Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski is committed to using federal pandemic funding to ensure an equitable recovery for all residents and businesses. In mid-May, Baltimore County received $80.3 million, half of its allotted $160,706,923 under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The remaining funds will be received by the County in the next fiscal year.
To help plan Baltimore County’s long-term economic recovery, including how to prioritize these federal funds, in March 2021, Olszewski formed an Economic Recovery Subcabinet to develop a holistic countywide plan that incorporates the needs of families, workers, and businesses. Comprised of department and programmatic leaders across County government, the Subcabinet has been tasked with information gathering, examining nationwide best practices, and hosting listening forums with community stakeholders to develop recommendations. In addition to prioritizing communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Subcabinet is focused on integrating a data-driven approach.
Eligible Uses
The American Rescue Plan provides $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. For detailed information on guidelines for use, fact sheets and other information, visit the U.S. Department of Treasury’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) page.
Funding Plans
In addition to hearing from the Economic Recovery Subcabinet, County Executive Olszewski wants to collaborate with residents and community partners to develop a spending plan that helps the County emerge from the pandemic even stronger than it was before.
In November 2021, Olszewski announced spending proposals for Baltimore County’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan, which advance a broad range of innovative, equity-focused efforts in addition to ongoing pandemic-response needs:
- Approximately $60 million in funds are proposed to be utilized to ensure an equitable recovery for all residents and businesses based on previous public input and the work of the County’s Economic Recovery Subcabinet. Review the complete list of proposals.
- $80 million in funds will be utilized to support Baltimore County’s ongoing public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The County has reserved approximately $20 million in funds to be allocated based on future public input.
Public Input
To ensure community members will be able to share their feedback, ideas and priorities regarding the funding proposals, the Olszewski administration will host two virtual public input meetings. Both meetings will be livestreamed on Baltimore County Government's Facebook page. Residents may also join via Webex or by phone.
- Wednesday, November 10 at 6 p.m.
- Monday, November 29 at 6 p.m.
In order to testify during the input meetings, residents must send an email to townhall@baltimorecountymd.gov including the following:
- Name
- Current Address
- Organization or Business Name
- The Baltimore County American Rescue Plan proposals that you would like to comment on
Note: Feedback on the proposals can also be submitted to townhall@baltimorecountymd.gov.
American Rescue Plan Act Community Survey
Baltimore County would like to hear from you on how to prioritize this funding.
Reporting
The County’s required annual Recovery Plan and Performance Report, detailing SLFRF spending from March 3 to July 31, 2021, was submitted to the U.S. Department of Treasury on August 27, 2021.
American Rescue Plan Proposals
ARP Priority Category: Recovery Grants
Total Amount: $525,000
Managing Department: Office of Government Reform and Strategic Initiatives
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Baltimore County received $2,737,062 from DHCD’s $20 million in Maryland Recovery Now Funds via SB496, the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)’s Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI) administered the funds, dedicated to nonprofits in an effort to provide financial relief from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofits without a physical address in the County were ineligible to apply for the funds, even if their services and programming solely or primarily served Baltimore County residents.
This grant program will provide support for nonprofit partners who were ineligible for the DHCD funding due to their organizational addresses being outside of Baltimore County. The restrictive funding requirements excluded dozens of reliable County partners from critical funding.
Total Amount: $500,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The Department of Economic and Workforce Development relies on a variety of partners to carry out the critical mission of providing workforce development services to priority populations as set forth by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). These workers were among the first to be dislocated from their employment due to COVID-19 and the organizations dedicated to serving their workforce development needs were unable to operate at capacity.
