{{Short description|American politician (born 1984)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Zeke Cohen | image = Zeke Cohen (53556478594).jpg | caption = Cohen in 2023 | office = President of the Baltimore City Council | term_start = December 5, 2024 | term_end = | predecessor = Nick Mosby | successor = | office1 = Member of the Baltimore City Council from District 1 | term_start1 = December 8, 2016 | term_end1 = December 5, 2024 | predecessor1 = James B. Kraft | successor1 = Mark Parker | birth_name = Ezekiel Berzoff-Cohen | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|9|19}} | birth_place = Northampton, Massachusetts, U.S. | party = Democratic | spouse = {{marriage|Reena|2015}} | children = | education = Goucher College (BA)<br>Johns Hopkins University (MA) | occupation = }} '''Ezekiel Berzoff-Cohen'''<ref>{{cite news |title=Here's a List of Baltimore City Council Candidates in the April Primary |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/27/heres-a-list-of-baltimore-city-council-candidates/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Closeup">{{cite news |last1=Sweeney |first1=Danielle |title=Campaign Close-Up: 1st District candidates talk traffic, development and crime |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2015/10/10/campaign-close-up-1st-district-candidates-talk-traffic-development-and-crime/ |access-date=March 15, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=October 10, 2015 |language=en-us}}</ref> (born September 19, 1984) is an American politician who has served as the president of the Baltimore City Council since 2024. He previously represented the 1st district of the city council from 2016 to 2024.
==Early life and education== Cohen was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on September 19, 1984,<ref name="msa">{{cite web |title=Zeke Cohen, City Council, Baltimore, Maryland |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/36loc/bcity/leg/html/msa17330.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zeke Cohen |url=https://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/zeke-cohen |website=www.baltimorecitycouncil.com |publisher=Baltimore City Council |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Cohen |first=Zeke |user=Zeke_Cohen |number=1704115919180464156 |date=September 19, 2023 |title=It's my Birthday! At 38 I feel completely content. I love my wife. I love my kids (even when they make mischief). And I love my city. The only present I want is to keep serving. Help me hit my goal to raise $5,000 by midnight. Thanks for being my village! |language=en |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref> to father Lewis Cohen, a psychiatrist, and mother Joan Berzoff, a professor at Smith College.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Suzanne |title=Devoting their lives to death |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-hampshire-gazette-devoting-their-l/154287224/ |access-date=March 15, 2024 |work=Daily Hampshire Gazette |date=June 6, 2001 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> He moved from Massachusetts to Baltimore to attend Goucher College,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Lindsay Smith |title=A Conversation With Zeke Cohen |url=https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2017/a-conversation-with-zeke-cohen |access-date=March 15, 2024 |work=Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health |date=May 11, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> where he served as the president of the student government association and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2008. Cohen later attended Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in public policy.<ref name="msa" />
Cohen taught middle school social studies with Teach for America at George G. Kelson Elementary School and Curtis Bay Elementary School until 2011, when he founded his own nonprofit, The Intersection, which ran after-school programs for city youth.<ref name="msa" /><ref name="PresidentCandidacy" /> In August 2022, Cohen was hired as a consultant for Open Society Foundations.<ref name="Gig">{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Your City Council member probably has a side gig. Here's what they're doing. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-income-disclosure-2CN2MCILJBBCRIKDRENKCUMFPI/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 17, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
==Baltimore City Council== ===Tenure=== In March 2015, Cohen announced that he would run for the Baltimore City Council in District 1, seeking to succeed retiring city councilor James Kraft.<ref name="Proposal">{{cite news |last1=Babcock |first1=Stephen |title=Candidates Already Lining Up for Southeast Baltimore City Council Seat |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/candidates-already-lining-southeast-baltimore-city-council-seat/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=March 31, 2015}}</ref> During the Democratic primary, he ran on a platform including providing universal prekindergarten, improving police-community relationships, making Baltimore more pedestrian-friendly, expanding the city's summer jobs program, and reducing fees on small businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=A big-money, two-party race for City Council heats up in Southeast Baltimore |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2016/02/16/a-big-money-two-party-race-for-city-council-heats-up-in-southeast-baltimore/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 16, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Sustainable">{{cite news |last1=Cornish |first1=Stephanie |title=Candidate Wants Sustainable Solutions to Baltimore Challenges |url=https://afro.com/candidate-wants-sustainable-solutions-to-baltimore-challenges/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Afro-American |date=May 27, 2015}}</ref> Cohen won the six-way Democratic primary election with 27.3 percent of the vote on April 26, 2016,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Donovan |first1=Doug |last2=Duncan |first2=Ian |title=Baltimore City Council set for major turnover |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2016/04/27/baltimore-city-council-set-for-major-turnover/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 27, 2016}}</ref> and defeated Republican nominee Matthew McDaniel in the general election on November 8.