# Subtitle 28 – Child First Authority

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 28-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-1 (2026)

(a) In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Authority” means the Child First Authority.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Authority.

(d) “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Authority.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

## § 28-2 Authority established; purpose.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-2 (2026)

(a) There is a Child First Authority.

(b) The purpose of the Authority is to enhance the development of children in Baltimore City by providing recreational, cultural, academic, and other enrichment programs for children in approximately 40 schools in the City during an extended school day.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

## § 28-3 Powers of Authority.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-3 (2026)

(a) The powers of the Authority shall be broadly interpreted to allow the Authority to achieve the purposes of <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="II|§(64)">Article II, § (64) of the City Charter</cite> and this subtitle.

(b) In addition to any other powers specified in this subtitle, the Authority may:

  (1) acquire, lease, or hold both real and personal property for the purposes of the Authority;

  (2) engage the services of an Executive Director, which may be an individual or an entity, to administer the programs and undertakings of the Authority;

  (3) sue and be sued;

  (4) accept grants and other revenue from individuals and public or private foundations, agencies, organizations, and entities necessary or beneficial to carry out the purposes of the Authority;

  (5) borrow funds for purposes consistent with the public purposes of the Authority;

  (6) incur limited-obligation debt that shall be an obligation solely of the Authority;

  (7) create and enter into partnerships and contracts with the Baltimore City Public Schools to provide services and benefits in exchange for payments in cash or in kind or without charge;

  (8) contract for and purchase goods and services without being subject to approval by the Board of Estimates, but subject to the provisions of <cite data-path="|5">Article 5</cite> of the City Code governing the prevailing wage and governing City policy on encouraging and achieving goals for Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises’ participation in the contracting activities of the Authority;

  (9) implement the programs and goals of the Authority directly through employees, or through 1 or more contracts, which contracts may be with independent contractors or contractual employees;

  (10) appoint, hire, or engage such auditors, accountants, attorneys, assistants, aides, employees, and advisors as it deems necessary and consistent with this subtitle; and

  (11) do all other things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes and powers of the Authority.

(c)

  (1) To the extent not specifically made subject to laws and procedures that would otherwise apply to any unit of the City government, the Authority is exempt from those laws and procedures.

  (2) However, if the Authority is given direct City funding, the receipt and expenditure of those funds are subject to the powers and authority of the Board of Estimates.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

*History: Ord. 19-334*

## § 28-4 Limitations on Authority.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-4 (2026)

(a) The Authority may not:

  (1) be or constitute or be deemed an agency of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore or the State of Maryland, and its officers and employees may not act as agents or employees of the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore or the State of Maryland;

  (2) exercise any power specifically withheld by the terms of the Charter or this subtitle;

  (3) exercise any police powers other than those expressly authorized by state or local law;

  (4) pledge the full faith and credit of the City or otherwise obligate the City to any debt, obligation, or contract;

  (5) have any taxing authority; or

  (6) exercise the power of eminent domain.

(b) The Authority shall indemnify and hold harmless the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore and its officers, agents, and employees against all acts, conditions, damages, suits, claims, and liabilities arising out of or in connection with any activities of the Authority or of its board, executive director, officers, agents, or employees.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

## § 28-5 Board of Directors.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-5 (2026)

(a)

  (1) The Authority shall be governed and administered by its Board of Directors.

  (2) The Board members shall be appointed and serve the terms prescribed by the Authority’s Bylaws.

(b)

  (1) The Board shall adopt, and may amend from time to time, Bylaws, not inconsistent with the Charter or this subtitle, for the administration of the Authority.

  (2) Except as may be restricted by the Charter or this subtitle, the Board may adopt rules and regulations to carry out this subtitle.

(c)

  (1) The Bylaws shall provide for officers of the Authority, including a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and any other officers deemed necessary or appropriate, and shall specify their qualifications, terms, and duties.

  (2) The Board shall select from among its members individuals to serve as officers of the Board and may delegate to those officers the responsibilities the Board deems appropriate.

(d) All powers of the Authority shall be exercised by the Board, unless delegated by the Board to 1 or more of the officers or to the Executive Director.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

*History: Ord. 19-334*

## § 28-6 Executive Director.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 28-6 (2026)

(a)

  (1) The Executive Director may exercise the powers granted to the Authority under this subtitle.

  (2) However, the Board shall retain final discretion and power with regard to all substantive agreements, contracts, and other arrangements binding on the Authority.

(b) The Executive Director shall:

  (1) be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Authority and its employees and contractors;

  (2) prepare the financial plan for review and approval by the Board;

  (3) implement the approved financial plan and arrange for the collection and disbursement of all charges, fees, and revenues of the Authority;

  (4) establish procedures and processes necessary to perform the functions called for under the financial plan and the budget;

  (5) hire and retain the employees, agents, and contractors needed to perform the functions of the Executive Director, subject to the requirements of <cite data-path="|1|§28-3|(b)|(8)">§ 28-3(b)(8) of this subtitle</cite>;

  (6) be the agent of the Authority; and

  (7) have such further rights, powers, and authority as granted by the Board.

(c) Any limitations on the powers and authority of the Board shall apply as well to the Executive Director in performing the functions charged to the Executive Director by this subtitle or by the Board.

*History: Ord. 96-076*

*History: Ord. 19-334*