Baltimore City Council Convenes for Mayoral Luncheon and Full Legislative Session Today

City Leadership Meets to Coordinate on Legislative and Fiscal Priorities

Today, Monday, February 23, 2026, marks a significant day for Baltimore’s local government as the City Council prepares for a dual schedule of collaborative discussion and formal legislative action. The day’s events are centered at City Hall, where Mayor Brandon Scott and the Council members are set to address pressing urban issues ranging from public safety to the city’s long-term fiscal health.

Mayoral Luncheon and Strategic Coordination

The day begins at 12:00 PM in the Du Burns Council Chamber with a City Council Luncheon hosted by Mayor Brandon Scott. This meeting provides an essential venue for the executive and legislative branches to coordinate on the city's strategic direction. Sources indicate that today’s luncheon will likely focus on the Mayor’s 2026 legislative priorities, including his advocacy for the State of Maryland to remit a portion of sales tax revenue to the city. This proposal aims to generate approximately $142 million to fund vacant property reduction strategies and provide property tax rebates for Baltimore homeowners.

Evening Legislative Session at City Hall

Following the afternoon coordination, the full Baltimore City Council will convene for its regular legislative session at 5:00 PM in the Du Burns Council Chamber on the fourth floor of City Hall. Residents can also observe the proceedings via a virtual link provided by the city. This session follows a series of high-stakes introductions from earlier this month, including the proposed 'Safe Spaces and Communities' ordinance (File 26-0144).

• Immigration and Civil Rights: The Council continues to deliberate on legislation designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on actual or perceived immigration status and to restrict coordination with federal immigration officials under specific circumstances.
• Commercial Vehicle Regulations: New rules regarding the standing, stopping, and parking of commercial vehicles on city streets are under review to address neighborhood congestion and safety concerns.
• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: With the city facing a projected $85 million deficit, today's discussions are expected to touch upon capital project investments and the expansion of youth-focused programs like YouthWorks.

Mayor Scott, who was recently named the 2026 Board Chair for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, is expected to emphasize regional collaboration throughout today’s sessions. As the city moves into the heart of the 2026 legislative year, today's meetings serve as a critical checkpoint for the administration's efforts to sustain progress in public safety and neighborhood revitalization.