COMMUNITY COMES FIRST
My City Council Office works to lift up and work hand-in-hand with the community we serve. We are committed to executing a world-class constituent service operation for all residents of the First District. Our team continuously strives for excellence. We care about being responsive to the needs of our constituents.
As Chair of the Education and Youth Committee and as a former Baltimore City Public School teacher, I bring a deep sense of urgency to the work. My mission is to protect and expand opportunities for Baltimore's youth. Prioritizing our kids is critical to addressing many of the structural and systemic inequities in our City. I also believe that our children need a voice in the process and a seat at the table.
Issues:
Discussing the Trauma-Informed Care Task Force at a press conference.
Making Public Safety a Priority
In 2017, my office formed the Public Safety Task Force, which brings police and community members together to strive for neighborhood-based solutions.
Last year our Baltimore Highlands Task Force collaborated with BPD to identify and arrest 4 human traffickers.
I worked with students and community members to pass the Trauma Responsive Care Act, a commitment to investing in youth and breaking the cycle of violence in our city.
Protecting Public Health
My team launched the Baltimore Neighbors Network to organize volunteers for COVID-19 support.
The Trauma Responsive Care Task Force created by my Trauma Responsive Care Act requires input from healthcare professionals and social workers.
I passed a resolution to uphold the commitments of the Paris Climate Accord in Baltimore, including reducing food deserts, cleaning the air, and investing in sustainable transit.
I strongly support Councilmember Bill Henry’s bill to require health and safety inspections of small rental properties.
Making City Services More Responsive
My office has prioritized excellence in addressing constituent requests. We have resolved more than 2,485 requests (95% of total received) to date.
Need support? Reach out to my office at 410-396-4821, or email me at zeke.cohen@baltimorecity.gov.
I supported the Water Accountability and Equity Act, and I will continue to partner with organizations that advocate for sustainable maintenance and billing practices.
Increasing Government Transparency
I introduced and passed the Transparency and Lobbying Act requiring public disclosure of all lobbying activity and bringing the accountability that Baltimore deserves.
I led the effort to bring community input to Baltimore’s Police Commissioner search.
I support the Fair Election Fund to even the playing field and provide much-needed oversight for campaign financing.
Supporting Baltimore’s Youth
I passed the Trauma Responsive Care Act to create a task force to prioritize trauma-informed delivery of services to our families and youth.
In 2017, I organized a Bake Sale for Buses campaign to restore full ridership hours to Baltimore City students using bus passes.
I collaborated with teachers to create a summer jobs program that helps teens find employment with local businesses.
Investing in Education
After graduating from Goucher College, I taught social studies in Baltimore City Public Schools in Sandtown-Winchester and Curtis Bay.
As Chair of the City Council's Education and Youth Committee, I fought alongside students, parents, community advocates, and my colleagues on the City Council to restore $2.58 million of funding for Community Schools and after-school programs.
I strongly support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and I commit to fully funding its commitments.
Ensuring Access to Affordable Housing
I voted in favor of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to ensure housing access for all Baltimoreans.
I worked with community leaders and the Baltimore Housing Authority to restart the O’Donnell Heights Redevelopment Plan.
I am committed to investing in neighborhoods like Key’s Pointe, Broening Highway, Graceland Park, and Medford, with community members at the center of the process.
Fighting For Gender Equity and LGBTQ+ Rights
In April 2019, I introduced the Gender-Inclusive Single-User Restroom bill to protect access to restrooms for our trans and gender non-conforming neighbors. It was the first-ever bill signed into law at Baltimore Pride.
I introduced a resolution calling on the Board of School Commissioners to adopt Policy JBB, which protects LGBTQ children from gender-based harassment.
Standing Up For Workers
As a former member of the teachers’ union, I have consistently stood with unions on every major issue.
I voted in favor of a $15 minimum wage and supported workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain at the Marriott Hotel.
I have supported increased investment in youth employment programs like Youthworks.
Promoting Sustainable and Equitable Transit
I supported the 2018 Complete Streets legislation to make our streets and sidewalks more cyclist and pedestrian friendly.
I defended our district’s bike lines from demolition, including the double bike lane on Potomac St.
I supported the proposed Red Line train to promote economic mobility and equitable transit access between East and West Baltimore, something that is long overdue.
I’m a vocal advocate for traffic calming measures to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Supporting Baltimore’s Immigrant Community
I introduced and passed a resolution reaffirming Baltimore’s status as a Welcoming City for all immigrants, regardless of immigration status.
I passed a resolution demanding that the Trump Administration reunite all families amidst unjust immigration practices.
I supported OSI’s development of Safe City Baltimore, an immigration legal defense fund.
Advocating for Environmental Justice
Following the president’s disturbing decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, I introduced and passed a resolution committing Baltimore to its aims, with key priorities including reducing waste, achieving a 100% renewable future, and curtailing incineration.
I co-sponsored the Clean Air Act, setting strict air pollution standards to protect public and environmental health.
I supported the 2017 Zero Waste resolution calling for a transition to zero waste.
