The City Council Hearing for the Housing & Economic Development Committee took place on September 30, 2025, focusing on various initiatives aimed at improving housing and economic conditions in Baltimore. The meeting addressed several key topics, including the implementation of a new drone policy for city agencies.

The discussion began with an update on the drone policy, which is currently being finalized. City staff reported that the purchase of drones is in progress, with a focus on establishing a maintenance plan. The drones are intended to assist in identifying vacant buildings and conducting inspections across multiple divisions within the agency. This initiative aims to enhance the city's ability to manage and monitor properties effectively.

Committee members expressed interest in the drone program, particularly regarding its potential applications in identifying vacant structures and supporting repair teams. One member inquired about the reasons for the delays in finalizing the drone policy, indicating a desire for transparency and clarity on the timeline for implementation.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to leveraging technology to address housing challenges and improve urban management. The committee plans to follow up on the drone policy's progress and its impact on city operations in future meetings.