Part 3 – Community Engagement; Post-Election Reviews
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. 5, § 11-11 (2026)
§ 11-11 Community education and engagement.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
At least 18 months prior to a general election, the Commission must conduct civic education and community engagement efforts aimed at ensuring that candidates and voters are informed on the Fund and how they may participate.
(b)Activities.
In conducting the civic education and community engagement efforts required under this section, the Commission must:
(1)
create and distribute education materials in English and in Spanish that raise awareness about the Fund among voters and potential candidates;
(2)
provide training to candidates and campaigns regarding the Fund and any applicable campaign finance laws and regulations; and
(3)
work with community-based organizations to ensure education materials are relevant and assessable to members of communities that historically have been marginalized from elections and civic processes, including making any necessary translations for Baltimore voters.
History: Ord. 20-338
Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 11-12 (2026)
§ 11-12 Commission review.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
After each general election for city office, the Commission must conduct a comprehensive review of the financing program under this subtitle, including:
(1)
the maximum and minimum dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions;
(2)
the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate;
(3)
the maximum amount of disbursements a candidate may receive under this subtitle;
(4)
the overall satisfaction of participating candidates and the public with the program;
(5)
the analysis, recommendation and creation of a plan to the Mayor and City Council to reduce racial, ethnic, socio-economic and geographic disparities regarding access to public matching funds by participating candidates; and
(6)
other matters relating to financing of campaigns as the Commission determines are appropriate.
(b)Criteria for review.
In conducting the review under this section, the Commission must consider the following:
(1)
whether the number and dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions required strikes an appropriate balance regarding:
(i)
the importance of voter involvement; and
(ii)
the need to assure adequate incentives for participation and fiscal responsibility, taking into consideration the number of primary and general election participating candidates, the electoral performance of those candidates, program cost, and any other information the Commission determines is appropriate;
(2)
whether the totality of the amount of funds allowed to be raised by participating candidates, including through qualified small dollar contributions, and disbursements under this subtitle are sufficient for voters in the City to learn about the candidates to cast an informed vote, taking into account the historic amount of spending by winning candidates, media costs, primary election dates, and any other information the Commission determines is appropriate; and
(3)
any other matter relating to public campaign financing that the Commission determines are necessary and appropriate for a thorough review.
(c)Recommendations.
Based on the review conducted under this section, the Commission may recommend to the Mayor and City Council:
(1)
adjustments to the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate;
(2)
adjustments to the maximum amount of disbursements that may be received under this subtitle; or
(3)
any other legislative change necessary to increase candidate participation, voter participation, or both.
(d)Community participation.
The Commission must engage community members and community-based organizations in the review under this section to determine whether the Fund is achieving its stated purposes of fostering greater participation in the political process.
History: Ord. 20-338
Balt., Md., Code art. 5, § 11-13 (2026)
§ 11-13LinkCopy Citation
Reserved