Baltimore, Let’s Ride to Work

Returning Baltimoreans to Work: Utilizing ARPA Fund for Commutes During and After the Pandemic

In 2022, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the launch of Baltimore City’s innovative transportation program, “Let’s Ride to Work.” Let’s Ride to Work (LRTW) is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) and Lyft, Inc., supported with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act grant. Those who qualify must be 18 years or older, a resident of Baltimore City, have been newly employed within the past two weeks, work a minimum of 32 hours per week, and have a transportation need to reach their place of employment within Baltimore City. In keeping with its mission of delivering economic justice to Baltimore City residents, MOED invested $267,000 to fund up to 40 free rides per eligible resident for the first four weeks of employment. By then, the resident will likely have received their first paycheck, putting them on course to address their future transportation needs. Read more...

Investing in Programs that Reconnect, Rebuild, and Develop Resilience in Baltimore’s Youth

As Baltimore emerges from the pandemic's shadows, addressing youth challenges, from social isolation to mental health strains, is crucial. Amidst adversity, Baltimore's investment in local youth engagement programs offers hope, assisting those facing heightened mental health issues. According to a survey on youth mental health conducted by the National Library of Medicine, the pandemic has exacerbated issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people surveyed. However, youth engagement programs may promote well-being and resilience through structured activities, peer support, and resource access.

These programs have become more essential than ever after the pandemic. They serve as catalysts for social reconnection, offering youth the chance to rediscover their communities, forge meaningful relationships, and reignite their sense of belonging. After months of isolation, these programs provide invaluable opportunities for youth to rebuild their social networks.

Justice-impacted job seekers faced unique challenges and disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers to employment for justice-impacted individuals existed before the pandemic but were exacerbated in a post-pandemic job market. In August 2022, Mayor Brandon Scott awarded $1 million in ARPA funding to the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) through the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs for a workforce development program that provides counseling, case management, skills training, and certifications for Baltimore residents returning from incarceration. Click here to read more about Baltimore's continuing work on providing workforce development for justice-impacted individuals through ARPA-partner Greater Baltimore Urban League...