Baltimore City Council to Consider Ride-Share Tax Hike and $17 Million Resiliency Funding
Legislative Session at City Hall
The Baltimore City Council is scheduled to convene today, Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for a significant legislative session. The meeting, held in the Clarence “Du” Burns Council Chamber on the fourth floor of City Hall, features a dense agenda including tax adjustments, major capital appropriations for environmental resiliency, and administrative reforms for city services.
Proposed Excise Tax on Ride-Sharing
One of the most anticipated items on today’s agenda is a proposed ordinance to increase the excise tax on passenger-for-hire services. The bill seeks to raise the per-trip tax amount for ride-sharing and other for-hire transportation platforms operating within city limits. Proponents of the measure suggest the additional revenue could bolster the city’s general fund or support transit-related infrastructure, while critics often raise concerns regarding the impact on consumer costs and accessibility for residents who rely on these services for daily commuting.
Major Environmental and Planning Investments
The Council will also review a supplementary capital appropriation of $17,000,000 for the Department of Planning. These funds are earmarked for the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative (MBRI), specifically to support the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership. The primary goal of this funding is to facilitate the design and construction of the Smith Cove Project, a critical component of the city’s long-term strategy to address climate change and enhance waterfront accessibility in South Baltimore.
Additionally, an operating appropriation of $415,146 is slated for the Department of Recreation and Parks' Urban Forestry division. This funding is intended to expand the Camp Small wood recycling operations. The initiative includes the creation of two new positions and the development of a job training program and green building classes, aligning with the city's broader equity and sustainability goals by turning fallen city trees into usable lumber and compost.
Administrative and Zoning Adjustments
Beyond the high-profile financial measures, the Council is set to consider several administrative changes. This includes a bill aimed at simplifying parking for individuals with disabilities by removing certain permit renewal requirements. The Council will also review a conditional use zoning application for a principal use parking lot at 702 Mura Street, which includes requests for variances regarding lot area and yard requirements.
Context of Today’s Meeting
Today’s session occurs as Mayor Brandon Scott and city leaders navigate the final weeks of the Maryland General Assembly’s 2026 session. Following the Mayor’s recent executive order regarding the protection of immigrant rights and his new role as Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the atmosphere at City Hall reflects a continued focus on securing local authority and addressing infrastructure needs through targeted legislative action.