This initiative will identify the Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), Social Enterprises and any other entities that provide wrap-around services to Baltimore County’s WIOA priority service populations, and provide them with a level of grant funding that will help defray some of the costs of maintaining operations. Some of the priority service populations include:
- Stay-at-home parents
- Low-income individuals
- Individuals with disabilities
- Older individuals (age 55 and older)
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Homeless individuals or homeless children and youths
- Youth who are in or have aged out of the foster care system
- English language learners
- Veterans and eligible spouses
- Single parents (including single pregnant women)
- Long-term unemployed individuals
Total Amount: $1,000,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Although many Baltimore County business participated in previous rounds of CARES and RELIEF Act stimulus funding, many more did not meet the federal/state eligibility requirements. Thus, Baltimore County businesses with fewer than five employees or businesses that began operations after the state-mandated closures could not take advantage of these critical funding streams.
The Operating Through Tough Times recovery initiative recognizes that there were many Baltimore County business that continued to push through more than 15 months of COVID-19 challenges without government assistance, and that these businesses deserve assistance in helping to weather this next wave of COVID-related operating challenges. This proposal will provide operational support for those small businesses, especially those in the service sector, who continue to provide goods and services to Baltimore County residents during the pandemic.
Total Amount: $2,100,000
Managing Department: Office of Government Reform and Strategic Initiatives
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The childcare industry has proven itself to be a vital part of this country’s economy, as parents cannot return to full time work without safe, reliable childcare. Licensed childcare providers face increased costs due to COVID-19 cleaning requirements, decreased capacity to provide adequate social distancing and decreased enrollments. Between July 2020 and May 2021, the number of licensed family and center-based childcare providers decreased by over seven percent.
This grant program will assist with stabilizing Baltimore County’s existing childcare supply and support reopening/relicensing of providers who were forced to close due to the pandemic.
Total Amount: $200,000
Managing Department: Administrative Office–Educational Support
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Over the past year, many children have experienced significant disruptions to learning. These disruptions have resulted in uneven learning patterns for all children, with underserved communities facing the highest rates of learning loss. According to several studies, some children are more than five months behind in overall learning, with large and unpredictable knowledge gaps reported for almost all children. As students return to school, children will need personalized tutoring opportunities to address their specific patterns of learning loss. Most traditional tutoring programs are not currently viable options given COVID-19 restrictions, program structures, cost, and efficacy.
The pandemic has also impacted our aging population by limiting access to social interactions and intellectually stimulating programs and services. Research shows that creating cross generational tutoring opportunities not only improves overall academic achievement of young people, but also improves cognitive, health, and social outcomes for aging community members. This proposal offers a multi-generational solution to support learning in young people and connection and cognitive maintenance in older generations by linking senior volunteer tutors with young people.
Total Amount: $300,000
Managing Department: Administrative Office–Educational Affairs
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) transports over 85,000 students to and from school by bus every day. The system runs over 808 bus routes each day and employees over 700 bus drivers to run those routes. In addition, BCPS must employee a cadre of substitute drivers and attendants to cover absences.
Baltimore County Public Schools has experienced an extreme bus driver shortage that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools closed, many bus drivers left BCPS to find other employment. One of the major barriers in hiring new bus drivers is the cost incurred to obtain the mandatory background check. The fee of 100 dollars for the background check is passed on to the potential employee, becoming a barrier to employment to those who have often been disproportionately impacted by the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, funds will help cover the costs of physical exams for potential new hires.
Total Amount: $200,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The agricultural industry is a major driver of the State and local economy. According to a 2018 report by BEACON, the agriculture industry employees over 1,200 in Baltimore County and provides $5 million in state and local tax revenues. While deemed essential during the pandemic, numerous federal programs were made available and focused predominantly on loans and tax payment assistance. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources provided more than $9 million in relief grants to farmers, watermen and producers. The Maryland Farmer COVID-19 Relief Fund granted nearly $5 million to farmers impacted by the pandemic, and DNR allocated $3 million for direct payments to commercial, for-hire, aquaculture and seafood processing operations whose 2020 revenue has suffered a loss of greater than 35 percent due to COVID-19.
At the local level, we know local farmers and agriculture businesses helped bridge the food insecurity gap by participating in the County’s meal distribution program and farmers markets, or pivoted their business model to allow for curbside pickup, online sales or other innovative delivery methods. The proposed Agricultural Community Support Grants program intends on supporting Baltimore County based operations that have been impacted by COVID-19 and were unable to secure relief funds due to the scope of federal and state programs or other restrictions. Additionally, grant funding will be directed to support agriculture businesses and organizations that are focused on strengthening the food supply chain, expanding opportunities for urban farming, and providing outreach and education to underserved communities.
