City Council Convenes for Zero Waste Hearing Amid Continued Winter State of Emergency

Rescheduled City Council Hearing Focuses on Sustainability

The Baltimore City Council is set to hold a high-priority public hearing today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, regarding the city's long-term environmental strategy. The session, specifically designated as LO25-0017 - Zero Waste, was previously rescheduled to this morning at 10:00 AM. This hearing is a critical component of the city’s legislative efforts to refine waste management protocols and transition toward more sustainable municipal operations.

Community leaders and environmental advocates are expected to weigh in on the proposed Zero Waste initiatives, which aim to reduce the city’s reliance on traditional landfills and incineration. The timing of the meeting coincides with a two-hour delayed opening for non-essential city government operations, which were adjusted due to ongoing recovery efforts from recent winter weather.

State of Emergency and Government Operations

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has confirmed that the State of Emergency declared on Friday, January 23, remains in effect today. While the Emergency Operations Center has moved to a partial activation posture, city officials continue to monitor freezing temperatures and icy conditions following the recent winter storm. Key government updates for today include:

• Delayed Openings: All Baltimore City government offices for in-person operations are opening on a two-hour delay, starting at 10:00 AM.
• School Closures: Baltimore City Public Schools are closed today, marking a third day of weather-related closures. Central office operations remain on a standard schedule.
• Public Works: The Department of Public Works has resumed trash collection, though crews are instructed not to enter alleys to ensure safety in icy conditions.

Maryland General Assembly in Session

Beyond City Hall, the Maryland General Assembly is also active today. Both the State Senate and the House of Delegates have scheduled pro forma sessions at 10:00 AM in Annapolis. These sessions are vital for the continued processing of legislation that impacts the city’s fiscal and legal landscape. Baltimore’s legislative representatives are tracking several bills in committee hearings scheduled for this afternoon, covering topics from environmental coordination to transportation funding.

As the city navigates these political sessions under the backdrop of a winter emergency, officials encourage residents to utilize the Baltimore Snow Corps for neighbor-to-neighbor assistance and to stay informed through official city communication channels for further updates on legislative adjustments or service interruptions.