Release: Mayor Scott Announces Reopening of City Hall

Crest of the City of Baltimore

Bill Henry
Comptroller,
Baltimore City
204 City Hall - Baltimore Maryland 21202
(410) 396-5410

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Geoff Shannon, Public Relations Officer
(410) 387-5704

geoff.shannon@baltimorecity.gov

 

BALTIMORE, MD - Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the reopening of all City buildings, including City Hall, to the public on Monday, April 4, 2022. While Baltimore City still grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a limited reopening of city buildings in adherence with current infection mitigation protocols. City Hall was closed to the public in March 2020 in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am pleased to finally be able to open City Hall for residents, visitors, and staff safely,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Baltimore City has the lowest positivity rate and the lowest rate of community transmission in the entire State of Maryland; this is not an accident or a coincidence. We have achieved great successes in our fight against this pandemic because of the measures and mandates we put in place and our residents’ commitment to overcoming COVID-19 in Baltimore City. I am proud of our progress, but we are not finished yet; we must remain vigilant as the world continues to battle this virus. I am excited to welcome residents and visitors back into City Hall for the first time as Mayor of our great city.”

Throughout the City’s battle with the pandemic, the City Council, Council President’s Office, Comptroller’s Office, and City agencies and departments have worked diligently to return essential services for residents. Residents can find a complete list of restored city services here — this webpage will be updated with information received from public-facing agencies, departments, and offices regarding reopening measures. 

The Department of Finance’s Bureau of Revenue Collections at the Abel Wolman, senior centers, recreation centers, and the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services’ Weinberg Housing and Resource Center (WHRC) are currently open for in-person services, though walk-in services may be restricted. 

This limited reopening will include restarting in-person services at many City buildings, including City Hall. 

Beginning on Monday, April 4, constituents will be able to attend public City meetings in-person. This includes hearings and meetings of the Board of Estimates and City Council. In addition, until hybrid technology is in place, the BOE will offer a temporary solution for remote testimony. Meetings of the City Council and Board of Estimates will continue to be broadcast live on CharmTV (www.charmtvbaltimore.com / TV25).  

Testifying in some public meetings will be limited to in-person access only. 

“While it is important that we restore in person access to government meetings and officials, it is just as important that we not deprive people of the virtual access that they have come to expect,” said Comptroller Bill Henry. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff members who have continued to come to work in City Hall and other city buildings throughout the pandemic, because so many City services could not be provided remotely. They have kept our vital processes running smoothly and I’m very grateful for their dedication to public service.”

All visitors to City Hall should be aware that the following safety protocols remain in full effect:

•    Masks will be required during public meetings 
•    All visitors are subject to a health screening (eMocha) to enter the building
•    COVID-19 protocols regarding increased cleaning schedules are in place

The City will continue to explore mitigation and exposure-reducing measures to ensure the safety of the public and staff while also maintaining opportunities for in-person engagement with the public.

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