ARP Priority Category: Economic Revitalization
Total Amount: $300,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Baltimore County youth is far reaching, most notably the educational disruptions and challenges. But equally important is the need to address the employment opportunities that are available to our children now and in the near future. Unfortunately, many of our youth lack the basic skills that makes them ready and competitive to pursue employment and post-secondary education and training opportunities that are critical to lifelong sufficiency. There is also an alarming lack of awareness of the full scope of careers that are truly at the fingertips of our youth.
The proposed solution to these readiness and awareness challenges is to use the County’s American Job Centers as the official HUB for a program that will provide intensive year-round career readiness and awareness programming for youth who are currently served by our in-school youth contractor, the Baltimore County Library System, the Baltimore County Department of Parks and Recreation, Baltimore County Educational Partnership, and other career education and youth service providers.
Total Amount: $1,800,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The Administration has re-prioritized promotion of Enjoy Baltimore County, the destination-marketing arm of the Department of Economic and Workforce Development. The success and capacity for promotion by Enjoy Baltimore County is pivotal to overall recovery efforts in the tourism, hospitality and service industry sectors—industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to effectively revive and promote our destination and expedite business recover, this investment would allow for website redesign, events partnership and launch of a creative campaign among other upgrades to increase marketing visibility.
Total Amount: $400,000
Managing Departments: Department of Planning; Department of Economic and Workforce Development; Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The central node of the Liberty Road corridor has a concentration of commercial development but, although it is seen as the heart of Randallstown, it lacks cohesion and a “sense of place”. The aging commercial businesses straddle a very busy state road that carries residents to work, home–and to shop elsewhere. Community planning efforts over the years have failed to yield significant reinvestment or to capitalize on the strengths of the community. As an area in the County with substantial Black and Brown residents, there is a need for an equitable commitment and investment in this area. The few on-the-ground organizations have been important stakeholders but have not been able to foster redevelopment to enhance the area.
The proposal is to retain a consultant who will work with stakeholders to create a community development organization (CDO) that can focus on building cohesion, a sense of place and a structure for economic growth, redevelopment and potential services. Funds are also requested for the first phase of the CDO’s start-up.
Total Amount: $1,800,000
Managing Departments: Administrative Office–Education Affairs
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
Teacher shortages have increased over the past decade and are expected expand exponentially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Maryland is particularly hit by this shortage as each year open teaching positions grow in Maryland and yet less students are enrolling in Maryland teacher education programs. As a result, over 50 percent of open teaching positions within Maryland are filled by out of state candidates. These candidates are predominantly from Pennsylvania, a state that has a significantly higher White population than the state of Maryland (81 percent versus 58 percent). In 2021, over 40 percent of the student population in Baltimore County Public Schools was Black, and yet less than 10 percent of the teaching population was also Black. In addition to less teachers entering the field, more teachers are also leaving the field. Last year from August to January, over 180 teachers resigned from BCPS. As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is expected that these numbers will grow dramatically.
The Home Grown Training Program would provide $1,000,000 total tuition grant funds over two years, prioritizing students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate teaching programs at historically Black colleges or Universities in Maryland (Bowie, Coppin, Morgan, University of Maryland and Eastern Shore). Students must be eligible to graduate with a teaching degree and MSDE teaching certificate at the end of the two year grant program. An additional $200,000 will be provided for childcare grants. Eligible grantees must be a Baltimore County resident, attending a four year college/university within Baltimore County, or attending an HBCU in the state of Maryland. Grantees in turn must provide a minimum of five years of teaching service in Baltimore County Public Schools upon graduation.
