In the News

The Baltimore Banner

““I didn’t have to tailor my campaign to what I thought wealthy donors wanted to hear,” Blanchard said, asking neighbors and friends for small contributions.

The city’s matching funds turned “what would’ve been $30,000 and one mail piece” from more than 450 donors into more than $160,000, he said. Blanchard will have a total of eight mailed ads, some of which rebuke Costello’s relationship with “fat-cat political donors.” The ads have named the Smith family, the owners of the Bresco trash incinerator and towing companies as donors that influence politics.”

The Baltimore Sun

“Sun: What weaknesses do you see in the delivery of city services? What can be done to improve response time and resident satisfaction?

Blanchard: Whether it is DHCD’s housing code enforcement, or parking enforcement, or sidewalk repair, city services delivery is very inconsistent. That said, we have to remember that while the city has a high tax burden, we also are very broke: we have a $4.4 billion operating budget, but have $9 billion in deferred maintenance. We are not a financially sustainable municipality. If we want good constituent services, the council has to figure out how to make Baltimore financially sustainable. I think that our overly restrictive zoning code is a key piece of the puzzle, but there are multiple creative solutions, like a vacancy tax, that need to be implemented as well.

Of note, having been a platoon and company commander in the Marine Corps, I feel confident in my ability to provide clear guidance, figure out how to support city agencies, and hold people accountable when necessary. And I always give credit where it’s due.”

Baltimore Beat

“Q: What is the most important thing you can do if elected to improve the lives of youth?

A: Vocational training. We have plenty of room for growth in preparing more young people for good-paying, often union jobs that provide services needed in Baltimore. This has been on my website platform since Day 1; it’s a talking point when door-knocking; I just recorded an Instagram video about it, and I plan to be the council’s expert on this issue. City Schools has some great programs, and Youthworks plays a key role here, but Baltimore City can be a national leader here. Its impact on our young people — especially those most disadvantaged by our city’s geographically concentrated poverty — is obvious, and it will greatly benefit our neighborhoods, and our economy more broadly.”

The Baltimore Banner

"Q: What’s one bill you would introduce during your first year of the next term? Why that bill?

A: I hope that a vacancy tax bill is enacted before I take office, but if not, I will introduce that bill within my first month of office. As mentioned before, a vacancy tax will have a transformative impact in my district (which has over 500 abandoned properties, including over 300 in Upton alone) and for many neighborhoods across the city. Additionally, our City government loses $200 million a year due to the vacancy crisis, so Baltimore literally cannot afford this abandoned housing crisis. A vacancy tax would end the abandoned housing crisis quickly while making the City money."

The Baltimore Sun

“Across Baltimore, abandoned buildings tell residents that their neighborhood has no future. Migration out of the city has left the shells of homes — nearly 14,000 of them — to be held by land speculators or in administrative limbo without a clear owner, while they crumble. Baltimore’s population decline from nearly a million in the 1960s to less than 600,000 today both drives our abandoned building crisis, and is driven by it. People simply will not want to live in a neighborhood dominated by plywood-shuttered doors and windows.”

SouthBmore.com

“On this episode of the South Baltimore Now! Podcast, Kevin Lynch talks with Zac Blanchard, a candidate for the District 11 Council seat. Kevin asks Zac about his background, what he loves about South Baltimore, and topics such as crime, small business, development, and the future of Digital Harbor High School.”

US Reporter

“Baltimore, with its mix of grit, resilience, and tight-knit communities, finds a unique story unfolding as Zac Blanchard steps into the local political scene. His campaign for the 11th District City Council seat isn’t just about a list of goals; it’s a reflection of a life dedicated to service and community. A father and local leader, Blanchard brings a blend of personal commitment and hands-on experience to his vision for a brighter Baltimore.”

The Baltimore Sun

“There is probably some amount of “politics as usual” in why so many candidates have declined to use the public financing option.

However, the much bigger issue at play is the fact that the city only allocated $2 million total for all public financing candidates running for office in 2024.”

Baltimore Positive

Candidate Zac Blanchard tells Nestor why he’s running for City Council 11th District in South Baltimore and ways to improve the neighborhood he calls home.

Voyage Baltimore

“I have been extremely passionate about making better neighborhoods (think vibrant main streets, walkable, sense of place, good schools, safe, etc.). My community involvement speaks to that, and I think my previous career (I got out of the Marine Corps this summer) is a testament to my commitment to public service.

I’m also one of the City’s first candidates to ever use the Fair Election Fund, so I’ll never accept a contribution above $150. My funding is grassroots, almost all from City residents, so you know that when I say I think something is good for Baltimore, I believe – I’m not just supporting something because a major donor wants me to.”