Advocates Urge Mayor to Reassess Non-Profit Tax Agreement in Baltimore

Today, the Coalition for a Human Hopkins plans to present a letter to Mayor Brandon Scott outside Baltimore City Hall, advocating for a revision of the 2016 Non-profit Assessment Agreement. This agreement involves 15 prominent non-profit institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Originally negotiated by former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the agreement has come under scrutiny for its perceived inadequacies in addressing the financial responsibilities of these institutions. The coalition argues that a revision would provide essential resources for city services that are currently supported by community organizations and residents.

The letter emphasizes the need for these non-profits to contribute more to alleviate the tax burden that disproportionately affects homeowners, renters, and small organizations in Baltimore. With the city’s property tax rate being the highest in Maryland, at $2.248 per $100 of assessed value, advocates believe that a fairer contribution from non-profits is critical.

Diamonté Brown, President of the Baltimore Teachers Union, stated, “One of the most effective steps Baltimore can take to rectify the tremendous shortfalls in funding education in this city is to reopen and renegotiate Baltimore’s current tax agreement with the major non-profits.”

A recent report titled “Burdening Baltimore” by National Nurses United critiques the existing agreement, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding the contributions of each non-profit. It notes that Johns Hopkins Hospital and its affiliated entities contribute a relatively small percentage compared to the value of their tax exemptions.

The report argues that the ten-year agreement reflects poor fiscal management by the city and calls for a reassessment, particularly in light of past controversies involving large non-profits.

Dr. Lawrence Brown, an Associate Professor at Morgan State University, commented on the impact of non-profits avoiding their tax obligations, stating that it hinders the city’s ability to fund essential services such as public education and housing.

Gretchen Tome of Runners4Justice added that the neighborhoods surrounding these institutions suffer from neglect and called for accountability from the mayor and other officials to ensure equitable contributions to the city’s tax base.

Reported by HarborBeat based on National Nurses United (source).