(9/2024) With schools back in session and summer beginning to fade, I am excited to kick off a new season filled with fresh opportunities. September brings the energy of new beginnings and exciting events in our communities. From the Great Frederick Fair to fall festivals and farmers markets, we have a lot to look forward to! Plus, September is Deaf Awareness month and kicks off Hispanic Heritage month, which starts September 15. Let’s embrace change, community, and connection as we move into the last few months of the year.

Maryland Budget and Fiscal Outlook

In August, I was fortunate to join colleagues from across the state at the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This non-partisan event brought together leaders from all levels of government and the private sector to examine how we can meet county priorities through innovative solutions and partnerships.

The conference closed with a keynote address from Governor Wes Moore. The Governor spoke about Maryland’s economy and the State budget. He focused on how we must move forward now that the influx of federal COVID funding has ended for state, county, and local governments across the country.

Governor Moore emphasized the importance of putting data at the center of the budget process and defending our priorities while living within our means. I anticipated there will be some difficult conversations regarding the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget.

What will this mean for Frederick County?

Well, the Maryland state budget provides billions in funding to local governments. With Maryland rebalancing and refocusing the state budget, we may not see the same level of funding to counties that we have received in recent years. While it is difficult to predict with certainty what decisions will be made, we can expect to see tightening across the board.

Fortunately, Frederick County has a diverse economy. With a strategic and responsible approach, I am confident that together we can navigate shifting priorities brought on by statewide fiscal challenges. My administration will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility while providing programs and services that make our county a great place to live, work, and thrive.

Upcoming Public Meetings for the Investing in Workers and Workplaces Plan

You may have heard recently about the Investing in Workers and Workplaces Plan, a joint initiative of the Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office and the Frederick County Division Economic Opportunity. The goal of this plan is to identify commercial centers, redevelopment opportunities, and barriers to enhancing commercial tax revenue in our County.

Livable Frederick and Economic Opportunity staff will host initial outreach meetings for this plan in the coming weeks. I encourage residents to attend an upcoming meeting to help shape the future of Frederick County’s commercial centers.

Meetings will be held at the County’s Prospect Center, located just off Route 15 at 585 Himes Avenue in Frederick. There are three sessions: one on Thursday, September 19 from 6 to 8, another Wednesday, September 25 from 2 to 4, and Wednesday, October 2 from 6 to 8. All meetings will contain the same information, so you only need to attend one meeting to learn more and offer comments.

Our planning efforts shine the brightest when developed with engaged, committed, and knowledgeable members of the community who are willing to share their understanding of the complex issues, difficult challenges, and enticing opportunities. Together, we can ensure that employment growth areas maintain a sense of place and are a positive investment for the entire county, while meeting the needs of workers and employers.

If you have questions about the plan or upcoming meetings, please contact Denis Superczynski, Livable Frederick Planning Manager by calling 301-600-1142 or emailing DSuperczynski@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program

I am proud that Frederick County has long been committed to preserving our rich historic resources and landmarks. One way we help preserve our history and enhance our unique identity is through the Rural Historic Grant Program.

If you own a historic property located in an unincorporated area of Frederick County, you may be eligible to apply for this program. Grant applications will be accepted beginning September 1 through November 30, 2024. Award notifications will be made in early spring 2025.

The Rural Historic Grant Program helps fund rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation of rural historic properties. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis up to $50,000.

The Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting will hold public workshops to provide information about the program and details on how to apply. These workshops will take place on the following dates:

• August 27 at 7 (Virtual)
• September 3 at noon (Virtual)
• September 11 at 6:30 at the Walkersville Library
• September 23 at 6:30 (Virtual)

To review additional information or register for a workshop, please visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/HistoricPreservation.