Legislative Branch

District 5 Biography

Councilman David Marks’ Biography

Bipartisan, Independent Leadership

For more than three decades years, County Councilman David Marks has worked across party lines to improve Baltimore County’s communities.

David Marks was the longest-serving President of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, the largest and oldest civic organization in northeastern Baltimore County. During his nine terms as President, he led the grassroots campaign to build the new Perry Hall public library. He also fought for the construction of Honeygo Boulevard and land for six new parks; started an all-volunteer tree planting program; and helped establish the Perry Hall Town Fair and community concert series.

As President of the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Committee, David Marks worked to get Vincent Farm Elementary School built and reduce school overcrowding throughout the county.

David Marks has also worked to preserve Baltimore County’s heritage. He led the effort to preserve Loch Raven Elementary School and secure national historic status for Long Island Farm in the Cromwell Valley. He worked with elected officials of both political parties to preserve the Perry Hall Mansion, and he authored a history of Perry Hall. In 2002, David Marks worked with County Councilman Wayne Skinner on legislation that broadened the public’s representation on the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission.

In 2004, the Maryland Jaycees named David Marks their Outstanding Young Marylander of the Year.

Professional Experience

David Marks brings to the County Council a strong background in transportation and planning. In 1997, David graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in public policy He has served in the legislative affairs offices of both the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, under Presidents of both parties.

From 2003 to 2007, David Marks was the third-ranking official at the Maryland Department of Transportation. He was recognized three times to working to improve opportunities for women and minorities, and worked to restart planning for the Towson Shuttle.

David Marks has served as an adjunct instructor at Loyola University Maryland since 2012, and is the first special education teacher to serve on the County Council.

Lifelong Baltimore County Roots

With the exception of four years in college, David Marks has never lived more than a few miles from his current home. He graduated from Perry Hall High School in 1991; he was the first President of the school’s alumni association and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. David Marks attended the University of Maryland at College Park, where he majored in government and politics. In 1995, the university conferred upon him the H.C. Curley Byrd Award, given to the outstanding male graduate of each graduating class.

David Marks and his family live in Upper Falls