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=Baltimore voters elect eight new City Council members |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2016/11/09/baltimore-voters-elect-eight-new-city-council-members/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 9, 2016}}</ref> He was sworn into the Baltimore City Council on December 8, 2016, where he was a member of the Education, Workforce, and Youth Committee during his entire tenure, including as its chair from 2016 to 2020, and on the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and Public Safety Committee from 2016 to 2020.<ref name="msa" /> During his tenure, Cohen gained a reputation as a progressive, an ally to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott,<ref name="PresidentCandidacy" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Dan |last2=Opilo |first2=Emily |title=Baltimore Councilman Zeke Cohen enters council president race, setting up clash with incumbent Nick Mosby |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/03/19/baltimore-councilman-zeke-cohen-enters-council-president-race-setting-up-clash-with-incumbent-nick-mosby/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 19, 2023}}</ref> and as one of the most effective members of the city council.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conrad |first1=Brooke |title=Baltimore City Council report card: Zeke Cohen |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/08/baltimore-city-council-report-card-zeke-cohen/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 8, 2024}}</ref>
Cohen ran for re-election in 2020. He defeated challenger Paris Bienert in the Democratic primary and ran unopposed in the general election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=In Southeast Baltimore's 1st District, Cohen looks to hold Democratic challenger at bay |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/05/22/in-southeast-baltimores-1st-district-cohen-looks-to-hold-democratic-challenger-at-bay/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Weigel |first1=Brandon |title=After winning the nomination for mayor, Scott pledges to remake city government |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/scott-after-victory-baltimore-will-only-move-forward-as-a-city-united-not-divided/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=June 10, 2020}}</ref> During the election, Cohen asked his supporters to donate to Baltimore City Public Schools funds to support families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Round |first1=Ian |title=In 1st District Council race, "I want a complete mandate," says incumbent Cohen |url=https://baltimorebrew.com/2020/05/15/in-the-1st-district-council-race-i-want-a-complete-mandate-says-incumbent-cohen/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=May 15, 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref>
[[File:Baltimore City Council Inauguration - 12 5 2024 (54185746359).jpg|thumb|Cohen is sworn in as city council president by Mayor Brandon Scott, 2024]] In January 2023, Cohen expressed interest in running for president of the Baltimore City Council, challenging incumbent president Nick Mosby.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Zeke Cohen says he's considering run for Baltimore City Council president |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/cohen-council-president-KVQCMQOTRVA3DAIQGQS2EFBQRY/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=January 5, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He officially entered the race on March 19, 2023.<ref name="PresidentCandidacy">{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Zeke Cohen declares run for City Council President |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/zeke-cohen-baltimore-city-council-president-2024-primary-election-S57HUD5KPRE63GWD3ZQQ2QFD5Q/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 19, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> During the Democratic primary, Cohen criticized Mosby for his fights with Scott.<ref name="PresidentCandidacy" /> He also received endorsements from State's Attorney Ivan Bates,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=State's Attorney Ivan Bates endorses Zeke Cohen for City Council president |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/bates-endorses-cohen-council-president-SQU2RKF4CNCYLOEVVEGYQ7I76E/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 28, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Comptroller Bill Henry,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Henry endorses Cohen for Baltimore City Council President, 2024′s first big endorsement |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/henry-endorses-cohen-OQVQ4ZPOONGA7KADGS2UL5O3UI/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 8, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and various local labor unions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Banner political notes: Service year starting; Artscape update; 2024 endorsements |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/banner-political-notes-TM52ATD63JAT7ATIVHY4ZUMK6A/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 19, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Public employee union backs Scott for mayor, Cohen for City Council president |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/afscme-endorsements-mayor-council-HCRUPEJM7VDLZFSOBJU5YLRA7U/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 21, 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Boteler |first1=Cody |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |last3=Sullivan |first3=Emily |last4=Wintrode |first4=Brenda |title=Banner political notes: Mayor debate next week; Baltimore and Senate endorsements |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/banner-political-notes-MUGXODX7MREBJFHDTZZI2YFKEA/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 24, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> He also led his competitors, Mosby and former city councilmember Shannon Sneed, in fundraising.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Cohen leads Mosby and Sneed in City Council President fundraising |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-fundraising-NBWJJNETHJDHRKX5I3U263S34U/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=January 18, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Cohen defeated Mosby in the Democratic primary election on May 14, 2024,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olaniran |first1=Christian |title=Zeke Cohen wins race for Baltimore City Council President |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/zeke-cohen-wins-race-for-baltimore-city-council-president/ |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=WJZ-TV |date=May 14, 2024}}</ref> and defeated Republican challenger Emmanuel Digman in the general election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reece |first1=Janay |title=Zeke Cohen becomes new Baltimore City Council president with landslide win |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/zeke-cohen-emmanuel-digman-seek-to-become-baltimore-city-council-president/ |access-date=November 6, 2024 |work=WJZ-TV |date=November 6, 2024}}</ref> Cohen was sworn in on December 5, 2024,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanderlin |first1=Lee O. |title=Nick Mosby, head held high, leaves City Hall |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/city-council-nick-mosby-goodbye-OSJGES444ZF2FFLCZKL76ZJER4/ |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 2, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> and is the first Jewish president of the Baltimore City Council since Walter Orlinsky.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kampeas |first1=Ron |title=In Maryland Democratic Senate Primary, Alsobrooks Beats Trone |url=https://jmoreliving.com/2024/05/15/in-maryland-democratic-senate-primary-alsobrooks-beats-trone/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=JMORE |date=May 15, 2024}}</ref>
===Crime and policing=== During his 2016 city council campaign, Cohen criticized Mayor Martin O'Malley's CitiStat and zero-tolerance crime policies as "failures".<ref name="Closeup" /> He supports giving the city of Baltimore control over its police department.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conarck |first1=Ben |last2=Sullivan |first2=Emily |title=City Council, activists push mayor to complete local takeover of police department this year |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/local-control-baltimore-police-PVQSQB5NJFEVTKRS5G5N5YMRJI/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 22, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He also called for several community-focused police reforms, including a shift away from the police department's war on drugs mentality and toward prioritizing public safety over making arrests.<ref name="Sustainable" /><ref>{{cite news |title=New Faces of City Council Grapple with DOJ Findings |url=https://afro.com/new-faces-of-city-council-grapple-with-doj-findings/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Afro-American |date=August 17, 2016}}</ref>
In July 2019, Cohen introduced a bill requiring agencies that interact with children and families to train employees on how to respond to trauma.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Talia |title=As trauma touches more youth, Baltimore councilman wants city programs to provide more support |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/07/22/as-trauma-touches-more-youth-baltimore-councilman-wants-city-programs-to-provide-more-support/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Richman |first1=Talia |title=Baltimore takes step toward becoming 'trauma-responsive city' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/01/13/baltimore-takes-step-toward-becoming-trauma-responsive-city/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 13, 2020}}</ref> The bill, which was later renamed after the late U.S. representative Elijah Cummings, passed, and was signed into law by Mayor Jack Young in February 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Phil |title=Mayor Young signs bill named after Elijah Cummings to make Baltimore a 'trauma-responsive city' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/02/09/mayor-young-signs-bill-named-after-elijah-cummings-to-make-baltimore-a-trauma-responsive-city/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 9, 2020}}</ref> The law made Baltimore the first American city to have legislated trauma-informed care into law.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Kara |title=Forty cosmetology students receive 'Destiny's Dream' scholarship in honor of slain entrepreneur |url=https://afro.com/forty-cosmetology-students-receive-destinys-dream-scholarship-in-honor-of-slain-entrepreneur/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Afro-American |date=July 12, 2022}}</ref>
