Organizers in Baltimore County held a petition drive in recent months to expand the number of representatives on the county council. The goal was to get a voter referendum on the general election ballot which could add four new seats to the council by amending the county charter.

That would expand the council to 11 members if approved by voters but the effort fell short.

The issue might be back in 2024, because the county executive supports expanding the council.

In March, a coalition of community organizations launched a campaign to collect 10,000 or more registered voter signatures required to put the issue on the November ballot.

Linda Dorsey-Walker, the chair of the coalition called 4MORE! 4BALTIMORECOUNTY said Tuesday they will not make that goal.

“I would say that’s a fair assumption at this point,” Dorsey-Walker said.

Expanding the council would require voters to approve a charter amendment. The question can be put on the ballot either with a petition drive or if at least five members of the County Council agree.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said he will take a very serious look at working with the council to propose expanding the body by perhaps two seats.

Read full article: Baltimore County Council may add seats with Olszewski’s support | WYPR