Total Amount: $500,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tracts: N/A
Description
Baltimore County attractions and event venues that were significantly harmed during the pandemic are working to reestablish their schedule of events. The Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) is prioritizing attracting visitors to attend large-scale events to increase the economic benefit to county businesses and operators. The special events program expansion allows DEWD to engage with partners to execute mid to large-scale events to attract visitors and residents to county venues. A formal partnership program will boost key events in specific areas of the county to ensure their success and overall promotion of the county. This partnership concept also includes engaging an events firm to assist with larger scale projects.
Total Amount: $300,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
A key to Baltimore County’s continued economic growth is ongoing investment and support for arts and entertainment. In 2019, Catonsville was named Baltimore County’s first Arts and Entertainment District, attracting residents, visitors, artisans and entertainers to the business district. This proposal would fund growth of Catonsville’s arts and entertainment district and help establish a similar enterprise in another part of the County.
Total Amount: $105,000
Managing Department: Department of Economic and Workforce Development
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
Recently relocated to the Towson University startup hub at the Armory, the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) helps prospective entrepreneurs in Baltimore County start a business. The SBRC offers new and existing businesses with a wide array of technical, financial and marketing issues in addition to providing COVID-19 economic recovery resources. This request would fund additional SBRC consultants to assist in continued COVID-19 economic recovery efforts.
Total Amount: $747,960
Managing Department: Department of Planning
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted the small businesses, often micro-economies, that are predominant in Baltimore County’s Commercial Revitalization Districts (CRDs), our Main Street Community (Reisterstown) and the Commercial Corridors. Small business recovery, stability, growth, resilience and preparation for an uncertain future are important to the businesses, their owners and employees as well as the communities that they serve.
Providing direct to assistance to small and young businesses is an important way the County can better ensure they are stable, can attract customers, and survive. Many small businesses will need assistance with technology, on-line savvy, marketing, operational costs, merchandising, products and other forms of support. Businesses located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) and those young businesses owned and/or operated by people of color are particularly vulnerable to the continuing economic instability. This proposal is to retain a Commercial District Business Assistance Specialist for four years to provide direct support and assistance for small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs in the CRDs and to work with targeted CRD business organizations so they are better able to support the business community. Additionally, $100,000 would be made available annually for assistance, education, coaching/technical assistance for the businesses and business organizations to support their efforts.
Total Amount: $647,096
Managing Department: Recreation and Parks
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore County Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) Centers provided critical programs and recreation for families impacted by school and childcare closings. Providing a safe, positive and developing atmosphere for youth aged eight to seventeen, the PAL centers continue to be a popular after-school and summer option for Baltimore County families. This request would provide additional PAL leadership, a direct response to the expansion of PAL programming and increased level of responsibility for children participating.
Total Amount: $155,563
Managing Department: Permits, Approvals and Inspections
In a Qualified Census Tracts: N/A
Description
Prior to the pandemic all permits and plans were processed within a day as customers would be able to walk the permit application to different offices for review. During the pandemic a drop off system was established which had no limits on the number of applications that could be dropped off each day. Permits processing fell behind as much as eight weeks and plans processing fell behind by as much as two weeks for just processing. Prompt permit and plan processing is vital for Baltimore County’s economic growth and recovery.
Baltimore County suffered significant setbacks in processing, reviewing and inspecting applications submitted to the Department. There is the realization that within the next year many of the Department’s functions will transition from a paper process to a digital one. Although there has been some improvement in the backlogs and timeframes associated with the current process during the pandemic, review times and outputs have not achieved pre-pandemic conditions. Therefore the Department is recommending a number of additional temporary staff positions and additional technology equipment to bring process/review times closer to pre-pandemic time frames.
Total Amount: $1,195,250
Managing Department: Property Management
In a Qualified Census Tracts: N/A
Description
To ensure a safe environment for Baltimore County employees and residents these funds would allow implementation of recovery capital-related projects. To continue delivering essential services safely, modifications are needed across many County-owned properties, parks and recreation facilities, as well as public facilities such as library branches, police precincts and senior centers.