Cohen called for cuts to city police funding following the murder of George Floyd in June 2020,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wenger |first1=Yvonne |title=Baltimore City Council takes on calls to 'defund the police' as part of Friday's budget hearing |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/06/12/baltimore-city-council-takes-on-calls-to-defund-the-police-as-part-of-fridays-budget-hearing/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 12, 2020}}</ref> and called for criminal justice reforms after Derek Chauvin was sentenced in April 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dieterle |first1=Marcus |title=Maryland leaders support Chauvin conviction, call for systemic change |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/maryland-leaders-support-chauvin-conviction-call-for-systemic-change/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> He supported Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, which repealed the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights, limited the use of no-knock warrants, and required police body cameras.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Berman |first1=Jesse |title=Jewish political leaders weigh in on police reform |url=https://www.jewishtimes.com/jewish-political-leaders-weigh-in-on-police-reform/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=Baltimore Jewish Times |date=April 29, 2021}}</ref>
In July 2022, after 48-year-old Timothy Reynolds was fatally shot in a confrontation with squeegee workers, Cohen sent an open letter to the deputy mayor calling on the city to put an end to squeegee work by increasing enforcement, support systems, and job opportunities for youth.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blackwell |first1=Penelope |title=Southeast Baltimore residents renew calls for enhanced security after teen killed in park |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/southeast-baltimore-residents-renew-calls-for-enhanced-security-after-teen-killed-in-park-SRK4UK4NZFGLDLGJAOR5ASVVR4/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 8, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He also suggested using universal basic income to give squeegee workers direct payments to encourage them to stop washing car windows at intersections.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |last2=Conarck |first2=Ben |title=Baltimore officials outline 'holistic' approach to luring squeegee workers from corners |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/article/city-officials-unveil-data-about-squeegee-work-outline-potential-solutions-NVV3R2IVSRCFJJTSEU6EL6Q3U4/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 27, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
During his 2024 city council president campaign, Cohen supported State's Attorney Bates's increased use of the citation docket to address low-level offenses, such as drug possession and loitering.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates endorses Zeke Cohen for council president |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/02/28/baltimore-states-attorney-ivan-bates-endorses-zeke-cohen-for-council-president/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 28, 2024}}</ref>
===Development initiatives=== In February 2023, Cohen introduced a bill requiring city officials to increase inspections on buildings with 20 units or more and with a record of poor conditions until conditions improve, and would revoke rental licenses form landlords that do not improve their buildings' conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kasakove |first1=Sophie |title=New bill takes aim at unresponsive Baltimore City landlords |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/housing/baltimore-apartments-poor-conditions-landlords-BIKJ4US3UZCR5GU5KJYUURFMWA/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 27, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
After the Baltimore Board of Estimates voted to approve Mayor Brandon Scott's Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) conduit agreement in February 2023, Cohen called for the reform or abolition of the Board of Estimates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Fern |title=After Scott's conduit vote causes an uproar, Zeke Cohen calls for Board of Estimates to be restructured or scrapped |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2023/02/17/after-scotts-conduit-vote-causes-an-uproar-zeke-cohen-calls-for-board-of-estimates-to-be-restructured-or-scrapped/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=February 17, 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref> Cohen later rallied against BGE proposals to increase gas rates by an average of $10.36 per month over a span of three years, or about a 63 percent increase, to pay for new gas infrastructure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freitas |first1=Clara Longo de |title=Cohen, Baltimore City Council ask state regulators to reject BGE rate increase |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/cohen-bge-rate-increase-5QD2TUDSKNFBJCM2UTUZCOY2X4/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 17, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Fern |title=Last plea to the PSC: Reject the Baltimore Gas and Electric rate hike |url=https://baltimorebrew.com/2023/12/14/last-plea-to-the-psc-reject-the-baltimore-gas-and-electric-rate-hike/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=December 14, 2023 |language=en-us}}</ref>
