Subtitle 54 – Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-1 (2026)
§ 54-1 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Director.
“Director” means the Director of Immigrant Affairs.
(c)Immigrant.
“Immigrant” means an individual:
(1)
who is a resident of Baltimore City; and
(2)
whose country of origin is a country other than the United States.
(d)Office.
“Office” means the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-2 (2026)
§ 54-2 Office established.LinkCopy Citation
There is an Office of Immigrant Affairs in the Office of the Mayor.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-3 (2026)
§ 54-3 Purpose.LinkCopy Citation
The purpose of the Office is to promote the well-being, economic development, and integration of Baltimore City’s immigrant communities.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-4 (2026)
§ 54-4 Office - Powers and duties.LinkCopy Citation
The office shall have the power and duty to perform the following functions:
(1)
advise the Mayor, City Council, and City agencies on ways to enhance and improve access to City services and resources for immigrants;
(2)
advise the Mayor, City Council, and City agencies on ways to strengthen opportunities for immigrants to participate in the civic life of the City;
(3)
implement and coordinate City policies regarding issues affecting immigrant communities;
(4)
advocate for equal treatment of immigrants and equitable access to City services;
(5)
review proposed legislation referred to the Office by the City Council and assess its impact on the economic, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual welfare of immigrants;
(6)
improve the services available to immigrants by advocating for changes in:
(i)
public policy;
(ii)
service delivery; and
(iii)
funding;
(7)
develop, implement, and coordinate policies that facilitate City agencies’ compliance with all federal, State, and local language access laws;
(8)
advance the Office’s mission by working in partnership with:
(i)
City agencies;
(ii)
City boards;
(iii)
City commissions;
(iv)
community organizations; and
(v)
the private sector;
(9)
serve as a liaison between the City and its immigrant communities;
(10)
establish and staff community advisory groups to provide strategic guidance and monitoring of initiatives relevant to the purpose of the Office;
(11)
solicit community and stakeholder input regarding the activities of the Office, including consultations with City agencies, boards, and commissions on implementation of programs and services relevant to immigrants; and
(12)
perform other duties as required by the Mayor.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-5 (2026)
§ 54-5 Director.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
There is a Director of Immigrant Affairs, who is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Office.
(b)Appointment.
The Director is appointed by the Mayor in accordance with <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter" data-path="IV|§6">Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter</cite>.
(c)Salary.
The Director shall receive such salary as may be provided in the Ordinance of Estimates.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-6 (2026)
§ 54-6 Staff and budget.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Staff.
The Office may employ staff in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates.
(b)Budget.
The Office may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriation.
History:
Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-7 (2026)
§ 54-7 Annual report.LinkCopy Citation
On or before June 30 of each year, the Office shall submit a report to the Mayor and City Council detailing:
(1)
the activities of the Office; and
(2)
any specific policy or legislative proposals to advance the goals of the Office and the needs of immigrant communities in Baltimore.
History: