Commentary

by David A. PlymyerDec 15, 2025

Ironically, Kelly Madigan’s resignation sets up the worst case scenario for proponents of a strong IG – appointment by Kahty Klausmeier of an inspector general to a four-year term.

Special SeriesNov 24, 2025

Baltimore’s former zoning board director explains why she lost faith in zoning

The mayor’s “Housing Options and Opportunity” legislation – including Bill 25-0066 – will go a long way toward fixing an unfair system, she says. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesNov 18, 2025

Scott’s zoning bills will support real people with real needs by enabling “gentle density”

The changes will make Baltimore a city that welcomes new residents and gives longtime neighbors more options to stay. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesNov 17, 2025

Eroding the bedrock of single-family-zoned neighborhoods in Baltimore doesn’t make sense

Residents, including Black residents, favor zoning that promotes home ownership as a way to build wealth and have a good quality of life. So why undermine that with Bill 25-0066? [OP-ED]

Nov 14, 2025

A frustrating game of hot potato in Baltimore County

The County Council may have violated the law when it went into closed session to discuss the appointment of a new county executive. But neither the inspector general nor the county attorney appears ready to call them out. [OP-ED]

Special SeriesNov 13, 2025

No progress for Baltimore if it allows neighborhoods to cater only to “the people who own”

The city cannot thrive “if our housing is a one-size-fits-all solution,” the councilman said at a hearing on pending legislation to allow multi-unit housing in single-family-zoned neighborhoods [TRANSCRIPT]

Oct 27, 2025

There’s a better way to craft legislation that will change the rules for Baltimore housing

Oct 24, 2025

A master class in how to turn Baltimore County’s zoning into a political free-for-all

Special SeriesOct 20, 2025

The false promise of zoning bills being pitched as a path to affordable housing

Oct 14, 2025

Baltimore County has erected a wall of secrecy around its $100,000 payment to a former Olszewski aide

Sep 16, 2025

Will fire be the final blow for Baltimore’s Superblock?

Sep 8, 2025

To the teen who killed my brother

Aug 26, 2025

Councilman Marks’ proposal to “correct” the Baltimore County zoning map violates both state and local law

Aug 12, 2025

A look at four years of warfare by Councilman Julian Jones aimed at Baltimore County IG Kelly Madigan

Jun 30, 2025

An unacceptable lack of candor about a Baltimore County zoning bill

May 28, 2025

Super-majority Black districts are a trap as Baltimore County expands its legislative branch from 7 to 9 seats

May 20, 2025

The law is clear: County Executive Klausmeier has full authority to reappoint Inspector General Kelly Madigan

May 15, 2025

Joyful and defiant, “We Are Baltimore” celebrates the city’s Hispanic and Latino communities

Apr 22, 2025

40 years ago this month, Baltimore got a trash incinerator. Unhappy anniversary!

Apr 15, 2025

What “councilmanic courtesy” is and how it hurts Baltimore County

Apr 1, 2025

Before the Baltimore County Council: a rush job to manipulate future zoning decisions

Mar 27, 2025

A Baltimore County Council bill that targets a solar facility is a political ambush

Jan 27, 2025

Speaker Jones: Stop blocking a fix for the incestuous system that loads the Maryland legislature with insiders

Jan 10, 2025

Old habits die hard in Baltimore County: Klausmeier chosen via secret vote at closed meeting