ARP Priority Category: Community Revitalization
Total Amount: $500,000
Managing Department: Department of Planning
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Baltimore County is home to a number of unique communities that boast tremendous civic pride. County government supports numerous business associations and community groups through grant opportunities that focus on revitalization and beautification, among other activities; and these grants are primarily administered by DEPS, Planning, or DEWD. Public art has long been absent in the conversation of revitalization and beautification in Baltimore County prior to the Olszewski administration.
The proposed recommendation attempts to give more prominence to public art by:
- Supporting artists of color through technical assistance and portfolio development workshops
- Identifying locations for public art installations in Commercial Revitalization Districts (CRDs)
- Developing/formalizing criteria for the inclusion of public art in the County capital program
Total Amount: $6,210,000
Managing Department: Department of Public Works & Transportation
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Baltimore County’s Solid Waste Work Group recommended the purchase of trash, recycling, and food waste receptacles in order to pilot potential changes to current single family and multi-family residential solid waste collection that would increase the diversion of organic materials (including yard waste and/or food scraps) and increase recycling rates. Pilot projects to divert solid waste and increase recycling can reduce the annual quantity of waste to be landfilled or otherwise disposed of, lower greenhouse gas emissions from landfilling or burning wastes, and improve public and community health by reducing pest infestation of inappropriately stored waste materials, especially in multi-family housing.
The pandemic increased solid waste to never before seen levels and as such, the County must expedite exploration of creative ways to divert waste from the rapidly filling landfills. Launching a trash, food and recycling pilot in Qualified Census Tracts will allow near-term evaluation of options in multiple communities across the County.
Total Amount: $2,500,000
Managing Departments: Department of Planning; Department of Economic and Workforce Development; Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In a Qualified Census Tracts: Yes
Description
The purpose of the Community Equity Districts (CEDs) initiative is to provide the County’s vulnerable and underserved communities with a community-based infrastructure (via seed grants to Community Development Organizations) that will serve as a hub for advancing equitable community investment, promoting social development and coordinating the delivery of government resources and services. By establishing these regional CEDs it is anticipated that the county will provide many of its most vulnerable communities with meaningful opportunities for short-term economic recovery, while also fostering long-term development and investment.
The most immediate beneficiaries of this initiative will be the traditionally marginalized and underserved communities of Baltimore County. Over time, with the stabilization of these communities, the entire county will benefit from a recovery plan that is built upon equity and inclusion for our most vulnerable. The concentrated efforts of public, private and philanthropic resources in these designated areas will improve the overall quality of life for the County.
Total Amount: $16,000,000
Managing Department: Department of Housing and Community Development
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has only served to exacerbate a longstanding lack of access to high quality, accessible, safe affordable housing in Baltimore County. The County is currently a party to a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) with HUD and a group of Complainants which requires the County to ensure the development of 1,000 hard units of affordable housing and a number of other requirements.
The Department of Housing & Community Development proposes to leverage ARPA funding to create an Affordable Housing Development Fund which could be used to leverage the following activities:
- Development of Accessible Units—Develop new accessible units, as defined in the VCA, and make improvements to existing units to bring into compliance with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
- Expansion of Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities—Acquire and develop property (potentially including surplus hotels/motels) for use as non-congregate shelters that can be converted to permanent affordable housing over the course of several years.
- Land/Unit Acquisition—Support the development of affordable housing through the acquisition of tax-delinquent or County-controlled properties and sites suitable for the development of affordable and mixed-income housing.
- Unit preservation—Provide funding to preserve affordable units beyond expiration of affordable housing covenants or affordability periods with the requirement that affordability period be extended.
- Conversion of Market Rate Units—Fund rental subsidies and/or lump-sum payments to housing developers in exchange for affordable set-asides. Offer financing for multifamily properties, providing the owners are willing to convert a percentage of the units to affordable dwellings.
- Create Local Housing Trust Fund—ARPA funds can be combined with a local reoccurring revenue source toward creating a Housing Trust Fund to support the ongoing development and preservation of affordable housing. The Trust Fund would provide grants and low-interest loans for new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable housing. Baltimore County will pursue local legislation, as needed, to support this fund.
