It’s Not Only About the President

President of the United States and Mayor of Baltimore are not the only important decisions facing Baltimore voters this year. There are also many ballot questions, and some of them are bond bills that connect to Strong City’s current and historic work strengthening Baltimore’s neighborhoods and people.

Question A permits borrowing up to $12 million to increase affordable housing, including supporting the Affordable Housing Trust Fund approved by voters in 2016. Question B authorizes borrowing up to $38 million to renovate or replace city school buildings, still the oldest in the state despite some recent upgrades. Question C allows borrowing up to $38 million for economic development projects ranging from blight remediation, to greening, to growing businesses and retaining jobs. Question D authorizes borrowing up to $72 million to improve public infrastructure including parks, recreation facilities, roads and bridges, and libraries. 

Although those amounts may seem large, issuing bonds is a time-honored way that cities generate funds needed for important programs that benefit large numbers of people. While Strong City does not endorse specific measures, we do encourage all Baltimoreans to carefully consider what government activities are important enough to deserve their support — and vote accordingly.