Vacant Property Legislation Part 2

During this evening's City Council meeting, I'll be introducing two additional pieces of legislation related to addressing vacant and abandoned properties where we need it most. It is part of a larger package - two of which I introduced last meeting. Tonight's bills include:

22-0220: Study and Report - Tax Increment Financing

This legislation calls for a study and report aimed to unpack the Tax Increment Financing policy we have here in Baltimore. We will be tasking the Department of Finance and other agencies to come up with a report that outlines what the TIF policy is, what impact it has had, current debt service, and how it may be used for addressing vacant and abandoned properties by funding infrastructure needs. The Study and Report includes the Dept of Finance and other agencies studying this issue, and providing a report with also a hearing in front of the Council. I am looking forward to this work.

22-0100R: Informational Hearing - Judicial In Rem Foreclosure This resolution calls for a hearing about the new Judicial In Rem Tax foreclosure system that Baltimore has to acquire vacant and abandoned privately owned properties. This hearing will be a way for the City Council and the public to learn about this process and how we can help develop it further. I received a lot of questions from residents and councilmembers about this new tool based on the legislation I introduced last meeting.

To read my letter to Mayor Scott during the 30 day review of policies to address vacant and abandoned properties, click here.