Anti-democratic forces are on the rise, and our most treasured institutions are under attack. In times like these, believers in progress must renew their commitment to fairness, transparency and democracy.

These core principles should influence everything Baltimore City does, including its relationships with the city’s wealthiest nonprofit anchor institutions. Unfortunately, the city’s current agreement with private hospitals and universities falls far short of these values. With the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) pact set to expire next year, it is time for a new approach.

In 2016, Baltimore’s 14 richest anchor institutions, tax-exempt hospitals and universities signed the PILOT agreement behind closed doors that lets them pay just $6 million annually instead of paying property taxes.

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