Baltimore mayor signs executive order for Baltimore Baby Fund, voters to decide

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott signed an executive order to establish the Baltimore Baby Fund, the Mayor's Office reported. The fund aims to provide financial support to families with newborns in Baltimore if approved by city voters this fall.

The Baltimore Baby Fund is designed to improve economic stability for families with newborns and is described as a continuation of the City’s Baltimore Young Families Success Fund. The fund would assist families with expenses such as childcare, transportation, and food.

Funds from the Baltimore Baby Fund would not replace existing City spending for fiscal year 2027 and would carry over year to year if unspent, according to the Mayor's Office.

All newborns in Baltimore City enrolled in the program would be eligible for a one-time cash payment, with the amount to be determined. Additional assistance may be available to selected expectant and new parents based on eligibility and screening during enrollment.

Mayor Scott emphasized that direct cash payments to parents are an effective way to support families and young people both in the short and long term.