I’m Brandon Scott, mayor of the great city of Baltimore, Maryland, and I’m honored to serve as president of the African American Mayors Association.

AAMA is more than an organization. It’s a partnership. It’s a built-in community of leaders with a unique understanding of what it is to be a Black mayor in our country. And it’s a marketplace for great ideas, where we can share best practices and lessons learned to help drive progress in all of our communities.

AAMA is especially valuable in this moment, as so many of us face increased pressure and funding cuts from the federal government. At the local level, there is no can to kick; there is no buck to pass. It’s on us to deliver for our residents – no matter what’s happening at the state or federal level – and the best way for us to continue doing that is to lean on one another.

Across this country, Black mayors are doing the work. We are reducing violence. We are expanding opportunity. We are making government work for the people who need it most. But we also know the challenges are real, and they require us to move together.

I spend every day talking to my brother and sister mayors, and I know firsthand that AAMA members are driving incredible progress in their communities. We’re doing the big things right, while also delivering on the services our residents rely on: paving the roads, managing trash and recycling pickup, and so much more. Our membership is building safer, stronger, more equitable cities across the country.

I am honored to lead this organization at such a pivotal moment for our cities and our nation. Because when our cities move forward, our country moves forward.

Let’s get to work.

In service,

Mayor Brandon M. Scott

President, African American Mayors Association (2026–2027)

City of Baltimore, Maryland