===Education=== Cohen supported Mayor Catherine Pugh's proposal to provide free community college for high school graduates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowie |first1=Liz |last2=Broadwater |first2=Luke |title=Pugh's plan for free community college gets warm reviews |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2017/08/11/pughs-plan-for-free-community-college-gets-warm-reviews/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> In October 2018, he organized the Support Our Schools Tour, which highlighted solutions and issues in the state's public school systems ahead of the Kirwan Commission releasing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Snowden-McCray |first1=Lisa |title=In Baltimore, a pre-Kirwan pep rally centered on equity |url=https://baltimorebrew.com/2018/11/15/in-baltimore-a-pre-kirwan-pep-rally-centered-on-equity/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=November 15, 2018 |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Local Lawmakers Come Together for Support Our Schools Tour |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/10/25/local-lawmakers-come-together-for-support-our-schools-tour/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> In April 2023, Cohen called on Baltimore City Public Schools to return to a five-day school week during its summer session, saying that it would support student safety and prevent youth violence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Worthington |first1=Aliza |title=Councilmember Cohen urges City Schools to stay open on Fridays over the summer |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/councilmember-cohen-urges-city-schools-to-stay-open-on-fridays-over-the-summer/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=April 13, 2023}}</ref> He later launched a "Field Trip Fridays" program with local nonprofits for students enrolled in summer programming with city schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Baltimore City councilman announces plan to extend some youth summer programming; school system distances itself |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/05/04/baltimore-city-councilman-announces-plan-to-extend-some-youth-summer-programming-school-system-distances-itself/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 4, 2023}}</ref>
During his 2024 city council president campaign, Cohen supported universal preschool and implementing restorative practices and conflict resolution training in schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |last2=Sullivan |first2=Emily |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |last4=Segelbaum |first4=Dylan |title=Political notes: Fundraising update, state Supreme Court to right racist wrong |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/baltimore-mayor-david-trone-angela-alsobrooks-harborplace-E67IYG5VQJAF3KGPIWFMAQTMGM/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 21, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===Ethics reform=== In April 2018, Cohen introduced the "Transparency in Lobbying Act", which requires the city ethics board to post lobbying disclosure forums online quarterly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Baltimore City Council bill would tighten restrictions on lobbyists, require forms go online |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/04/23/baltimore-city-council-bill-would-tighten-restrictions-on-lobbyists-require-forms-go-online/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 23, 2018}}</ref> The bill passed and became law in October 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Baltimore City Council tightens restrictions on lobbyists, require forms go online |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/10/15/baltimore-city-council-tightens-restrictions-on-lobbyists-require-forms-go-online/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> and the lobbying reporting website went live in October 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |title=Online portal will publicly display Baltimore lobbying disclosures |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/10/31/online-portal-will-publicly-display-baltimore-lobbying-disclosures/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 13, 2019}}</ref> After Baltimore voters approved a ballot initiative implementing a two-term limit on elected officials in November 2022, Cohen voted against a bill to shorten the time needed for officials to qualify for pensions to eight years,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=Divided City Council cuts time needed for elected officials to qualify for pensions in wake of voter-approved term limits |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-cuts-time-needed-for-elected-officials-to-qualify-for-pensions-in-wake-of-voter-approved-term-limits-7CDRFUJW2ZAIPETIF76EO5IQHY/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 22, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> instead supporting a competitive retirement plan system for elected officials. He supported Mayor Brandon Scott's veto of the pension bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Mayor Scott vetoes bill to shorten Baltimore City Council pension eligibility |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/mayor-scott-vetoes-bill-to-shorten-baltimore-city-council-pension-eligibility-UK4ZQHGVPJEBPIEZCIXYOE3HOM/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 30, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
