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James Torrence

@jamestorrencejd

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Husband | Father | Baltimore City Councilman, District 7 | Policy Wonk | ΚΑΨ | UB Law Alum | TU Alum | By Auth: Friends of James Torrence

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It was an honor to return home to Carver to deliver the Centennial Graduation’s keynote address and present a $400,000 investment toward the new football and stadium complex.

As a third-generation Carver graduate, standing before the next generation of Bears was a full-circle moment.

This investment is about sowing a seed into Carver’s future and ensuring that the next generation of students have access to opportunities, resources, and facilities that reflect their talent and potential.

Carver has poured so much into our City and into the lives of countless students. I am proud to give back to the school and community that helped shape me.

🎥: @byrdseye_viewmedia taken in Coppin State University by @jamestorrencejd

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4 months ago

It’s official—we did it again! I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for Baltimore City Council, District 7. Thank you to the voters for your continued confidence and trust.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without my wife Orlett’s unwavering support and encouragement. A special thanks to my son, Jace, for his love, patience, and adventurous spirit as we campaigned. I am also immensely grateful for my campaign manager, Kirsten Davis, for her incredible hard work and leadership in organizing volunteers and strategic operations to ensuring we reached thousands of voters. Thank you to everyone who volunteered your time to engage with voters. This victory is truly a team effort.

I also want to thank Tori Rose for running a meaningful campaign. I received her congratulatory message, and I hope she remains committed to our community and residents.

Looking ahead to the general election, we’ve already made significant progress in the 7th District. We’ve implemented the largest investment in our schools, created an Office of Returning Citizens, reduced homicides and shootings, renovated recreation centers and libraries, and built new playgrounds across the district. But there is much more to be done, and I am committed to building on our accomplishments. #TorrenceForBaltimore by @jamestorrencejd

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2 years ago

With tears of joy, my council bill establishing the Office of Returning Citizens was signed into law. This journey is deeply personal, as I witnessed both my parents navigate the challenging process of re-entering society after encounters with the criminal justice system. Seeing my mother, Pamela Massenburg, face homelessness, denied healthcare and countless rejections due to her record underscored early the barriers many face, especially residents in West Baltimore.

This law marks a pivotal moment for Baltimore, ushering in the inaugural Re-Entry Action Council (RAC) and elevating MONSE’s ongoing re-entry efforts with holistic supports, which include housing, employment, family unification, mental and physical health treatment and more.

Sincere thanks to MONSE for their partnership and dedicated work on comprehensive re-entry initiatives over the past two years. I look forward to working with Mayor Scott, MONSE and my colleagues on staffing and robust programming for returning citizens. #SecondChancesMatter

📸: @jjmcqueenphotography @kevinhimple by @jamestorrencejd

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2 years ago

Good vibes, great people and some GOOD shrimp at Festival on the Hill! Always a good time connecting with neighbors and fellowshipping with my brothers of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi! ♦️👌🏾 taken in Bolton Hill by @jamestorrencejd

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a day ago

This work will take me all over the 40th District, but sometimes the work has to start right at your own front door.

I appreciate Councilman @jamestorrencejd for working alongside the Matthew Henson Neighborhood Association to organize our Eastwood Community Walk. After September’s fire, neighbors came together to identify hotspots and areas where we need greater support from our city agencies and law enforcement.

And they answered the call including our own Western District @baltimorepolicedepartment Major Preston.

Seeing 25 people walking block after block together was a powerful sight. This is what it looks like when people show up, identify the problems and work toward solutions.

I’m looking forward to many more walks like this across our communities.

@dpwbaltimorecity
@baltimoredhcd
@baltimoremohs by @jamestorrencejd

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4 days ago

My deepest condolences are with the family, loved ones and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss. Please see my statement regarding the fatal crash at North Ave. and Dukeland St. by @jamestorrencejd

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10 days ago

Have questions about your BGE bill or need information about available assistance programs?

Join us on Thursday, October 8, for BGE In Your Community, an open house connecting residents directly with BGE representatives and resources.

