Renew Baltimore – a group of local faith leaders, business owners and economists – is running a petition drive to put a question on November’s ballot that could, if approved, lower city taxes.
The Baltimore City property tax rate of $2.25 per $100 of value is notoriously high – more than double any of its neighboring jurisdictions. Properties located in special benefit districts pay an additional property tax surcharge to supplement City services.
The ballot question proposed by Renew Baltimore would let voters approve a charter amendment to cap the rate at $2.20 and reduce the property tax rate over a period of six years to a permanent rate of $1.20 in 2031. Proponents argue the plan will quickly bring investment, new residents, and jobs back to Baltimore City.
To qualify for inclusion on the November election ballot, the group needs 10,000 City voters to sign the Charter Amendment Petition. A similar drive in 2022 fell 1,000 signatures short of getting on the ballot. More information is available at renewbaltimore.org.