===Environment=== In January 2023, Cohen wrote to the Baltimore Public Works Department to criticize its decision to invest limited federal stimulus in the city's Clean Corps program, and to call on the department to reinstate its weekly recycling pickup.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dieterle |first1=Marcus |title=Baltimore councilmembers call for weekly recycling pickup to resume |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/baltimore-councilmembers-call-for-dpw-director-to-resume-weekly-recycling-pickup-or-resign/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=January 9, 2023}}</ref> He later introduced a resolution calling for higher wages for the city's sanitation workers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=Baltimore kicks off $15 million Clean Corps, paying residents to clean their neighborhoods |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-kicks-off-15-million-clean-corps-paying-residents-to-clean-their-neighborhoods-RVMI6KTLDFGCLNYUCXHVTYOGZ4/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 7, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In March 2023, after it was reported that the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant would treat 675,000 gallons of wastewater from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment site, Cohen introduced a resolution to prevent the wastewater system from treating wastewater from the train crash.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Worthington |first1=Aliza |title=Cohen calls on EPA to rescind plan for Baltimore to process contaminated water from Ohio train derailment |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/cohen-calls-on-epa-to-rescind-plan-for-baltimore-to-process-contaminated-water-from-ohio-train-derailment/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=March 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Contractor will no longer treat waste from Ohio train crash in Baltimore, after Mayor Scott denies their permit |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/scott-denies-train-waste-7S3PJ3EFDBB3RHCHWZRPXB7ZAQ/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 27, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===Immigration=== In March 2017, Cohen introduced a resolution calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to "not target anyone who merely lacks proper documentation" or students permitted to study under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Baltimore City Council.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLeod |first1=Ethan |title=Councilman Zeke Cohen Defends Baltimore in Immigration Debate with Fox News' Tucker Carlson |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/councilman-zeke-cohen-defends-baltimore-immigration-debate-fox-news-tucker-carlson/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=March 22, 2017}}</ref> In May 2021, he was arrested and charged with civil disobedience for participating in a CASA de Maryland protest in Washington, D.C. to pressure lawmakers to pass legislation creating a path for citizenship for immigrants.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oxenden |first1=McKenna |title=Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen arrested in Washington immigration protest |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/05/13/baltimore-city-councilman-zeke-cohen-arrested-in-washington-immigration-protest/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 13, 2021}}</ref>
===Minimum wage=== In March 2017, Cohen voted to raise Baltimore's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Baltimore City Council passes $15 minimum wage bill |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2017/03/20/baltimore-city-council-passes-15-minimum-wage-bill/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 20, 2017}}</ref>
===Redistricting=== In October 2023, Cohen voted against a city council redistricting map proposed by city council president Nick Mosby, expressing frustration with the rushed process of passing the new maps.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=City Council approves Baltimore redistricting map, countering mayor's proposal |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/city-council-approves-baltimore-redistricting-map-countering-mayors-proposal-YCPKSDGZBBHHRNUYDXTVO5RVKA/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 20, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In February 2024, he proposed establishing an independent redistricting commission to draw Baltimore's city council districts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=Cohen plan would put residents in charge of Baltimore council redistricting |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/cohen-baltimore-council-redistricting-FFTOA6IZS5HMNAFVF7EIHXCGTQ/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 12, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
===Social issues=== In March 2019, Cohen introduced a resolution calling on Baltimore City Public Schools to adopt a policy protecting transgender students against gender discrimination. The Baltimore City Council unanimously voted to approve the resolution.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weigel |first1=Brandon |title=Council unanimously passes resolution calling on school board to pass protections for trans students |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/council-unanimously-passes-resolution-calling-on-school-board-to-pass-protections-for-trans-students/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=March 25, 2019}}</ref> He also introduced a bill requiring all single-occupancy bathrooms to be gender-neutral, which passed and was signed into law by Mayor Jack Young.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cassie |first1=Ron |title=Gender-Neutral Bathroom Bill Unanimously Passes City Hearing |url=https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/community/gender-neutral-single-user-bathroom-bill-unanimously-passes-city-hearing/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Magazine |date=May 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Phil |title=Baltimore Mayor Young signs bill to make all Baltimore single-occupancy bathrooms gender-inclusive |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-md-ci-baltimore-gender-inclusive-bathrooms-20190616-story.html |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-md-ci-baltimore-gender-inclusive-bathrooms-20190616-story.html |archive-date=October 6, 2023}}</ref>
