# 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.

## § 54-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-1 (2026)

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

(b) “Director” means the Director of Immigrant Affairs.

(c) “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” means the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

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## § 54-2 Office established.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-2 (2026)

There is an Office of Immigrant Affairs in the Office of the Mayor.

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## § 54-3 Purpose.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-3 (2026)

The purpose of the Office is to promote the well-being, economic development, and integration of Baltimore City’s immigrant communities.

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## § 54-4 Office - Powers and duties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-4 (2026)

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.

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## § 54-5 Director.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-5 (2026)

(a) There is a Director of Immigrant Affairs, who is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Office.

(b) 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) The Director shall receive such salary as may be provided in the Ordinance of Estimates.

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## § 54-6 Staff and budget.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-6 (2026)

(a) The Office may employ staff in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates.

(b) The Office may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriation.

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## § 54-7 Annual report.

Balt., Md., Code art. 1, § 54-7 (2026)

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.

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