During her time as Mayor, Sheila moved Baltimore forward with urgency toward a cleaner, greener, safer, healthier City. Basic City services were delivered reliably – trash was picked up, roads were paved, police responded to calls, permits were issued, 311 functioned, water was safe to drink and bills were correct, streets were cleaner, senior facilities were safe and programmed, pools were open. Residents knew the police officers in their districts and there was more trust in our communities.
Sheila had a proven record of being deeply engaged in community policing, getting illegal guns off the street, and convening federal, state, and local agencies to leverage resources to get the most violent offenders off the street. She empowered our police to effectively do their job in a way that benefited and protected communities. These strategies led to 30-year record lows in crime and homicides.
Sheila launched a gun offender registry, the single stream recycling program, and the popular Downtown Circulator. She initiated the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, Cleaner Greener Baltimore, Fit Baltimore, PEACE Baltimore, and the Neighborhood Ambassador program. She was an active member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Mayors Against Illegal Guns and a national leader in combating homelessness.
Sheila has been a strong advocate for treating public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and lead poisoning in children. She is an avid athlete with a rigorous weekly fitness routine. Beyond her concern for her personal health and fitness, Sheila is an advocate for programs that improve children’s health through a more nutritional diet and exercise routine.