Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the Community Action Lab Initiative, aimed at fostering leadership and community development.
The inaugural cohort, which began in April, took place in the Northern District of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). This expansion will now include residents, community partners, and small business owners from the Southeastern District.
“We are excited to expand the Community Action Lab to BPD’s Southeastern District,” said Mayor Scott. “Baltimore’s historic progress reducing homicides and nonfatal shootings would not be possible without residents working alongside government and law enforcement. The Community Action Lab helps us build on this progress by empowering those who live and work in our communities to enact positive change and improve public safety.”
The initiative is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), the BPD, and the Baltimore City Innovation Team (i-Team). It is part of the City’s broader Neighborhood Public Safety Plan, which draws on insights from various organizations including the University of Baltimore and the Newark Public Safety Collaborative.
Participants in the Southeastern District will engage in a paid, twelve-week leadership program beginning on August 31 and concluding on November 20. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as community development, violence prevention, environmental design, and neighborhood improvement. Participants will also learn to design and implement grant-funded projects in their communities.
“Lasting public safety starts with strong neighborhoods and meaningful partnerships,” stated Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “By bringing residents, businesses, and police together, the Community Action Lab helps turn local ideas into real progress and gives communities a stronger voice in shaping their future.”
The first cohort comprised 17 participants selected from over 100 applicants, representing diverse neighborhoods from Park Heights to Hampden. They met weekly to explore topics including S.M.A.R.T. goals, storytelling, and community engagement.
Joale Jupiter, project manager for the Baltimore City i-Team, remarked, “The success of our first cohort showed us what’s possible when communities and government work together. Now we’re excited to bring that opportunity to even more Baltimore neighborhoods.”
Residents interested in joining the Community Action Lab in the Southeastern District can apply online until August 2 at 11:59 p.m. Information sessions will be held to assist potential applicants. For more details, visit the i-Team’s website.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore Fishbowl (source).
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