Equity, as proscribed by Article 1 39-1, means closing the gaps in policy, practice, and allocation of resources so that race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and income do not predict one’s success, while also improving outcomes for all.
Mission
The mission of the Equity Division is to ensure, citywide, that our policies, programs, and budget are fair, and meet the needs of Baltimore City’s diverse communities.
Equity Ordinance
In September of 2018, Baltimore City Council passed the Equity Assessment Ordinance, which became part of the Baltimore City Code, Article 1 39-1.
This Ordinance:
1.) Establishes training for City agencies to conduct equity assessments beginning in the first year of implementation.
2.) Focuses on the development of a plan and codifies action and implementation.
3.) Mandates that each City Agency must identify an Equity Coordinator responsible for managing that agency's Equity Assessment
4.) Authorizes an assessment and review structure to track outcomes and effectiveness of policies, practices, and investments
5.) Requires the Director of Planning to conduct an Equity Assessment on any proposed capital budget.
6.) Mandates the creation of an Annual Equity Report on or before June 30 of each year.
Equity Office Assistance Fund
Article 1 § 16 of the Baltimore City Code authorizes a special fund for Equity Assistance.
The purpose of the fund will be to support and augment programs and activities that:
- provide equity in housing
- provide equitable access to education
- assist in efforts to redress past inequities in City capital budget spending
- eliminate structural and institutional racism and other forms of discrimination based on immutable characteristics.
More information on the development and use of this fund will be coming soon!
Reach Out for Help
Equity Coordinator Contact List (Updated 5-5-23).pdf