21 Dec 2023 "SmartCitiesWorld" news team.

The City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy incorporates four actionable goals to help anchor the city’s activities and investments in the digital ecosystem.

Baltimore has announced a new strategy to further develop the city’s digital infrastructure and help residents have access to technology as well as learn how to use it more effectively.

The City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy, released by the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT) incorporates four actionable goals to help anchor the city’s activities and investments in the digital ecosystem.

The strategy also invites residents, businesses, community organisations, and federal and state agencies to collaboratively build long-term solutions in the areas of digital accessibility, confidence, safety and security, and infrastructure.

“This plan is a commitment to build a Baltimore that leaves no one behind in the digital age. The strategy will not only help enhance the quality of life for our residents, but also make Baltimore a more competitive and resilient city,” added Kenya Asli, director of BCIT’s BDE.

https://www.smartcitiesworld.net/inclusivity/baltimores-five-year-plan-to-improve-citys-digital-access

Mayor Scott Signs Bill Requiring Procurement of 100% Zero Emissions Vehicles by 2030 for City's Administrative Fleet -

BALTIMORE, MD (December 4, 2023) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott signed City Council Bill 21-0159 into law, which will help facilitate a transition to zero emissions vehicles for the City’s administrative fleet. Under the law, by 2030, all procurements for the City’s administrative fleet – comprised of light-duty, standard-occupancy vehicles, including sedans, small pickups, and SUVs – will be required to be zero emission vehicles, mostly likely all electric.

As the City prepares to release the Climate Action Plan Update, and following the 2022 announcement by Mayor Scott for 100% carbon neutrality by 2045, this is an important action by City government and the Department of General Services to lead the way towards achieving the City’s climate goals. The most recent city-wide greenhouse gas analysis shows transportation emissions are 23% of the City-wide greenhouse gas footprint. These light-duty electric vehicles are already readily available today, and reports by peer municipalities indicate there are significant long-term cost savings in having an all-electric administrative fleet due to lower fuel and operations costs.

https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/news/press-releases/2023-12-04-mayor-scott-signs-bill-requiring-procurement-100-zero-emissions