In May 2022, following the leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case ''Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization'', which would overturn ''Roe v. Wade'' and ''Planned Parenthood v. Casey'', Cohen introduced a resolution calling for the creation of a city fund to support reproductive health care service providers, which was approved by the Baltimore City Council. He also called on Governor Larry Hogan to release funding for the Abortion Care Access Act, which expanded the types of healthcare providers who can perform abortions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Fern |title=With Roe about to be overturned, City Council seeks to fund support for abortion rights |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2022/05/17/with-roe-about-to-be-overturned-city-council-seeks-to-fund-support-for-abortion-rights/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=May 17, 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref>
In July 2022, Cohen introduced a bill establishing the Baltimore City Commission on Aging, an independent agency tasked with assessing the needs of the city's senior population and connecting them with services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dieterle |first1=Marcus |title=Baltimore council members propose creation of Office for Aging |url=https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/baltimore-city-council-members-propose-creation-of-office-for-aging-to-advocate-for-elders/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=Baltimore Fishbowl |date=July 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |title=City Council advances Mayor's Office of Aging bill |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-office-of-aging-4D7FMQZFR5EGBKW5Y3NJNGPY5A/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 27, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The Baltimore City Council unanimously voted to approve the legislation in August 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |last3=Sullivan |first3=Emily |title=Banner political notes: CASA protesters cleared; Baltimore government additions |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/banner-political-notes-NKVXVN5Y4JBDFMBLRWRK6TEIZU/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 26, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
In June 2023, Cohen introduced an amendment to the city budget to move $1 million in funding from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts to the city's public library system to assist with implementing the Peer Navigators program, which helps connect community members with addiction and behavioral health issues with experts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Cohen seeks to cut $1 million from BOPA, in test of council's new budget power |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/bopa-libraries-cohen-cut-R5QNOLLYJFGGLH7FLM7ULDCVCM/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 1, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He withdrew the amendment a few weeks later and was the only member of the city council to vote against the final passage of the budget.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Emily |title=Council approves budget after $12 million in changes, bolstering Fire Department |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-council-budget-changes-5DSZA7MSN5HRNDZBHOCNXAC6KE/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 14, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2023, Cohen rallied against the closure of three of the city's public pools through the entirety of the summer,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Massey |first1=Miana |title=Several Baltimore pools remain closed, leaving residents in the heat |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/local-news/baltimore-pool-closures-33PP3WFV35DFJACDQUOH3VHXVQ/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 19, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> which prompted city officials to temporarily backtrack and later give Cohen special approval to solicit private funds for a pop-up splash pad in Patterson Park.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=Baltimore City Council urges city to avoid untimely pool closures |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/after-summer-marked-by-heat-and-shuttered-pools-baltimore-council-urges-city-to-avoid-untimely-closures-XPJM6DIUXFEXRMEU634Q5TD4LA/ |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 23, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
