By Sen. Cory V. McCray
As we close the chapter on 2024, I find myself reflecting on the progress we’ve made and the challenges we’ve faced. This past year has been about laying foundations—brick by brick—for a stronger, more inclusive Baltimore. Good governance, to me, means being deeply intentional about serving as a bridge between residents and the institutions that shape their lives. It’s about walking the issue to the door of the agency involved and ensuring it finds resolution.
photo: Courtesy photo
In my role as your state senator, I strive to be more than a legislator. I aim to be a conduit of support for those navigating the complexities of government. This year alone, my team and I resolved 762 constituent service issues, acting as advocates for families facing hurdles, whether it was securing housing assistance or addressing bureaucratic delays. These stories of service remind me why we do this work.
One story that stood out this year involved supporting a family facing barriers to housing due to an inaccessible grant process. After weeks of coordination and communication, we helped them secure the resources needed to stabilize their home—a reminder that even small victories can have lasting impacts.
On a larger scale, 2024 was a year of laying the groundwork for transformative projects. For the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, this meant addressing immediate needs like façade and bathroom renovations while supporting the museum’s long-term vision under the leadership of Dr. Joanne Martin. Similarly, we brought nearly $10 million into the 45th District for projects that balance short-term impact with long-term community growth.
We celebrated ribbon-cuttings at the pre-K play yard at Tench Tilghman Elementary and affordable housing for educators in Johnston Square– projects that embody our commitment to education and equity.
As we walk into 2025, I’m particularly excited about upcoming milestones: the ribbon-cutting for Furley Elementary School, the groundbreaking for Northeast Middle School, and progress on the Robert L. Dalton Football Stadium—the only public school football stadium in Baltimore. Additionally, we will break ground on the Nathaniel McFadden Learn and Play Park, a project that will serve as both a tribute and a resource for our community.
I believe good governance should feel like a concierge service—not in a transactional sense but as a commitment to walking alongside our neighbors. Whether it’s advocating for seniors navigating healthcare benefits or helping a small business owner with grant applications, my office operates on the principle that every resident deserves efficient, empathetic and effective service.
One example of this principle in action is the annual apprenticeship tours we’ve hosted for high school students in Baltimore. These tours provide young scholars with access to career pathways that they might not have considered otherwise. This past year, we partnered with CollegeBound and YouthWorks to introduce over 100 students to trade programs, showing them that success takes many forms.
As we look ahead, the work doesn’t stop. Supporting projects like the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about honoring our community’s contributions and ensuring future generations know where they come from. Similarly, initiatives like the Robert L. Dalton Football Stadium and the Nathaniel McFadden Learn & Play Park represent more than bricks and mortar—they symbolize opportunities for our youth to dream big and succeed.
Baltimore faces its share of challenges, but I remain hopeful because of the resilience and determination I see in our community every day. Together, we’ve built a foundation, and 2025 is our opportunity to strengthen it further.
This journey is about all of us. It’s about ensuring that every resident, every family and every community has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you for trusting me to serve, and I look forward to continuing this work with you in the new year.
Let’s make 2025 the year we lay even stronger foundations for a brighter future.
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