Total Amount: $1,500,000
Managing Department: Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Each tree planted helps increase the County’s tree canopy, which curtails stormwater runoff and erosion and reduces greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Trees provide food, protection and habitat for wildlife while increasing property values and enhancing the character of neighborhoods. This proposal would prioritize tree planting in Qualified Census Tracts, areas of Baltimore County that tend to have less tree canopy than other, more affluent areas. By planting and maintaining trees in neighborhoods with the highest need, all Baltimore County residents will enjoy the health and economic benefits that trees provide and address climate change.
Total Amount: $6,600,000
Managing Department: Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
A portion of Baltimore County's watersheds are connected with the Baltimore Harbor Watershed system. The County's portion of the Baltimore Harbor watershed is located immediately east of Baltimore City and includes Bear Creek, Old Road Bay, Shallow Creek and other small tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. Dundalk, Eastpoint, Northpoint, Sparrows Point and Edgemere are among the communities located in this watershed. Protecting Baltimore County shorelines from erosion helps to improve water quality, improves climate resilience and protects the watershed from pollution.
These funds would allow Baltimore County to complete a living shoreline and aquatic habitat re-establishment project along the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, benefiting all residents in the Baltimore region.
Total Amount: $4,000,000
Managing Department: Recreation and Parks
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Baltimore County offers numerous recreational and leisure opportunities to its residents and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the parks and trails were often at capacity. The wear and tear due to this surge in popularity requires significant investment to maintain and improve Baltimore County trails and paths so that families and residents can continue enjoying this outdoor activity.
This funding would not only support trail improvements across the County but will also be used to seek and preserve open space. Preserving open space in Baltimore County is a vital way to support a high quality of life for residents of all ages, as COVID-19 has reinforced how important the outdoors is for both physical and mental health.
Total Amount: $3,000,000
Managing Department: Department of Public Works and Transportation
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Improving streetscapes In Baltimore County is a key strategy to help improve the environmental, economic and social wellbeing of our neighborhoods and communities. By investing in streetscape improvements, the County will also promote development of safe, attractive, and environmentally sustainable communities. This proposal will focus on functional and aesthetic street-level improvements such as lawns, curbs, sidewalks, trash receptacles, benches, street and sidewalk lighting, or traffic/pedestrian safety enhancements in Qualified Census Tracts.
Total Amount: $3,000,000
Managing Department: Administrative Office
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many long-standing challenges across Baltimore County, especially true in the Essex community. Recognizing the need for a coordinated response, this funding will leverage cross-departmental collaboration and dedicate concentrated resources to support the Essex community’s recovery while also seeking to empower residents, address disparities, and improve the overall quality of life.
ARP Priority Category: Health and Safety
Total Amount: $148,750
Managing Department: Office of Budget and Finance
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Baltimore County has a diverse workforce of public safety, health and human service workers, labor, paraprofessional, and professional staff, all of whom have varying needs and job stressors that stem from specific job-related tasks, particularly as it relates to COVID-19. As government operations begins to shift back to “business as normal,” the question remains for a lot of employees, “What is business as normal and how does my professional work and personal situation fit into that?”
This proposal would hire a non-merit Wellness Coordinator to facilitate wellness programs that educate and influence employees at the worksite to lead healthy lifestyles. This includes collaborating with the partners to develop and facilitate a wellness committee, development and delivery of promotion campaign, end-to-end coordination of health awareness seminars, and working to coordinate wellness events/fairs. Other programs could include prevention, wellness, behavioral health, safety, workers compensation, and other total worker health resources.
Total Amount: $200,000
Managing Department: Police; Office of Community Engagement
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
The public response to the COVID-19 pandemic includes many layers of contagion mitigation specifically geared towards social distancing. While social distancing is a contagion countermeasure, it also has a negative effect on interpersonal relationships. Shelter at home orders, business closures, event cancellations, teleworking, and virtual meetings do not provide regular interpersonal engagement. Youth engaged in distance learning missed opportunities to develop traffic safety awareness traveling to and from school, and to engage with school resource officers in positive and meaningful ways. All of this occurred during the same time when policing has drawn significant public scrutiny across the nation, and traditional positive community engagement opportunities have been limited. The Department must invest in public relationships through new proactive positive engagements with community members.
