Baltimore Mayor Skips Smart City Expo Trip
Mayor Brandon Scott will not travel to Spain as city officials attend the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Remote Work
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott canceled his planned trip to the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, November 3-5, and officials said no reason was given for the change. City Administrator Faith P. Leach and Chief Data Officer Dartanion Swift-Williams are attending the exposition in his place.
Why it matters
The city's sole representation at the global urban innovation event now rests with two administrators, and the Board of Estimates is set to approve $6,250 for their travel, lodging and meals. The mayor's office later said Scott chose to remain in Baltimore to support fellow Democrats on Election Day.
The Board of Estimates is set to approve $6,250 for Leach and Swift-Williams, while the expo claims 26,000 attendees across roughly 1,000 host cities. Baltimore is one of only three American cities displaying exhibits at the event.
The players
Brandon Scott
Brandon Scott is the Democratic mayor of Baltimore who canceled his planned trip to Spain for the Smart City Expo.
Faith P. Leach
Faith P. Leach is the Baltimore City Administrator who is attending the Smart City Expo in place of the mayor.
Dartanion Swift-Williams
Dartanion Swift-Williams is Baltimore's Chief Data Officer who is scheduled to speak at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona.
Letitia Dzirasa
Letitia Dzirasa is Baltimore's Deputy Mayor who requested travel for a two-week residency at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is the United Nations agency responsible for international public health, which will cover the $8,120 cost of Dzirasa's Geneva residency.
The details
Leach is listed on a panel titled 'The Livable City: Inclusion First, Prosperity Follows,' and Swift-Williams is scheduled to speak on 'Baltimore's Vision for Turning Data into Better Lives.' Both officials are scheduled to return to the United States on Saturday.
Timeline
November 3-5, 2026: Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona
November 3, 2026: Mayor's office announces Scott will not travel
November 4, 2026: Board of Estimates to consider $6,250 in travel funds
November 7, 2026: Leach and Swift-Williams scheduled to return to the U.S.
November 7-21, 2026: Deputy Mayor Letitia Dzirasa's two-week residency at WHO headquarters in Geneva
Roadmap
Baltimore is one of three American cities exhibiting at the Smart City Expo, a Barcelona-hosted gathering that claims roughly 1,000 host cities. The city's reduced delegation this year places its international urban-innovation presence in the hands of two administrators.
Baltimore residents will see $6,250 in public funds used for two officials' travel, lodging and meals in Barcelona. The city's international urban-technology engagement this week will be handled by administrators rather than the mayor.
The takeaway
Civic travel decisions often reflect competing local priorities, and this case shows how a city can keep its international presence while shifting leadership responsibilities. Residents interested in municipal spending can track Board of Estimates approvals for official travel.
Further reading
For related coverage of how cities are approaching work and travel policy, see Remote Work coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baltimore Brew.
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