Isaac "Yitzy" Schleifer
City Council District 5
About
Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer is the Councilman for the 5th District of Baltimore City.
Councilman Schleifer is a lifelong resident of the 5th District and currently serving on the City Council since 2016. Councilman Schleifer is the Chair of the Rules and Legislative Oversight Committee and serves on both the Health, Environment, and Technology Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
BALTIMORE TAXPAYERS ARE ABOUT TO PAY FOR Lazarus Rite’s MESS.
During this past week’s budget hearings, the Deputy City Administrator confirmed something we feared:
Baltimore taxpayers may have to repay the federal government for missing ARPA money tied to the failed $1.4 million Clean Corps contract given to The Lazarus Rite.
Here’s what makes this even worse:
Instead of reimbursing expenses after proof that the money was properly spent, like most city contracts, the city/civic fund foolishly fronted a large chunk of the money upfront.
The contract was eventually canceled after allegations that Christopher Ervin 's nonprofit misused a significant portion of those funds.
And now the Baltimore Civic Fund is refusing even to try to recover the money.
Think about that.
No serious effort to get the money back.
No accountability.
Just Baltimore taxpayers are left holding the bag.
At a time when families are struggling with the highest property taxes in the state, high utility bills, and other unavoidable costs, the ARPA office was handing out millions with little oversight, and now residents could be stuck paying for the fallout.
The public deserves answers:
Who approved this deal?
Where did the money go?
And why isn’t every possible effort being made to recover taxpayer dollars? ... See MoreSee Less
33 CommentsComment on Facebook
The City isn’t on the hook for $1.4M. It has to repay a much smaller amount - I recall maybe $70K? Lazarus Rite did good work but couldn’t do bookkeeping/admin, even after capacity-building attempts to get them there, which is what caused their contract to be revoked. Small community-based organizations often need funds advanced to them as they don’t have the cash flow or reserves like big corporations to pay their bills and employees. That’s typical and necessary if you want contracts to go to smaller businesses or community-based orgs. You need to contextualize your claim that funds were misused. I believe the poor bookkeeping simply couldn’t account for how all funds were spent vs. being spent illicitly. It makes zero sense to spend time and $ on recovering a small amount of unrecoverable funds. The City has done the math and it doesn’t make fiscal sense. The organization no longer exists. Funds were spent, they’re not sitting in a bank account. Investing in small organizations is a risk. Many small organizations serve the City well. This contract didn’t work out and the City let them go in a timely manner vs. continuing on with them. You must take some risk if you want to partner with small companies and local non-profits.
So if they're not going after the money someone's pockets are being lined CROOKS
Maybe if the Inspector General was allowed to do her job… Maybe we can find out where the rest of the money went. That’s what over site is for.
Scott's pockets are getting full!
Wish you could make a difference , but , I this city it’s not likely !
Just another reason why Baltimore City needs an independent Office of the Inspector General. We need greater oversight, transparency, and accountability for how our tax dollars are being spent.
Non profits launder money consistently.
When does deliberate mismanagement cross the line into a criminal act? What are Bill Henry’s responsibilities as comptroller?
Brandon Scott got the money
How can we help?
So typical of Baltimore and Maryland! Get out while you still can
🤣
Wow who side are you on the status quo or taxpayers ?
Maybe if the AG could stop suing Trump for a second he could prosecute these people??
Who else is benefiting from this deal????
Also Christina Flowers
Reparations
Crooked politicians in Baltimore?
How else are our leaders going to lead us over the cliff?
How would I have guessed it was a nonprofit?!? The nonprofits in Maryland are ROGUE! One took its grant money to build houses with and did nothing but SUE ME WITH IT. Something must be done. America is failing us.
WE the taxpayers are paying for ALL of the missing money!! That’s a whole lot of taxpayers work hours, that you yourself went in every day and worked, wasted by Moore, while he’s out partying with “his people”, as he likes to call us.
Baltimore/Maryland DEMOCRATS!! One big dumpster fire. 🔥🥵🖕
This whole scheme of funneling money through non-profits that have no accountability along with the refusal to cooperate with the Inspector General, is probably a whole lot worse than is smells and it smells REALLY bad. Let the I.G. do her job and find out where the money is ACTUALLY ending up. The stench of corruption is overwhelming.
The woman speaking use the money for her hair,4 inch nails ,eyelashes ready to take off in flight and her suit/ either way Baltimore politicians are corrupt. Someone needs to come in and audit every one. I know I.G has been after Brandon (Transparent, not transparent) Scott but fails because he believes he is above any investigation.he only sends blackout pages. deflects questions. He believes he can make news reporters seem like they're dumb and ot knowing what they are talking about. Exposes all their darkness. Eliminate those who are corrupt. Taxpayers has aright to know about where their money is going to.
