Councilman James Torrence

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Councilman James Torrence This is the official government page for the Office of Councilman James Torrence.

09/16/2026

Last night was a big night for the 7th District.

The Council passed Bill 26-0150, my legislation clearing the way for a new grocery store at 600 W. North Avenue, bringing a grocery store back to this part of West North Avenue after nearly two decades without one.

This has been a long time coming. Our communities deserve fresh food, quality amenities, access to care and supports and real investment close to home. That matters. This legislation awaits the signature of the Mayor.

I also introduced two new bills.

Bill 26-0220 establishes grocery stores as a specific zoning use and exempts them from certain parking maximums. We should not allow our zoning code to create unnecessary barriers to bringing grocery stores into communities that need them.

Bill 26-0222 strengthens standards for residential care facilities, including limits on bedroom occupancy and requirements to maintain occupancy records.

People receiving care deserve more than just a bed. They deserve dignity, appropriate living conditions, and quality access to the care and supports they need.

This is the work: improving quality of life, removing barriers and making sure our communities get the investment and care they deserve.

Learn more and track these bills at baltimore.legistar.com.

Yesterday, we held a hearing on my Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, City Council Bill 25-0087.For me, this bill is perso...
08/26/2026

Yesterday, we held a hearing on my Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, City Council Bill 25-0087.

For me, this bill is personal. I know what it means for a family to fall behind and to start over after a parent is evicted.

An eviction is already devastating. It should not also mean automatically losing your clothes, medication, identification, work equipment, family photos, or your child’s school supplies.

The Fourth Circuit’s decision in Todman v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore made clear that Baltimore’s prior system failed to provide tenants the process they were owed.

This bill creates a clear, balanced process giving tenants seven business days to reclaim their belongings while providing property owners with certainty and a defined endpoint.

This is not about eliminating accountability. It is about making sure consequences do not become catastrophe.

If a Baltimore family is forced to start over, our laws should not force them to start over with nothing.

08/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for Summers in the 7th at the Village at Mondawmin!

Even with a little rain, Baltimore showed up. I’m grateful to The Decision Project, Wellpoint, Black Arts District, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Mondawmin Mall, The Village at Mondawmin and Evergen Donor Services along with all of our vendors, performers and volunteers who made the day possible.

From school supplies and free haircuts to health resources and entertainment, Summers in the 7th is about bringing resources, joy and community together right here in the 7th District.

Still reflecting on the $113 million transformation of Frederick Douglass High School, a school that has long stood as a...
08/16/2026

Still reflecting on the $113 million transformation of Frederick Douglass High School, a school that has long stood as a symbol of Black excellence in Baltimore.

From Justice Thurgood Marshall, Congressman Kweisi Mfume and the late Congressman Parren Mitchell to Eubie Blake, Cab Calloway, Ethel Ennis and Juanita Jackson Mitchell, Douglass has produced generations of leaders, artists, advocates and history makers.

As a proud Carver Bear, I can’t give the Ducks too much love. That Bentlou Street rivalry is real. But this is an investment all of Baltimore can be proud of. Honoring Black excellence. Preserving a powerful legacy. Investing in the next generation.

📸: James McQueen

Tomorrow is the day, I’m excited to partner with The Decision Project, Wellpoint, and The Village at Mondawmin for a FRE...
08/08/2026

Tomorrow is the day, I’m excited to partner with The Decision Project, Wellpoint, and The Village at Mondawmin for a FREE community block party this Saturday, August 8 from 11 AM–3 PM.

Bring the family out for backpack giveaways, health & wellness screenings, haircuts, burgers and hot dogs, kids activities, live entertainment and more as we help our young people get ready for the new school year.

I hope to see you there as we come together for a day of fun, resources and community in the 7th District!

AFRAM’s 50th Anniversary weekend is in the books and it owed us nothing! Grateful for time with family, friends, and com...
06/22/2026

AFRAM’s 50th Anniversary weekend is in the books and it owed us nothing!

Grateful for time with family, friends, and community while celebrating 50 years of Black culture, excellence, resilience, and community. Thankful for the memories and the joy of this milestone weekend.

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize a reality that too often goes unspoken.Many men carry...
06/17/2026

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize a reality that too often goes unspoken.

Many men carry the weight of providing for their families, supporting their communities, navigating personal challenges, and overcoming obstacles without ever asking for help.

Strong communities require healthy men. Healthy men require support, resources, and spaces where they can have honest conversations about their mental and emotional well-being.

Let's continue working to break the stigma and encourage more men to prioritize their health, seek support when needed, and know they do not have to face life's challenges alone.

Rushed Process. Unanswered Questions.Yesterday, the Council advanced the Charter Bill to third reader after moving it to...
04/28/2026

Rushed Process. Unanswered Questions.

Yesterday, the Council advanced the Charter Bill to third reader after moving it to second earlier in the day. I asked a simple question: why the rush with at least five meetings left before the July deadline and concerns unresolved?

No answer.

Baltimore deserves a transparent, thorough process. Contact the Council President’s office and ask: Why the rush?

02/10/2026

We’ve launched a new project page for the Roland Ave Complete Streets Resurfacing project.
This project will resurface Roland Ave from 40th Street to 34th Street and include Complete Streets upgrades to improve safety and comfort for people walking, biking, driving, and taking transit.
Planned improvements include upgraded bicycle facilities, with all ages and abilities bike infrastructure from 40th Street to 36th Street, and additional Complete Streets treatments from 36th Street to 34th Street.
If you live nearby, travel through the area, or want to stay informed as this project moves forward, we encourage you to subscribe to the project page. We’ll be sharing updates, engagement opportunities, and construction information there.

Subscribe here:
https://buff.ly/h0cvyFR

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100 N. Holliday Street, Suite 521
Baltimore, MD
21202

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