Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach Receives $18,000 Training for Job
Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach, who was appointed as part of the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative, is set to receive extensive training at a significant cost to taxpayers. The training, which amounts to $18,000 for just 10 hours of instruction, will be provided by the former city administrator, who will coach Leach on the essential skills required for her role.
The decision to allocate such a substantial amount for training has raised eyebrows among residents and fiscal watchdogs, particularly given the high cost of $1,800 per hour. Critics argue that this expenditure reflects a lack of preparedness for the position and raises questions about the hiring process that led to Leach's appointment.
Leach's appointment as city administrator was part of a broader effort by Baltimore officials to enhance representation and inclusivity within city leadership. However, her reported struggles with the administrative responsibilities of the role have sparked concern regarding the effectiveness of the DEI hiring strategy. Supporters of the initiative maintain that diverse leadership is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by the city.
City officials have defended the training investment, asserting that it is necessary to ensure Leach is equipped to fulfill her duties effectively. They emphasize that proper training is essential for any administrator to succeed in a complex urban environment like Baltimore.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions about the allocation of city resources and the effectiveness of administrative hires. As Baltimore continues to navigate its challenges, the outcome of this training and its impact on Leach's performance will be closely monitored by both the public and city officials.
As the city strives to balance diversity initiatives with operational efficiency, the implications of this training investment will likely influence future hiring practices and budgetary decisions in Baltimore.