Baltimore, Maryland

Law and government

Baltimore is an independent city; in other words, not part of any county. For most governmental purposes under Maryland law, Baltimore City is treated as a "county"-level entity.

Related Topics:
Independent city - County

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Mayor

The current Mayor of Baltimore is Martin O'Malley. A Democrat in a town that has been Democratic for a century and a half, O'Malley has maintained high approval ratings through both of his terms in office. For a full list of mayors that served the city, see: List of Baltimore Mayors

Related Topics:
Mayor - Martin O'Malley - List of Baltimore Mayors

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Baltimore City Council

Grassroots pressure for reform, voiced as Question P, restructured the City Council in November of 2002, against the will of the Mayor, the Council President, and the majority of the Council. A coalition of union and community groups, organized by ACORN, backed the effort.

Related Topics:
Question P - ACORN

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The Baltimore City Council is now made up of 14 single member districts and one elected at-large Council President. Sheila Dixon is the current Council President. On November 2, 2004, Dixon won re-election in a two-way contest; Joan Floyd, a Green Party candidate, was the only challenger; the Republicans did not field a candidate.

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Federal Government

Baltimore City falls within parts of three Congressional Districts. These are 2nd Congressional District (Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Democrat), 3rd Congressional District (Rep. Ben Cardin, Democrat), 7th Congressional District (Rep. Elijah Cummings, Democrat).

Related Topics:
Dutch Ruppersberger - Democrat - Ben Cardin - Democrat - Elijah Cummings

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