Ridiculous Baltimore city wasting money
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This budget grows to over $5 BILLION with nearly $400 million in new spending… yet still NO property tax relief. THE MONEY IS THERE!
Only 36% of the General Fund is fixed costs. That means there’s room to prioritize lowering housing costs and giving residents relief.
The slide below from the City’s own 10-year plan shows just how uncompetitive Baltimore’s property taxes are compared to surrounding jurisdictions.
If we’re not lowering taxes in a year with this much new spending, then when?
Take a look through the budget books and post what stands out to you. I want your questions, concerns, and feedback as we head into budget hearings.
www.baltimorecity.gov/bbmr/budget-publications ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Councilman there’s a way to force a property tax reduction. Get the council to cut the budget and direct the cuts to a property tax reduction.
What stands out is how small Baltimore’s property tax base is compared to other jurisdictions.
My City Council cut the budget to create enough to reduce tax rate $.05...at least then, only Mayor can reduction budget and rate.
Twice the taxes for half the services.
What can we do besides vote for you Yitzy? When one council member vote blocks the Inspector General, nothing can stop City corruption.
Put an end to all the waste that occurs within the Baltimore City Government
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In my effort to get a clear, itemized breakdown of how $2 million in COVID relief funds were spent on Artscape, both the Deputy CAO and the Executive Producer of Artscape referred me to the Inspector General’s report. Until they suggested it, I had not yet read it.
One part of the report stood out immediately:
The former Chief Recovery Officer reportedly stated they were “not a big fan of Artscape,” and did not “understand many of the associated costs,” and felt “it’s all like, too much money to me.”
Unlike the former Recovery Officer, I am a fan of Artscape. My family attends every year, and I believe it’s an important cultural event for Baltimore. But I also share the same concern: I still do not understand the costs, which is exactly why I’m asking questions and seeking transparency.
After reading the report, here are a few key takeaways:
• The report does not identify a single artist by name, so the public still has no idea who was paid what.
• It refers only to “Artist 1,” “Artist 2,” “Artist 3,” etc., despite there being many more performers including many smaller and some local ones involved in the festival.
• The public still deserves answers to my simple questions:�Where is an itemized list of where two million dollars of COVID relief money went?
The report also details other expenses funded with COVID relief dollars, including:
• $50,000 to the Festival Director�• $25,000 to the Operations Manager�• $15,000 to the Stage Manager�• $25,000 to the Volunteer Coordinator�• $40,000 in booking fees for whoever secured the artists.
Most shocking to me was the revelation that tens of thousands of dollars were spent on VIP events, including a VIP cigar lounge at the War Memorial Building.
My original question was simple:�What was the $2 million in COVID relief money for Artscape actually spent on?
After reading this report, my position is even stronger:�The public deserves a complete, itemized accounting of the full cost of Artscape and where every taxpayer dollar went.
As Chair of the Legislative Investigations Committee the only City Council committee with subpoena power, I believe it is necessary for the Executive Producer of Artscape to provide a full accounting of these expenditures.
I encourage everyone to read the Inspector General report for themselves.
s3.amazonaws.com/baltimorecity.gov.if-us-east-1/s3fs-public/2026-02/public_synopsis_case_25-0047-... ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sir, this is exactly why we need to support Baltimore City Office of Inspector General Cumming.
Hot take. Most, if not all, of these costs are reasonable, at least categorically. Make sure that the money was spent as indicated and, if so, move on. Artscape expenses are a legitimate use of ARPA funds.
Have read the report which emphasizes the absolute necessity of an independent OIG which we voted for and is part of our city charter those who want to change this should have the proverbial curtain opened as in Oz. Once again, thank you for actually representing the needs and concerns of Baltimore and not special interest groups or self aggrandizement
Will your supoena power provide you access to redacted information also?
Taxpayer money falls from the sky like magic pixie dust.
Whoever "they" are believe they are above accountability to not need to produce expenditures as commanded. It just shows "they" are thieves if they are hiding something. Would 'they" hide their finances from a bank financier to obtain a loan ? So why not show these Covid reliefs money transferred to Artscape.
And yet, they thinks it’s okay not to produce expenditures when requested. Wake up people!!!!!!
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Agency budget hearings begin in two weeks, and now is the time to start digging into the details.
The full agency budget books can be viewed at the links below. I encourage everyone to take a look through them. If you come across spending that raises questions, programs you think deserve more scrutiny, or areas you believe need more investment, post them here.
No question is too small. These hearings are one of the few chances we have to publicly question agencies about how your tax dollars are being spent, and community input helps shape those conversations.
