Baltimore is a city with deep roots and immense potential. Yet, for far too long, the political machinery meant to serve its people has become an obstacle rather than a conduit for progress. As our beloved city faces myriad challenges, from crime and education to economic development, it’s crucial that we reevaluate how our government operates. If Baltimore is to truly win — politically, economically and educationally — our approach to governance must be transformed.
The fundamental role of government, as articulated by George Washington, is not to dominate the lives of its citizens, but to serve them. When government becomes bloated and unaccountable, it shifts from being a servant to a master, imposing unnecessary burdens on the very people it should be uplifting. This is a reality that too many Baltimoreans know all too well. Our city has seen decades of political stagnation, where special interests and entrenched political elites have prioritized their agendas over the needs of the people. The result? A city that struggles to maintain basic services while its citizens bear the brunt of inefficiencies and systemic failures.
One area we can immediately address is the size and structure of our city council. With 14 districts, Baltimore’s council is one of the largest in the region despite the city’s declining population. Each council member represents a relatively small number of constituents compared with other jurisdictions, yet the size of the council has not translated into better governance or more effective representation. Instead, we see a fragmented council where accountability is diffused and progress is stifled by bureaucracy.
Reducing the size of Baltimore’s city council is not about diminishing representation; it’s about enhancing it. A leaner, more focused council would be more agile and better equipped to tackle the issues that matter most to Baltimore’s residents. By concentrating responsibilities among fewer members, we can foster greater accountability and ensure that each council member is more directly answerable to their constituents. This is not about limiting the voices of the people, but about amplifying them by making sure those in power are truly listening and responding to the needs of the community.
Moreover, a smaller council would allow for more efficient use of resources. In a city where every dollar counts, reducing the number of council members and their associated staff could free up significant funds that could be better spent on addressing the root causes of Baltimore’s challenges. Whether it’s improving public safety, enhancing educational outcomes, or fostering economic growth, these resources are desperately needed elsewhere.
But restructuring our city council is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly see Baltimore win politically, we must also address the underlying culture of governance in our city. This means rooting out corruption, eliminating waste and ensuring that all public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity. It also means fostering a political environment where new voices and ideas are welcomed rather than stifled by the status quo.
Baltimore’s future depends on our ability to create a government that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of its people. This requires a collective effort from all of us — residents, business leaders and public officials alike — to demand better and to work tirelessly toward a government that truly serves the people.
As we reflect on the current state of our city and the changes that are needed, it’s important to remember that true progress begins with a willingness to challenge the status quo and a commitment to building a better future for all. Baltimore can win politically, but it requires bold action, a clear vision and the courage to make tough decisions.
As Frederick Douglass said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”
In the spirit of Frederick Douglass, let us come together — across all divides — to demand the political change that Baltimore so desperately needs. Let us work toward a future where our government is not a master but a true servant of the people, and where every Baltimorean has the opportunity to thrive.
Jovani Patterson is chairman of People for Elected Accountability and Civic Engagement, which advocates the ballot initiative to reduce the size of the Baltimore City Council.