In December 2023, Cohen voted for a resolution condemning the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and calling for the immediate release of hostages,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |last2=Miller |first2=Hallie |title=Baltimore City Council meeting interrupted by pro-Palestine protest |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-council-palestine-protest-IL4OEFMNK5FZPLMIHQFVIYXBU4/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 4, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> and against a resolution calling for a long-term ceasefire in the Gaza war.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Adam |title=Call for Israel-Palestine ceasefire fails as Middle East conflict roils Baltimore Council |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/baltimore-city-council-israel-palestine-middle-east-cease-fire-NWY7ANP5JRHNTNUOM66OTXH2MY/ |access-date=March 23, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 8, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===Transportation=== Cohen supports the Red Line and criticized Governor Larry Hogan's cancellation of the transit line project.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Republicans see hope of a City Council seat in Southeast Baltimore |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2016/10/02/republicans-see-hope-of-a-city-council-seat-in-southeast-baltimore/ |access-date=April 10, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 2, 2016}}</ref> During his 2016 city council campaign, he supported the implementation of Baltimore's Bicycle Master Plan and expanding the city's public transportation system, including light rail and Charm City Circulator routes.<ref name="Sustainable" />
==Personal life== {{external media | float = right | width = 258px | video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTbjKcDXrdw Zeke Cohen Campaign Event - The Proposal]<br />via YouTube<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTbjKcDXrdw |title=Zeke Cohen Campaign Event - The Proposal |access-date=March 4, 2015 |last=Cohen |first=Zeke |date=4 March 2015 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> }} Cohen lives in the Brewer's Hill neighborhood of Baltimore.<ref name="PresidentCandidacy" /> He is married to his wife Reena, who works as a doctor at MedStar Harbor Hospital<ref name="Gig" /> and whom he proposed to at his 2016 campaign kickoff.<ref name="Proposal" /> He is Jewish.<ref>{{cite news |title=Baltimore City's Jewish Councilman Zeke Cohen Shares Some Thoughts on the Horrible Situation in Israel |url=https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=167190 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |work=Baltimore Jewish Life |date=October 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shen |first1=Fern |title=Five vote "no" as City Council approves $21 million for police overtime |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2018/10/29/five-vote-no-as-city-council-approves-21-million-for-police-overtime/ |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=Baltimore Brew |date=October 29, 2018 |language=en-us}}</ref>
==Electoral history== {{Election box begin no change | title = Baltimore City Council District 1 Democratic primary election, 2016<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2016 Presidential Primary Election results for Baltimore City | work = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2016/results/primary/gen_results_2016_3_by_county_030.html | date = May 31, 2016}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Zeke Cohen |votes = 2,196 |percentage = 27.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Scott Goldman |votes = 1,661 |percentage = 20.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Mark Edelson |votes = 1,387 |percentage = 17.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Mark Parker |votes = 1,362 |percentage = 17.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Ed Marcinko |votes = 830 |percentage = 10.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sean P. Flanagan |votes = 597 |percentage = 7.4 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Baltimore City Council District 1 election, 2016<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2016 Presidential General Election results for Baltimore City | work = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2016/results/general/index.html | date = December 4, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Zeke Cohen |votes = 12,548 |percentage = 66.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Matthew McDaniel |votes = 6,170 |percentage = 32.8 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 67 |percentage = 0.4 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Baltimore City Council District 1 election, 2020<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2020 Presidential General Election results for Baltimore City | work = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020/results/general/gen_results_2020_4_by_county_030.html | date = December 4, 2020}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Zeke Cohen (incumbent) |votes = 17,588 |percentage = 95.4 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 843 |percentage = 4.6 }} {{Election box end}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{commons category inline}} *{{cite web |title=Zeke Cohen |url=https://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/zeke-cohen |website=www.baltimorecitycouncil.com |publisher=Baltimore City Council |access-date=October 21, 2024}} *{{cite web |title=Zeke Cohen for City Council President |url=https://zekecohen.com/ |website=zekecohen.com |access-date=October 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919230441/https://zekecohen.com/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cohen, Zeke}} Category:1984 births Category:Baltimore City Council members Category:Living people Category:21st-century Maryland politicians Category:Goucher College alumni Category:Jewish American people in Maryland politics Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni Category:Maryland Democrats Category:Politicians from Baltimore Category:Politicians from Northampton, Massachusetts Category:Schoolteachers from Maryland Category:21st-century American Jews