Board of Estimates and Charter Review Committee Convene for Wednesday Sessions
City Fiscal and Governance Oversight Takes Center Stage
Baltimore City government officials are scheduled for a full slate of public meetings today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with major sessions focusing on the city’s financial spending and the long-term structure of its municipal charter. These sessions at City Hall represent key components of the city's transparency and legislative oversight efforts as the administration continues to navigate its 2026 legislative priorities.
Board of Estimates Morning Session
The day began at 9:00 AM with the Board of Estimates meeting in the Board of Estimates Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. As the city’s primary fiscal body, the Board of Estimates is responsible for awarding contracts and supervising all purchasing by the municipality. Today's agenda includes a variety of routine and non-routine items, ranging from professional service contracts to supplemental appropriations for city agencies.
Presided over by the President of the City Council and attended by Mayor Brandon Scott, the Comptroller, and other top officials, the board provides a public forum for the approval of city expenditures. Observers expect discussions today to touch upon ongoing infrastructure projects and the allocation of funds for neighborhood safety initiatives, which have remained a hallmark of the current administration’s policy focus. The meeting also allows for public comment on specific taxpayer-funded projects, ensuring that residents have a direct line to the officials managing the city’s wallet.
Afternoon Focus: Charter Review Special Committee
Later this afternoon at 4:00 PM, the focus shifts to the legislative branch as the Charter Review Special Committee convenes in the Reeves Room on the fourth floor of City Hall. The committee is scheduled to discuss legislative oversight item LO25-0038, which pertains to the ongoing review of the Baltimore City Charter. This session is part of a broader, mandatory review process intended to modernize the city’s foundational legal document.
The Charter Review Special Committee is tasked with examining the powers and duties of various city offices and exploring potential amendments that could streamline government operations. Today’s discussion is expected to dive into specific proposals regarding the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, as well as updates to administrative procedures that have not been revised in recent cycles. These hearings are critical for residents as they shape the future of how Baltimore is governed and how municipal services are delivered.
Public Accessibility and Participation
Both the Board of Estimates and the Charter Review Special Committee sessions are open to the public for in-person attendance at City Hall. Additionally, the city continues to provide virtual access through dedicated streaming platforms and teleconferencing links, allowing residents to monitor the proceedings remotely. Today’s meetings arrive just a week after Mayor Scott was named the 2026 Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, highlighting a period of active regional and local leadership for the city’s top officials.