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Baltimore OEM Seeks $2.76 million as FEMA grant outlook remains unclear
Summary
Joey Henderson, director of Baltimore City’s Office of Emergency Management, asked the City Council for $2,760,556 for FY26 and warned that uncertainty around FY25 FEMA homeland-security grants could force staff cuts if federal funding is not available.
Joey Henderson, director of the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management, told the City Council that OEM is seeking $2,760,556 for fiscal year 2026 and that the office is preparing for potential federal funding reductions.
Henderson said OEM’s Emergency Operations Plan received the mayor’s approval and that the office ran or supported multiple preparedness exercises and community events in FY25, including severe-storm and extreme-heat tabletop exercises, a cybersecurity exercise, Artscape storm response planning, and community outreach during National Preparedness Month. He said OEM certified more than 90 Community Emergency Response Team members in the fiscal year and activated the city Emergency Operations Center 25 times for incidents, events and holidays.
Why this matters: Henderson told the council that OEM currently uses federal grant money to fund eight positions and is awaiting the FY25 FEMA Homeland Security grant notice of funding. He said FEMA’s leadership turnover and a late notice of available FY25 funds leave OEM uncertain when or whether those grants will arrive. Henderson said OEM has started discussions with the mayor’s office about possible general-fund backfill but warned that the department would have to cut staff if federal grants are eliminated. He said OEM presently has four unfilled positions; two are GSS‑2 roles he expects to combine into two GSS‑3 positions to improve recruitment.
Henderson also described operational and outreach work: coordinating continuity-of-operations plans with other city agencies, working with DHCD and Baltimore City Health Department to develop inclusive shelter plans (including pet accommodations), and using the BeMoreAlert mass‑notification system. He said OEM spent down federal FEMA grant funds this year and continues to promote registration for the Everbridge system at canvasses, senior events and community gatherings.
Council members asked how OEM would respond if FEMA funds were cut. Henderson said the administration has discussed contingencies with OEM; if FEMA funds are lost OEM would seek general‑fund support but may still need to eliminate some positions funded on grants. He also said FEMA’s FY25 announcement had been delayed beyond the dates the state expected and that any FY25 application window is likely to have a rapid turnaround.
What the materials show: Henderson delivered specific operational counts — EOC activations (25), more than 90 new CERT certifications, and a FY26 request of $2,760,556 — and described outreach and training work across the city. He repeatedly returned to the central point that OEM’s ability to sustain staff and programs depends on federal grant decisions and that local budget backfill is being discussed.
Looking ahead: Henderson said OEM will continue outreach and canvassing ahead of storm season, and the office will coordinate with the administration if FEMA funding is reduced. He closed by saying he is available to answer follow‑up questions and provide any additional details the committee requests.
