BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, September 27, 2023) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott officially established the Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy, a significant step forward in the City of Baltimore’s commitment to supporting older residents across Baltimore City. This dedicated office will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the City’s older adult residents, ensuring they can age with dignity, respect, and access to essential services. 

The Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy will act as an advocate for older City residents, helping them access resources and services provided by City agencies. The office will coordinate a citywide planning process designed to transform Baltimore into an age friendly community. It will also support the Baltimore City Commission on Aging, Resources and Empowerment, an all volunteer board appointed by the Mayor, which advises the City on issues of concern to older City residents. 

“Our older adults serve such a foundational role in our communities, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the support and resources they need to enjoy their golden years,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy is a testament to our commitment to their well-being and the invaluable contributions they made, as they continue to enrich our City.”

“Our Older Adults are and will continue to be the heartbeat of our City,” said Vice President Sharon Green Middleton. “The establishment of this Office is a great first step in the right direction and demonstrates our dedication to this valued community. I am honored to co-sponsor this bill with Councilmember Cohen and I look forward to the great work from this Office.” 

"Our elders are our greatest asset," said Councilmember Zeke Cohen, who authored the bill in partnership with Vice President Middleton. "They've helped build this great city and deserve their proper place at the head of the table."

Mayor Scott will nominate Ondoria Harmon to lead the Mayor’s Office of Older Adults Affairs and Advocacy. Harmon currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Older Adults in the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods and is uniquely equipped to lead this new office, which will help Baltimore’s older adults navigate various parts of Baltimore City government and its partners.