Explanation: Capitals indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Torrence
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Study and Report - 2023 Baltimore City Food Climate
For the purpose of the Director of the Department of Planning and the Commissioner of the Health Department to consult with Baltimore Development Corporation and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and to submit a report detailing the current state of food insecurity in Baltimore City; and providing for a special effective date.
body
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That:
(a) No later than 180 days after enactment of this Ordinance, the Director of the Department of Planning and the Commissioner of the Health Department shall consult with Baltimore Development Corporation and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future to develop and submit a report detailing the current stat of food insecurity in Baltimore City.
(b) Prior to the report’s final submission to the City Council a public notice shall be published containing the report and seeking public comment for at least 30 days.
(c) The report shall include:
(i) information relating to a new asset map, specifically a map displaying information regarding the strengths and resources of Baltimore’s communities that depicts Baltimore City’s food environment, including:
(A) a discussion of ongoing efforts to produce a new asset map;
(B) the most recent complete asset map available; and
(C) a description of how an asset map will help agency officials improve
the average citizen’s daily access to food;
(ii) an accounting of how the Department of Planning has used the funding it received through the American Rescue Plan Act allocations;
(iii) a summary of how the Department of Planning has increased access to online Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and how this progress is being measured;
(iv) an analysis of available tax credits and incentives available to food markets to promote a healthy food climate and any deterrents that keep interested businesses from using such incentives; and
(v) a description of all existing initiatives from federal and State partnerships that are aimed at closing food deserts throughout Baltimore City.
(d) The City Council shall call a hearing where the Director of the Department of Planning and Commissioner of the Health Department shall present the findings and recommendations of the report and representatives from Baltimore Development Corporation and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future will be invited to comment.
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the date it is enacted.