Planning department outlines FY26 capital appropriations, role in project delivery

Sarah Parnellum, division chief for policy and data analysis at the Baltimore City Department of Planning, briefed the council on capital appropriations and expenditures for projects with FY26 funding. She explained the report lists total appropriations, lifetime expenditures, obligations, and FY25–FY26 context for each project that has not closed or been canceled.

Parnellum reviewed agency budgets and projects: DGS projects and building renovations, DHCD programmatic work, a $6 million FY26 allocation for Baltimore Development Corporation programs (façade improvement, innovation fund, small business assistance), and a $562 million public‑works FY26 program broken into bureaus including a larger‑than‑typical $29 million solid‑waste allocation and $21 million for the Eastside Transfer Station first phase. For the Department of Transportation she highlighted a $180 million FY26 transportation program that includes sidewalk reconstruction, ADA investments and resurfacing.

Council members asked how frequently the planning department provides technical assistance and what the department’s role is in permitting and project delivery. Parnellum said planning's role varies by project; it partners with the Mayor's Office of Infrastructure Development on project delivery, provides funding recommendations, convenes interagency meetings, supports community planners who participate in neighborhood conversations, and can be the lead coordination partner for some projects — she cited Park Heights Library as one example where planning helped secure grant funding and coordinate stakeholders.

Members requested follow‑ups on Clean Core program status (remaining funds from a $15 million allocation), permitting system responsibilities and a district‑specific schedule for planning's neighborhood outreach. Parnellum agreed to provide the requested follow‑up information.