Advancing Equity in Baltimore County: A Land of the Brave and Home of the Free

Baltimore County’s diversity is our greatest strength — but diversity alone doesn’t guarantee equity or justice. Real progress requires leadership, accountability and action.

With Nick Stewart as County Executive, Baltimore County can become a beacon for equity, human rights and dignity.

Leadership at the Top

As County Executive, Nick Stewart will centralize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives into a Department of Human Rights & Equity with two core mandates:

• Leadership Training: Require cultural competency and equity training for all county leadership, available to all employees.
• Advocacy & Oversight: Serve as a watchdog to ensure fair access, representation, and outreach for communities of color and LGBTQIA+ residents.

This department will also launch a Truth & Equity Initiative, bringing together leaders in health care, education, business, and the arts to dismantle structural racism.

Invest in the Black Community

• Housing & Revitalization: Partner with organizations like the Greater Randallstown Community Development Organization and the Turner Station Conservation Teams to expand affordable housing and drive mixed-use revitalization in communities such as Randallstown and Turner Station, supported by streamlined permitting and regulatory reform.
• Enterprise & Excellence: Invest in incubators, accelerators, and innovation clusters across Owings Mills, Pikesville, Randallstown, and Woodlawn to spur entrepreneurship and job creation.

Support Hispanic & Immigrant Neighbors

Hispanic and Latino residents make up about 7.2% of Baltimore County’s population, and immigrants overall account for 12% — the fastest-growing segment of our community. Within the boundaries of the law, we will:

• Safeguard immigrant rights and enhance the capacity of the Immigrant Affairs staff and Immigrant Affairs Commission.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, BCPS and community groups to guarantee safety, opportunity and due process for every resident.

Defend Women’s Equality

The fight for women’s equality is inseparable from the fight for equity for all. In the post–Roe era, access to reproductive health care is a fundamental human rights issue. Baltimore County will:

• Protect Access: Stand with local providers and clinics while making clear that county resources will never be used to criminalize care.
• Expand Affordability: Promote access to affordable contraceptives and feminine hygiene products through partnerships with nonprofits and by making them available at county-operated gathering places like libraries.
• Strengthen Support Networks: Advance women’s health initiatives and referral networks through the County Health Department and nonprofit partners.

Show our LGBTQIA+ Pride

Baltimore County has always shown courage — from fending off British forces in the War of 1812, to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, to the daily bravery of our LGBTQIA+ community. We will honor that courage with action:

• Inclusive Restrooms: Require all single-user restrooms in public buildings to be gender-neutral, with the same requirement for new construction.
• Modernize County Code: Replace outdated, exclusionary language with inclusive, gender-neutral terms, and pursue equitable updates to the County Charter and ordinances.
• LGBTQIA+ Affairs Commission: Establish a commission to coordinate with schools, nonprofits and government to strengthen mental health programs, community supports and workforce opportunities for DEI advocates. 
• School Support: Fund dedicated staff in BCPS to lead LGBTQIA+ initiatives and support students.
• Support LGBTQIA+ Communities: Build strong partnerships with organizations serving LGBTQIA+ youth, seniors and families, and prioritize economic equity for LGBTQIA+-owned small businesses.

A County That Sees, Respects and Protects Everyone

Equity demands action. With Nick’s leadership, Baltimore County will protect its most vulnerable, honor its diversity and fight for a community where everyone can thrive.

These are not symbolic gestures — they are actionable policies to make Baltimore County safer and more welcoming for every resident.