A Baltimore Banner analysis of city records and social media posts found that Bates spent at least 44 days outside the city since he took office, excluding personal travel which does not need to be approved by the city spending board.
Out of 1,086 votes cast, 86% were in support of keeping the special taxing district that pays for trash pickup, economic development and other initiatives.
Baltimore City officials do not know who is behind the sophisticated scheme, which involved months of email correspondence between city officials and the unknown person.
A bill introduced last year to speedily renew the district became mired in the City Council, received no hearing and ultimately died at the end of the session.
Organizers of the Baby Bonus proposal, which would have given $1,000 to new parents in Baltimore City, are trying to find a way to keep the spirit of their proposal alive.