely to be noticed or tampered with. If you have a chronic dump site you may request use of the camera at highlandtown21224@gmail.com . Please include your phone number and be prepared to help locate a good spot to place the camera.


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From the office of Senator Bill Ferguson 

Members of Team 46 (Senator Bill Ferguson and Delegates Luke Clippinger, Brooke Lierman, and Robbyn Lewis) offer a framework and concrete ideas for moving forward to combat the crime plaguing our streets and to create safe and healthy neighborhoods. This is not the beginning of the conversation, and it’s certainly not the end: these are our thoughts after talking with many individuals engaged every day in this work - and we look forward to hearing your thoughts as well. We propose these ideas for the purpose of starting a discussion that government, civic, and business leaders must have now so that we can address violence and crime head-on...  

To comprehensively address this crisis, each of these recommendations requires leaders in the Baltimore region to consistently meet, plan, and implement an identified game plan. We need ongoing programming, innovation, and experimentation to create opportunity, reduce violence, and restore the level of trust in relationships between our communities and law enforcement. This collaborative and data-driven work should include participation of electeds, emergency responders, police (leadership and patrol officers), teachers, counselors, juvenile justice workers, judges, community leaders, and state/federal partners.  

Finally, our approach must recognize that we only resolve this crisis sustainably when we create real opportunities for Baltimoreans: jobs, training, education, reliable transit, addiction counseling/ treatment, and affordable housing. We cannot ignore the deeper, structural problems that lead to crime — lack of economic opportunity, lack of education, addiction, structural racism, youth unemployment, segregated housing — each of which contributes to the broader landscape that causes crime spikes. Unfortunately, though, when crime reaches levels we are experiencing today, tackling these larger challenges becomes nearly impossible. We must triage the emergency, establish a path to a violence-free future, and work every day and every session toward reaching that vision of a safer, more equitable Baltimore. 

Read our policy paper, Baltimore PROSPERS by clicking here.  


Highlandtown's very own Agnes Arnold has been awarded the annual "Citizen of the Year" award by the Exchange Club of Highlandtown/Canton for outstanding dedication to the citizens and the community. Here she accepts her award along with Pastor Mark Parker (left), the incoming President of the Exchange Club. Residents of Highlandtown thank Agnes & Mark for their continued efforts to improve our neighborhood!