Wide Range of Projects Spanning Civic, Education, Culture, Health, and Development Funded

BALTIMORE — Maryland State Delegate Malcolm P. Ruff, Esq. announced more than $12 million in state funding for projects and programs serving Baltimore’s 41st Legislative District, calling the investment a major step toward strengthening neighborhoods, schools, community institutions, and family-serving organizations across West Baltimore. The press conference at Edmondson-Westside High School served as a symbolic backdrop for the announcement.

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Ruff, who serves as Chairman of the House of Delegates Capital Budget Subcommittee on Appropriations, made the announcement during an April 15th press conference at Edmondson-Westside High School. The gathering brought together elected officials, community leaders, school representatives, neighborhood advocates, and nonprofit organizations that are working to improve quality of life throughout the district. Ruff said, “The responsibility requires both a clear understanding of neighborhood needs and the ability to deliver results through the state budget process”.

The funding secured during the 2026 legislative session will support a wide range of priorities, including education, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, green space improvements, and community-based services designed to strengthen families and create new opportunities for residents.

“The funding reflects a focused commitment to ensuring that the 41st District receives the public investment necessary to help residents, schools, and community institutions thrive,” said Delegate Malcolm P. Ruff. “The announcement also underscores the importance of strategic state leadership in delivering resources directly to neighborhoods with longstanding needs and emerging opportunities.”

Former Senator Jill P. Carter joined Ruff at the announcement, along with other elected and community leaders. Carter praised Ruff’s work in Annapolis and described the funding as an example of leadership that produces tangible results for district residents.

“Delegate Malcolm Ruff continues to demonstrate the kind of focused, effective leadership that brings real resources home to the communities that need them most,” said former Senator Jill P. Carter. “This investment will help strengthen schools, support families, and empower neighborhood organizations that are doing the daily work of lifting up West Baltimore.”

The event reflected the breadth of the district’s civic and community network. Participants included former Senator Carter, Baltimore City Councilman Paris Gray of the 8th District, former Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, Chezia Cager, candidate for Delegate in District 41, and Principal Qiana Simmons of Edmondson-Westside High School.

Over a dozen community organizations and neighborhoods were represented, including Erica Lewis and Picket Slater Harrington of Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Satoya Truss of Forest Park, Lykinda Camper of Greater Mt. Holly Community Development Corp., Dean Harrison of Harrison Development, Harold Diggs and Brandon Clayton of Young Successful Leaders, Inc., Dr. Linda Gorham and Dr. Damien Myers of Dayspring, Inc., Mansur Abdul-Malik and Jasmine Brown of Hope Harbor CDC, Joel Diaz of The Clifton House, Nargus Hyman of the Northwest Community Association in Queensberry, Reverend Dr. Robert Turner of Empowerment Temple, Choo Smith of Youth Empowerment, and Candace James of Liberty Elementary School. Also in attendance were several candidates for the 41stDistrict State Central Committee including George Buntin, Jr., Former Senator Jill P. Carter, Rebecca Campany, Jessica Fauntleroy, Glen Middleton, Jr., Evan Serpick, Alexis Seth, and David Smallwood.

Ruff Noted, “The funding will help advance projects that touch many aspects of daily life in the 41st District. Investments in schools and youth-serving programs are expected to support students and families. Neighborhood revitalization dollars will help strengthen blocks, corridors, and community spaces. Support for parks and green spaces will benefit residents seeking safe, healthy, and welcoming outdoor areas. Funding for community development and nonprofit organizations will help expand the capacity of local groups already working on the ground”.

For many of the community organizations represented, state funding can be the difference between maintaining existing services and expanding programs to reach more residents. These groups often provide direct support to families, young people, seniors, and neighborhoods, while also serving as trusted partners in addressing long-standing challenges.

The more than $12 million investment comes at a time when many West Baltimore communities are seeking deeper public commitments to schools, housing, public safety, economic opportunity, and community infrastructure. Ruff, a current candidate for State Senator, said he intends to continue working with local leaders, residents, and organizations to ensure that the funding supports meaningful, visible improvements throughout the district.

The event closed with a shared message from participating leaders: the future of the 41st District will be shaped by partnership, persistence, and public investment that reaches the people and places where it is needed most. For a complete list of grants announced visithttps://www.malcolmpruff.com/