Residents can get information about understanding their bills, available energy assistance programs, billing options, and other resources.

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 TouchPoint Baltimore
3201 Tioga Parkway, Suite P
Baltimore, MD 21215

Scan the QR code to learn more and register.

#District7 #BaltimoreCity #BGE #CommunityResources #EnergyAssistance by @jamestorrencejd

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10 days ago

Mark your calendar and join us this Saturday, September 26, for WNADA’s Resident Coordinating Council (RCC) Meeting.

The RCC is an opportunity for residents, business owners, neighborhood leaders and community partners to hear updates, ask questions and have a voice in the work happening along the West North Avenue corridor.

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Walbrook Mill Apartments – Community Room
2636 West North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217

This month’s meeting will include the announcement of the FY27 WNADA Grant Award Recommendations.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝗪𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

See you Saturday!

#WestNorthAvenue #WNADABaltimore #JamesTorrence #WestBaltimore by @jamestorrencejd

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18 days ago

🧹🏾‍♀️🌿 MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Druid Heights Community Cleanup! 💪🏾🏘️

Druid Heights CDC is proud to partner with Councilman @jamestorrencejd for a community cleanup focused on keeping our neighborhood clean, safe, and beautiful! 🌱✨

📅 Saturday, October 24
📍 Meet-Up Location: Maggie Quille Community Center
2149 McCulloh Street, Baltimore, MD 21217
⏰ Start Time: 10:00 AM

We’re calling on residents, volunteers, and community partners to come out, lend a hand, and show some love to Druid Heights. Every bag collected makes a difference! 🙌🏾

🙋🏾‍♀️ Interested in VOLUNTEERING? Sign up using the volunteer link in our bio! GROUPS ARE WELCOME!!

Let’s continue working together to invest in our neighborhood, strengthen our community, and take pride in the place we call home.

💙 Druid Heights is stronger when we work together! taken in Maggie Quille Druid Heights Community Center by @jamestorrencejd

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24 days ago

Last night was a big night for the 7th District.

The Council passed Bill 26-0150, my legislation clearing the way for a new grocery store at 600 W. North Avenue, bringing a grocery store back to this part of West North Avenue after nearly two decades without one.

This has been a long time coming. Our communities deserve fresh food, quality amenities, access to care and supports and real investment close to home. That matters. This legislation awaits the signature of the Mayor.

I also introduced two new bills.

Bill 26-0220 establishes grocery stores as a specific zoning use and exempts them from certain parking maximums. We should not allow our zoning code to create unnecessary barriers to bringing grocery stores into communities that need them.

Bill 26-0222 strengthens standards for residential care facilities, including limits on bedroom occupancy and requirements to maintain occupancy records.

People receiving care deserve more than just a bed. They deserve dignity, appropriate living conditions, and quality access to the care and supports they need.

This is the work: improving quality of life, removing barriers and making sure our communities get the investment and care they deserve.

Learn more and track these bills at baltimore.legistar.com.

#District7 #baltimorecitycouncil by @jamestorrencejd

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a month ago

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage of our first responders, and stand with the families forever impacted.

On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, may we honor their memory through service, unity, and care for one another.

#NeverForget #September11 #NationalDayOfService by @jamestorrencejd

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a month ago

Yesterday, we held a hearing on my Tenant Possessions Recovery Act, City Council Bill 25-0087.

For me, this bill is personal. I know what it means for a family to fall behind and to start over after a parent is evicted.

An eviction is already devastating. It should not also mean automatically losing your clothes, medication, identification, work equipment, family photos or your child’s school supplies.

The Fourth Circuit’s decision in Todman v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore made clear that Baltimore’s prior system failed to provide tenants the process they were owed.

This bill creates a clear, balanced process giving tenants seven business days to reclaim their belongings while providing property owners with certainty and a defined endpoint.

This is not about eliminating accountability. It is about making sure consequences do not become catastrophe.

If a Baltimore family is forced to start over, our laws should not force them to start over with nothing. by @jamestorrencejd

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a month ago