The City Council Hearing on Public Health and Environment held on July 16, 2025, focused on enhancing community engagement and resource allocation in Baltimore. Chairwoman and Mayor Scott emphasized the meeting as a pivotal opportunity to leverage new resources for public health initiatives.

During the session, committee members highlighted the importance of involving the public in decision-making processes. One key request made by a committee member was for Executive Director Whaley to collaborate on a plan that would engage both council members and community-based organizations. This plan aims to ensure that a diverse range of voices is included, particularly those organizations that have not previously received funding.

Concerns were raised about the recurring funding patterns, where the same organizations benefit repeatedly. To address this, the committee called for the development of evaluation criteria to assess funding distribution more equitably.

Additionally, the committee plans to create a public-facing toolkit. This resource will enable council members to effectively communicate with their constituents and share information about available resources and initiatives.

The discussions at this hearing underscore a commitment to fostering greater public involvement and ensuring fair access to resources, marking a significant step forward in Baltimore's public health strategy. The next steps will involve the development of the proposed plans and toolkits to enhance community outreach and engagement.