“Every decision I make is guided by one principle: the people closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions.”

Phylicia Porter’s leadership is built on a simple but powerful idea: when leadership is rooted in community, lasting change follows. A Baltimore native and a lifelong advocate for equity, she brings clarity, compassion, and conviction to everything she does—from the council floor to neighborhood meetings across District 10.

Before entering public office, Phylicia established herself as a public health expert and policy leader. She earned advanced degrees from Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, building a deep understanding of health policy, law, and management. But her expertise has never been just academic—it has always been a foundation for action. For more than a decade, she has worked to transform systems so they serve the people too often left behind.

As Councilwoman for Baltimore’s 10th District, Phylicia has carried that same energy into her service. She has secured over $30 million in investments for South Baltimore, championed the creation of three regional recreation centers, and delivered more than half a million dollars in direct support to community-based organizations. Her journey is also deeply tied to representation. As an African American woman, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a homeowner in Pigtown, she represents a new generation of political leadership that is smart, relatable, and unapologetically people-powered.

In addition to her role on the Baltimore City Council, Phylicia serves as Vice Chair of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, where she has driven millions of dollars in investment for local neighborhoods. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Towson University Foundation and the Hippodrome Foundation. Beyond her official roles, she remains a deeply engaged community member, working alongside neighbors to advance change at both the local and state levels.

Even amidst the demands of public service, Phylicia stays grounded in what matters most: her community, her values, and her family—including her loyal dog, Professor William Bruno Shakespeare.

In every space she enters, Phylicia Porter leads with integrity, compassion, and conviction—proving that government can and must work hand-in-hand with people.