In this episode, we welcome back District 11 Councilman Zac Blanchard for his third appearance on the show. Zac reflects on his first full year in office — a year that included becoming a father for the second time on inauguration night — and breaks down the major issues shaping South Baltimore and Downtown Baltimore today.   The conversation covers everything from the explosion of smoke shops, to the city’s sweeping housing package, to the future of Downtown, to the day‑to‑day realities of representing one of Baltimore’s most active districts.   Episode Highlights 

• A wild first month: Zac’s son was born the same night he was sworn in, kicking off a year of balancing newborn life with the demands of public office.
• Learning the job: From 4 a.m. work sessions to building a new staff, Zac shares what the transition into city government really looked like.
• Why smoke shops exploded: He explains the legal loopholes, synthetic cannabis issues, and market forces behind the surge — and how new zoning rules aim to rein it in.
• Housing reform at scale: Zac breaks down the city’s Housing Options & Opportunities package and what it means for rowhomes, small apartment buildings, parking requirements, and neighborhood character.
• Parking minimums clarified: He addresses concerns from South Baltimore residents and explains what actually changes (and what doesn’t).
• Downtown’s crossroads: A candid look at office vacancies, competing districts, public space challenges, and why Downtown’s health matters to every neighborhood.
• Lexington Market progress: Zac shares details on a new multi‑agency effort he’s leading to tackle vacancy and improve conditions around the market.
• Neighborhood‑level wins: From code enforcement to youth vaping concerns, Zac talks about the hands‑on work his office is doing across District 11.

What We Discuss 

• The transition from candidate to councilmember
• Balancing family life with public service
• How committee work shapes legislation
• The process of drafting and negotiating bills
• The smoke shop zoning package and youth vaping concerns
• The city’s housing package and zoning modernization
• Parking requirements and development flexibility
• Downtown Baltimore’s challenges and opportunities
• Vacancy, graffiti, and quality‑of‑life issues
• How residents can engage with Zac’s office

Councilman Zac Blanchard — Contact Information Website: https://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/content/zac-blanchard
Phone: 410‑396‑4816
Email: [email protected]    Office Address:
100 Holliday Street
Room 516
Baltimore, Maryland 21202   SouthBMore.com Website: https://www.southbmore.com
Podcast inquiries & sponsorships: [email protected]