The Center for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR) at the University of Baltimore School of Law brought together partners from across the DMV for its 3rd Annual Criminal Legal Reform Advocates’ Retreat, convening more than 200 advocates, organizers, researchers, policy experts, and students to prepare for Maryland’s upcoming legislative session.
The retreat served as a space to deepen relationships, strengthen regional collaboration, and align strategies to advance community-driven, evidence-based criminal legal reform. Participants engaged in robust discussions on the narratives shaping public safety, the impact of the national political landscape on reform efforts in Maryland, and anticipated priority bills and defensive fights for the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January 14.
Directly impacted leaders played a central role throughout the day, grounding conversations in lived experience and reinforcing CCJR’s commitment to centering communities most affected by the criminal legal system. The dialogue was both candid and forward-looking, generating new ideas and partnerships aimed at addressing harm, inequity, and barriers to safety across the state.
The retreat reflected CCJR’s mission to support community-led solutions that promote accountability, equity, and safety through research, policy development, and advocacy. As Maryland prepares for the 2026 legislative session, CCJR and its partners are focused on translating collective knowledge and collaboration into meaningful change in Annapolis.
You can also read more about CCJR’s recent work and updates in the Center’s latest newsletter.