Governor Moore unveils plan to tackle Baltimore’s vacant property crisis

BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced an executive order to establish Reinvest Baltimore, an initiative to address the city’s vacant property crisis. The program will be a coordinated effort between the state, city, nonprofits, and for-profit partners, with the goal of revitalizing neighborhoods and maximizing economic potential and quality of life for residents. “Baltimore’s vacant property crisis is an issue […]

ERO Baltimore arrests Honduran national convicted of assaulting a Maryland resident

BALTIMORE, MD—Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore apprehended an unlawfully present 26-year-old Honduran national convicted of assaulting a Maryland resident. Officers with ERO Baltimore arrested Evin Obdulio Ponce-Guillen on September 19 in Waldorf. “Evin Obdulio Ponce-Guillen unlawfully entered the United States, made his way to Maryland, and then victimized one of the members of our community,” said ERO Baltimore acting Field […]

Baltimore County appoints new director of Department of Public Works and Transportation

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has appointed Lauren Buckler as director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation, officials announced on Tuesday. Buckler, a Baltimore County native, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master’s degree in Project Management from George Washington University. Buckler held several senior leadership positions […]

New laws focused on streamlining MVA services, improving customer service take effect October 1

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is announcing several new laws going into effect on Tuesday, October 1, aimed at improving customer experience and streamlining services. Among the changes are new measures allowing the MVA to print death certificates, extend the validity of learner’s permits, and waive some state ID fees and the identification card fee […]

NOW YOU KNOW: Family budgets are tight

The following is an update from Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki. Family budgets are tight. According to economists, food prices have increased more than 25% since 2020 (editor’s note: in 2022, food prices increased by 9.9 percent, faster than in any year since 1979). To put that in perspective, a cart of groceries that cost you $100 in November […]

Ertel, Marks announce new pedestrian crosswalk in Middle River

MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel and Councilman David Marks on Thursday announced the upcoming construction of a pedestrian crosswalk in Middle River. The crosswalk will be built later this fall on Compass Road at Radial Court and cost approximately $15,000. “This crosswalk should significantly help as students walk to and from places like Middle River Middle and Victory […]

Maryland increases procurement goal for Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise Program participants

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced that the state is increasing the goal for veteran-owned small businesses receiving state contracts from 1% to 3%. The change is effective immediately and is part of an effort to diversify Maryland’s contracting landscape and support veteran-owned businesses. “The military teaches you not just how to serve, but also how to lead. […]