Ted Carter, Baltimore’s ranking official for economic development, is no longer employed by the city, according to the mayor’s office.

Monica M. Lewis, a spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Scott, described the departure as a resignation, which she said took place this morning. In a statement, she said Scott wished Carter well and “appreciates his decision to not allow distractions to prevent the advancement of crucial” city business.

Several city officials confirmed last week that Carter, deputy mayor for community and economic development, had been temporarily suspended. Appointed to the role last year, Carter oversaw 14 agencies with a combined $1 billion budget. His portfolio includes housing, planning, workforce and tourism. He had an annual salary of $214,200.

Baltimore officials, who spoke to The Banner on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the personnel move, said that city agency leaders had scheduled a meeting this morning to discuss the matter.

Lewis said Bukola Rashedat Hammed-Owens will serve as the primary point of contact for the position for now. The mayor plans to find a permanent replacement in the “near future,” she added. Hammed-Owens currently is listed as an operations officer and liaison between the housing department and the community and economic development division.

Carter previously led economic and business initiatives in Cuyahoga County, Ohio’s second-largest, which is viewed by Baltimore officials as a leader in community development initiatives. He reported to City Administrator Chris Shorter. Emails delivered to his city inbox have not been answered.

While in Cleveland, Carter had been investigated by county and state prosecutors in a corruption probe that involved his office. Ohio state officials said that while Carter was never charged or prosecuted, an internal investigation found that he had filed expenses with the county for a seminar or conference he did not attend. He reimbursed the county for those funds, officials said.

City officials said they have privately questioned Carter’s ability to lead in his capacity as a deputy mayor. One called him an “HR nightmare.” They said he often showed up to key meetings unprepared, mistreated and alienated staff and had more than half a dozen assistants quit since his tenure started.

Carter’s most recent special assistant, Ronald Stubblefield, resigned in June, citing burnout and aspirations to focus on work “that is truly more aligned with my passions for developing [and] advancing [diversity, equity and inclusion] strategy and programs,” according to a LinkedIn post.

Carter was a member of Baltimore’s planning commission and also served on the boards of Visit Baltimore and the Baltimore Development Corporation. He earned his master’s degree in public administration from The American University in Washington D.C., and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.

This article may be updated.

hallie.miller@thebaltimorebanner.com

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