As part of the pandemic recovery, a Mobile Community Center would provide a multi-purpose platform for new proactive positive engagements with community members. The Mobile Community Center would support the following functions:
- Community meetings, fairs, festivals, gatherings, and other events
- Crime prevention presentations
- Youth and Pedestrian Traffic Safety programs
- Distinguished community member/leader recognition events
- Family conflict resolution (counseling, mediation, service connections)
- Youth engagement and development (counseling, mentorship, traffic safety, drug/gang resistance education)
- Vulnerable population outreach
- Critical incident support (witness interview privacy, victim support services, reunification)
- Critical incident follow-up (post incident community briefings, group counseling, grief counseling, etc.)
Total Amount: $200,000
Managing Department: Police; Health and Human Services; Department of Aging
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
People with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive disabilities have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. Interruptions to their daily routines, personal interactions, exercise activities, access to loved ones, and engagement with service providers have all had negative cognitive effects on them. These factors can increase their risk of death when they are separated from their primary care providers. Pre-pandemic, the Baltimore County Police Department received approximately 1,200 calls for a missing adults each year and Project Lifesaver improves search efforts for these lost individuals.
The Department of Aging and Police have continued working with a private nonprofit group to provide critical support to these residents, however, the existing capacity for this program is very limited. This proposal would allow Baltimore County to purchase and register personal locator units for 200 new Project Lifesaver participants.
Total Amount: $725,600
Managing Department: Police; Health and Human Services; Office of Community Engagement
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Some of the largest challenges that law enforcement faces in addressing domestic violence is connecting with people are victimized in the privacy of their own home. Domestic violence is already notoriously underreported. Vulnerable adults, including seniors and the disabled, are often the targets of criminal neglect, abuse, and exploitation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines and other protective health measures can create additional layers of isolation for victims. Some victims find themselves trapped in an abusive environment with less opportunity to engage others outside for assistance.
This proposal would provide the necessary technology, equipment and vehicles to support ten Domestic Violence Coordinators and ten Vulnerable Adult Coordinators in key Qualified Census Tracts, allowing them to proactively engage vulnerable populations.
Total Amount: $911,110
Managing Department: Police; Health and Human Services; 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the number of Baltimore County residents experiencing mental, behavioral or emotional health crises. The team receives calls through 911 as well as the Operations Center's 24-hour Crisis Hotline, approximately 200 calls per month before the pandemic. With current staffing capacity, the Police department mobile crisis team can only respond to 44 percent of the emergency calls. This request would also establish a crisis clinician program in the 911 Center to divert low acuity calls from dispatching police. The combination of reduced calls through diversion and increased MCT capacity will better meet the surge of demand for behavioral health and crisis assistance in the pandemic recovery period.
Total Amount: $1,023,000
Managing Department: Police
In a Qualified Census Tract: Yes
Description
Some communities are experiencing violent crime while simultaneously experiencing the primary challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The co-occurring nature of the health and violence challenges is further complicated by the changes in societal patterns and norms that are intended to mitigate effects of the pandemic on individuals and communities. These changes include reduced interpersonal contacts in the community and the consumption of significant public safety resources for pandemic response. The Police Department must invest in new strategies and technologies to effectively target and combat violent crime in disproportionately affected communities.
This pilot would acquire and implement a firearms discharge detection and notification system for communities that are experiencing disproportionate levels of violent crime. This system would alert the police to firearms discharges with reliable location data and allow dispatching of field officers in real time to reduce reporting and response times. It also includes acquiring and implementing automated license plate reader (ALPR) trailers, deploying as stationary sensors to capture vehicle traffic information for correlation with calls-for-service data, crime report data, and firearms discharge detection system data.
