Councilwoman Odette Ramos

Baltimore’s City Council is looking at a new and untested approach with a special financing package aimed at revitalizing blighted neighborhoods.

Lawmakers are aiming to deter investors from sitting on derelict properties in Baltimore City by implementing a special tax rate.

City election director says there are no plans to keep polls open past their scheduled closing time of 8 p.m.

Ultimately, the abstaining members said they felt the resolution was “incomplete” because it did not acknowledge the “millions of Palestinians and members of Islamic faith” who have also been subject to discrimination.

The bill passed Monday night aims to address failures in an old inclusionary housing law that only created few units.

That amendment, put forth by Councilmember James Torrence (D-7), would have stopped the tax credit after 350 affordable units were constructed– effectively ending the policy.

The Scott administration urged lawmakers to pause on the bills, citing concerns about the city’s finances. Baltimore faces a $100 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year, according to the city’s finance department.

The districts should have population equity while being contiguous and compact. Some neighborhoods could get split between councilmanic districts.

Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette T. Ramos of the “Fabulous 14th” District talks about her path to City Council, the highs and lows of civil service and how residents can and should work with the Baltimore City Council to realize goals for their community.

City residents want an inclusionary housing law.