ABOUT JAMES TORRENCE

James believes systemic change can only be achieved when principled leaders engage in collaborative problem-solving approaches that empower communities and protect our vulnerable neighbors. As the  councilman for the 7th District, he has done just that. James serves on the Education, Workforce, and Youth; Health, Environment, and Technology; Rules and Legislative Oversight committees.  

A Baltimore native raised in public housing, James has served and contributed to the well-being of his community since the age of 13. James was disheartened by the appalling conditions of his high school, Carver Voc-Tech.  He advocated with fellow student government association members to elicit support from the mayor and governor to renovate the school’s facilities. He recognizes that indifference about the poor conditions of dilapidated schools can hinder quality teaching and learning that students deserve.

Committed to strong communities, James taught civic engagement for the YMCA’s Youth Development Programs and mentored students while in undergraduate at Towson University. On campus, he was an active student leader, serving in leadership roles such as SGA Vice President and a member and segment chair of the Maryland Higher Education Student Advisory Council. In these roles, James advocated for resources for first-generation college students, in particular, students from Baltimore City Public Schools. As a fellow at City Hall, he assisted the Cleaner Greener Baltimore team in implementing single-stream recycling and helping to change the workflows for the Adopt-A-Lot program in Baltimore.

An unwavering commitment to public service led James to seek service opportunities in local and federal government. In 2010, he served as a Legislative Aide and Interim Chief of Staff to former State Senator Verna Jones-Rodwell. In 2012, he joined Baltimore City Public Schools as a CEO Graduate Fellow, performing classroom size research and aiding in the principal selection process. In 2015, James worked for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform supporting investigations in securities and communications industries.

James recognizes that a quality education is the key to progress, which led him to specialize in policymaking, strategy, and compliance formally with Baltimore City Public Schools. Currently, James is an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore, teaching courses such as Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties and Bill of Rights.

James holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law; Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Management from the University of Baltimore; and Dual Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication Studies from Towson University.

James and his wife, Orlett, are raising their son and daughter in the Ashburton neighborhood of Northwest Baltimore.