Total Amount: $90,000
Managing Department: Fire
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Public Safety members routinely respond to an array of dangerous and high-risk incidents within the communities they serve. Mental health and behavioral issues are also a significant risk associated with public safety professionals. According to recent SAMHSA research, First Responders are 10 percent more likely to develop behavioral health conditions than the general public. These manifestations include depression, PTSD, substance abuse disorders, and other diagnoses. In addition, firefighters and paramedics have higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than the general public. Often, members will not seek out the much needed resources because the resources are viewed as inadequate, limited in scope, or for fear the interaction with a clinician will not remain confidential.
This proposal would allow the Baltimore County Fire Department to secure a smartphone application to provide confidential and anonymous access to health and wellness resources for its career, volunteer, and retiree members. With the assistance of the Fire department, Cordico will design and customize the app which will support a member’s mental health and wellness through self-assessments and connection to services.
Total Amount: $481,250
Managing Department: Health and Human Services–Department of Social Services
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Baltimore County Emergency Management Services, the Department of Aging, Police and the Department of Social Services have all encountered many vulnerable adults who are living independently in the community but are struggling due to increased social isolation. Some of these individuals do not meet the criteria to be served through the official Adult Protective Service (APS) program, which is bound by the Code of Maryland Regulations. However, some adults in the community who do not meet these APS requirements would benefit greatly from social work assessment and case management services.
This proposal would allow Baltimore County to hire two dedicated social workers to focus on supporting adults living in the community and exhibiting hoarding or other unsafe behaviors, especially those brought to the attention of other County agency partners. In addition to providing holistic hoarding clean-up, limited, ongoing case management and social supports these new hires would also reassemble the Hoarding Task Force.
Total Amount: $250,000
Managing Department: Health and Human Services–Bureau of Behavioral Health
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in stress and despair due to the social and economic impact on all people of all ages in the County. We know that this can increase anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. At the same time, there is still stigma and reluctance to seek treatment or support.
The Department of Health proposes to fund Mental Health First Aid training for the public to increase awareness of signs and symptoms, provide resources and reduce stigma in accessing treatment. Businesses could provide to their employees, community associations could provide to their members and interested residents could participate in training individually. This proposal would provide grants to County businesses, community associations, other interested groups and individuals to offer training to their employees and members. The evidence-based program provides:
- Increased knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental illness and substance use disorders
- The ability to identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder
- Increased confidence in one’s ability to assist an individual in distress
- Decreased stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders and especially in seeking treatment
Total Amount: $100,000
Managing Department: Health and Human Services–Bureau of Behavioral Health
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
Everyone agrees on the importance of an annual physical check-up or when experiencing symptoms of an illness. Mental health and physical health are connected and affect the total person. Many physical conditions can contribute to mental health such as aging, chronic disease, pain, etc. We also know that stigma around mental health and seeking treatment and or support prevents people from getting the help they need.
This proposal would fund a two-part campaign that would first encourage primary care practices to screen for mental health symptoms, providing information and tools to practices who wish to participate. Concurrently, publish throughout Baltimore County announcements, commercials, and billboards to encourage residents to add a mental health check-up to the list of normal conditions to talk with their doctor about.
Total Amount: $450,000
Managing Department: Health and Human Services–Bureau of Behavioral Health
In a Qualified Census Tract: N/A
Description
When a person is exposed to a traumatic or stressful event, how they experience it may have long-lasting impacts and greatly influence behaviors, mental and physical wellbeing. Trauma can be defined as a psychological, emotional response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. The unparalleled collective trauma and stress from the COVID-19 pandemic adds yet another experience that could negatively affect Baltimore County residents.
Training to better understand the impact of trauma will allow Baltimore County employees to better assist and serve customers. An understanding of trauma can lead to building trust among those served, reducing negative encounters, and reducing potential for escalation, and improved customer satisfaction. This proposal would allow the Office of Human Resources Division of Training to explore training models for trauma-informed customer care and to identify an appropriate program to meet the needs of the County.