Urgent Concerns Over $62,500 Grant to Mayor’s Wife’s Nonprofit

UPDATE: The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) has awarded a controversial $62,500 grant to a nonprofit employing the wife of Mayor Brandon Scott, raising urgent questions about transparency and possible conflicts of interest. This development, disclosed in BCYF’s latest tax filing for the 2024 fiscal year, has triggered significant public concern over how taxpayer dollars are managed.

The nonprofit Bmore Empowered, where Hana Scott serves as director of operations, is under scrutiny as the mayor’s office has a direct hand in appointing BCYF’s governing board. Experts warn that even the appearance of a conflict can erode public trust in how Baltimore allocates its funds. The timing of this grant, awarded as the couple publicly announced their pregnancy in July 2023 and married in August 2024, adds to the controversy.

BCYF is guaranteed funding annually through the Baltimore City Charter, with this year’s budget totaling $16 million. Despite this, Bmore Empowered has faced criticism for not providing adequate financial transparency. The organization has not filed a required Form 990 for 2024, leaving taxpayers in the dark about how funds are utilized.

Attempts to reach Hana Scott for comment were unsuccessful, with reports indicating she blocked a Maryland reporter on LinkedIn after outreach. The lack of updated financial records raises alarms among watchdogs. Amanda Beck, a professor at Georgia State University, remarked, “Taxpayers deserve to see more recent financial records than that.”

Experts have voiced strong concerns regarding the implications of the grant. Brian Mittendorf, chair of the accounting school at Ohio State University, stated, “When you have a person who can have influence over an organization being related to another person with influence over grant decisions, you have a concern.” This sentiment was echoed by Erica Harris, a professor at Florida International University, who stated, “The optics here are not good.”

As the situation unfolds, six members of the Baltimore City Council have introduced legislation aimed at tightening regulations around BCYF grants. This proposed bill seeks to prevent taxpayer funds from being awarded to organizations with connections to BCYF staff or board members. Both BCYF and Mayor Scott oppose the legislation, which could have significant implications for future funding decisions.

BCYF has defended its operations, claiming that Bmore Empowered serves as a fiscal sponsor for programs supporting youth initiatives. However, the lack of transparency raises critical questions about oversight and accountability. As the Baltimore City Inspector General, Isabel Cumming, has launched an investigation into BCYF, the community is left wondering how taxpayer dollars are truly being spent.

What’s Next: As the City Council moves forward with proposed regulations, stakeholders are urged to monitor the developments closely. Transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer funds are paramount to restoring public trust in Baltimore’s financial governance.

This evolving story highlights the urgent need for clarity around public funding and the potential for conflicts of interest in city governance. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.