Baltimore City Council prioritizes sanitation worker safety and ethics code clarity

The Baltimore City Council hearing on May 30, 2025, focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and highlighted critical issues regarding the city's sanitation department and the ethics code governing public officials.

Council President Cohen opened the discussion by expressing gratitude for the work of the Inspector General, particularly in advocating for the safety and well-being of sanitation workers. He emphasized the physical and mental challenges faced by these employees, noting firsthand experiences from a recent shift alongside them. Cohen underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that sanitation workers receive proper compensation and safe working conditions, especially following past incidents that have drawn attention to their plight.

The conversation then shifted to the ethics code, with Cohen stressing the importance of restoring public trust in government institutions. He acknowledged the need for clarity and adherence to ethical standards among elected officials. The Inspector General and Chris Allenberger, who oversees ethics compliance, discussed ongoing efforts to improve the ethics code, making it more transparent and accessible to the public. They noted that while the city's ethics law must align with state regulations, there is room for tightening and clarifying certain provisions to enhance accountability.

Allenberger highlighted the importance of financial disclosures for public officials, which aim to prevent conflicts of interest. He also mentioned recent updates to gift regulations, ensuring that any gifts solicited by government officials are properly vetted and do not influence decision-making.

In conclusion, the council's discussions underscored a dual focus on improving the working conditions of sanitation workers and enhancing the integrity of public service through a clearer and more stringent ethics code. The council plans to follow up on these issues, aiming for actionable changes in the coming weeks.