Drop your questions, concerns, or observations in the comments and I’ll do my best to bring them up during the hearings.
www.baltimorecity.gov/bbmr/budget-publications
s3.amazonaws.com/baltimorecity.gov.if-us-east-1/s3fs-public/2026-05/2026-05-11-FY2027%20Agency%20...
s3.amazonaws.com/baltimorecity.gov.if-us-east-1/s3fs-public/2026-05/2026-05-11-FY2027%20Agency%20... ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Councilman Isaac Yitzy Schleifer what is the following up from the investigation of mismanagement of funds by The Time Organizations? That operates Two city owned shelters with 100's of grievances from occupants... Bill Henry and Zeke Cohen was speaking on the $$$$$ for shelters...
ICYMI: COVID relief funds are still unaccounted for, and the Baltimore Civic Fund wants taxpayers to just move on.
Absolutely not.
Baltimore taxpayers deserve to know: Christopher Ervin where did the money go? ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Councilman Isaac Yitzy Schleifer don't let the mayor take the independence away from the oig with his latest proposal!https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2026/05/13/mayor-scott-previews-legislation-that-cripples-the-independence-of-baltimores-inspector-general/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARzV89jbGNrBHNXgGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHjd_oJILJ0FVlvEmqZBSpsZ0uWoMrRSJDs9PpNwn7I82oDPxTbZP6z0RSQa0_aem_tO5PLW6U4jrebD2FV1_FmA
What the hell is going on in Baltimore-Trump
It’s hard to keep up with all the problems in City Hall. It would be helpful if we had a fully functioning OIG.
$2 million dollars in COVID relief funds was funneled through the Baltimore Civic Fund for Artscape performers.
Do the City Council and the taxpayers not deserve to know exactly how much each performer was paid?
Transparency shouldn’t be optional when public money is involved especially federal relief dollars that were supposed to help communities recover.
Baltimore residents are struggling to keep up with rising utility bills, groceries, and property taxes. So it’s more than fair to ask:
Did one performer walk away with a half million dollar paycheck while families here were deciding between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table? ... See MoreSee Less
153 CommentsComment on Facebook
Time to hold people accountable.
Answer the Question. Where is the $$$
Unbelievable just round and round probably went to her.
She is double talking trying not to answer the question. The usual response in Baltimore. Sad that no one will do anything about this.
Wow, the level of shady that this women is displaying. Just give a direct answer!!! Baltimore City keeps it citizens poor with the utilities and taxes and yet they are confused that citizens are leaving on droves.
She's getting mad. She's hiding the truth.
Keep pushing for the truth. It's amazing how taxpayer dollars are being spent. On whatever the mayor wants to spend them on and people are struggling to get their medication to put food on the table to close their kids and he comes up with these little bogus programs to try to get people mine off of what he's doing, which is stealing taxpayer dollars from the people who really need it
How can taxpayer money be spend and she saying it's proprietary? The taxpayers aren't included? They are the ones paying for it.
2 million!!!!
I can appreciate this inquiry. Just curious how much the city or state is sending, directly or indirectly to Israel?
If I was this woman's boss, ( which I believe she reports directly to the mayor,) i would have a serious talk with her about how she addressed these questions. Clearly, if she is a dedicated public servant, she would promise to send this info within 24 to 48 hours of these questions. OK, sure, maybe he lost the information. Not a big deal. If this is not the case, then she is trying to hide some controversial information.
What’s the name of the artist that was paid all this money? What are y’all hiding?
We want to know where every dime of our money goes
Soooo they gonna play the " word chess games"! Those that hide nothing....have nothing to hide!! Let that sink in.
Why did this go to artscape instead of to hungry children, seniors who can’t pay their heating bills, etc?
This is exactly why independent oversight, audits, and transparency matter in government. When taxpayer dollars and federal relief funds are involved, the public deserves clear processes, documentation, accountability, and independent review not confusion, unanswered questions, or disputes over access to records. Oversight systems are not meant to attack government. They exist to strengthen public trust, reduce opportunities for waste or abuse, and ensure that public money is handled responsibly and transparently.
Stay on their asses Yitzy! We need TRANSPARENCY!
What were Covid relief funds used for Artscape? Was this a legit use of those funds?
This gets more interesting by the week. Just the tip Of the iceberg
They always trying to cover up expenses!
Question -- you invited me to join your page and I have a question. How did you vote in the recent Isabel Cumming matter? Did you vote for or against letting the TAXPAYERS decide the right thing?
All the taxpayers do not know what is she talking about I've never heard about how much these artists are getting paid hard-earned money when you got homeless people on the street and you're worried about listening to some rapper
Hell yes
There should be an itemized list to where every payment went. If not, they’re definitely hiding something and should be audited immediately.
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