There is a Baltimore City Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Ord. 21-028

The Director is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Office. 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>. Ord. 21-028

There is a Baltimore City LGBTQ Commission within the Office. The Commission shall:advise the Office and the Mayor and City Council on issues relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community; and collaborate and consult with the Office on matters relating to the discharge of the Office’s duties. The Commission comprises at least 14 members, but no more than 25 members, 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> with:2 members nominated by the City Council President; and 2 members nominated by the Comptroller. The Mayor shall appoint Commission members to represent the diversity of people and ideas within the Baltimore lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. The Commission shall include, at a minimum, representation from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community organizations representing health, social service, religious, and human rights issues and its members shall be representative of the diversity in the community with regard to socioeconomic status, religion, race, ethnicity, gender identification, age, and families. Commission members serve a term of 4 years, concurrent with the terms of the Mayor and the City Council. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term or to succeed a member who is holding over serves only for the remainder of that term. The members of the Commission:serve without compensation; but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates. The Commission shall elect a Chair from among its members. The term of the Chair is 1 year. The Chair may be reelected. The Commission shall meet at least monthly. A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Ord. 21-028

The Office may employ staff in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates. The Office may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriations. Ord. 21-028

In collaboration and consultation with the Commission, the Office shall: develop proposed City policy regarding civil rights issues affecting LGBTQ people; coordinate and participate in the implementation of policies and programs consistent with the City’s diversity and equity goals; coordinate among City departments, agencies, offices, boards, and commissions to improve LGBTQ access to City services and to promote equality and safety for LGBTQ people; support the growth and development of the City’s LGBTQ communities; review proposed legislation referred to the Office by the City Council, assessing its probable effect on City LGBTQ communities; serve as liaison between the City’s LGBTQ communities and the City; and perform any other duty required by the Mayor. Ord. 21-028

On or before June 30 of each year, the Office shall submit a report to the Mayor and City Council detailing: the activities of the Office and the Commission; and any specific policy or legislative proposals to advance the needs of LGBTQ communities in Baltimore or the goals of the Office. Ord. 21-028