BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 10, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced updates to the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods (MON), including an official name change to the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA). Under the direction of Director Rashad Singletary, the agency’s new name will better reflect the scope of services that the office provides, particularly its involvement in all aspects of communities across Baltimore and role in serving residents through a variety of means.

The Mayor's Office of Community Affairs has been a staple in Baltimore mayoral administrations dating back to former Mayor O’Malley in 2001, and the office will continue it’s work facilitating deep connections between the Mayor’s Office and Baltimore residents. 

“The MOCA liaisons are a vital component of any successful administration. They are our conduits across the city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “These liaisons are trusted extensions of my Administration and myself. Their work represents years of relationship building and organizing that allows us to have meaningful connections to communities citywide. This connection and the unparalleled level of communication it brings to City Hall are imperative in all aspects of our work – in everything from public safety and neighborhood development to outreach to vulnerable communities and everyday city services.”

“Our main goal is building stronger communities and ensuring residents feel connected to the Administration. The MOCA team is laser-focused on creating and maintaining relationships with all Baltimoreans through attending community meetings, assisting with neighborhood concerns, hosting roundtable discussions, community engagement walks, and so much more,” said Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs Director Rashad Singletary. “It is our hope this name change captures our commitment to the community.”

In addition to the new name, MOCA has updated its mission statement, which can be viewed on the agency’s revamped website. The statement reads that MOCA is “...geared towards improving the quality of life in Baltimore City by connecting communities with resources and providing support from the Scott Administration. Our office also serves as a conduit between community associations and Mayor Scott, centering community voices in the creation and implementation of policy to build stronger neighborhoods and improve the quality of life in Baltimore City. MOCA is committed to ensuring every Baltimorean will live in a clean, safe, and vibrant neighborhood.”

MOCA is composed of a team of neighborhood liaisons, corresponding with Baltimore City Council districts, who are overseen by Director Singletary and Deputy Director Ashelle Henry. Liaisons work with community and neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and resident-led groups. MOCA also houses the Mayor’s Faith Outreach Team, in which multiple staffers serve as citywide liaisons for faith communities including Christian, Jewish, and Mayor Scott’s newly established Muslim-community liaison position.

Attending community association meetings and neighborhood events, liaisons serve as one of the primary bridges between the Baltimore community and Mayor Scott. By sharing information about the administration’s policies and projects and soliciting community feedback and neighborhood concerns, they help ensure that city government is responsive to residents. For more information follow MOCA on Facebook and on Instagram @BaltimoreMOCA, and to contact a community liaison visit moca.baltimorecity.gov.