A banner that says Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. Frederick Forward. With a photo of Jessica Fitzwater and the Frederick County Seal.

SEPTEMBER 2026

 

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Friends,

September starts a new season with exciting opportunities. School is back in session, and fall is just around the corner. We celebrate our community at the Great Frederick Fair, community festivals, and farmers markets. Additionally, September is Deaf Awareness Month, includes Arts in Education Week, and it marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15. In this month's newsletter, I want to highlight some important programs, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. 

Sincerely,

CE Fitzwater signature  

Jessica Fitzwater

Frederick County Executive
 

Community Benefit Agreement Rejected, Pause on Data Center Applications Extended

A video thumbnail featuring the Frederick County seal, a columned building, and text that says Special Announcement.

Click the image to watch the announcement. 

The news: This week, I rejected the application for a Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement sought by Catellus for the Frederick Digital Campus in Adamstown and signed an Executive Order extending the pause on data center applications until July 1, 2027.

Why it matters: The benefits they offered would have met critical, expressed needs in Adamstown – but they came at too great of a cost to our community. Thank you to all you shared your feedback and made clear that you do not want to see any more decisions made about data centers until we have the next County Council seated. 

More details: Watch the announcement or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DataCenters to learn more. 

Help Shape State Legislative Priorities 

A woman speaking at podium.

A participant at the 2025 Legislative Town Hall Meeting. 

The news: You are invited to take part in the 2027 State Legislative Priorities Survey to help shape the County's legislative package for the 2027 session of the Maryland General Assembly. In addition, you can attend my annual legislative town hall meeting on October 7 at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in Frederick, to share your feedback. 

Why it matters: Every year, decisions made by state lawmakers in Annapolis impact our daily experiences and the future of Frederick County. Your input is critical to ensuring that our priorities are aligned with the community's needs. 

More details: To learn more about the legislative process, and how you can get involved, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Legislative.

Maryland Department of Transportation Meeting

A group of people posting for a photo in a meeting room.

Attendees at the 2025 Consolidated Transportation Meeting. 

The news: The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in Frederick. This annual meeting is an opportunity for you to share feedback with State officials regarding transportation and transit needs in Frederick County. 

Why it matters: It's important to attend and speak up at transportation meetings because your feedback helps make sure local projects work for our everyone. Sharing ideas and concerns can lead to safer roads and better transit for the whole community.

More details: Representatives from MDOT will be in attendance to share information and receive feedback regarding the draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2027 – 2032. The CTP is Maryland’s six-year capital budget for transportation projects and programs.

Animal Control's Renovated Pet and Adoption Center Opens to the Public 

A group of people and a dog cheering outside in front of the renovated animal control building.

The Pet and Adoption Center Opening. 

The news: We recently celebrated the opening of the newly expanded Pet and Adoption Center located at 1832 Rosemont Avenue in Frederick. The renovated spaces are all designed to provide a safer, more welcoming environment for both animals and visitors and expanded usable space of the facility by approximately 7,958 square feet.

Why it matters: This space provides a safer, less stressful environment for the animals. 

More details: For more details about the new facility, see the press release. 

Frederick County Announces Location of Future Brunswick 50+ Community Center

A group of people posing outside.

The announcement about the future Brunswick Senior Center.

The news: I recently announced the location of the future Brunswick 50+ Community Center and released the results of the County’s  50+ Community Center Feasibility Study.

Why it matters: The Senior Center Feasibility Study gives us a comprehensive roadmap that shifts us from relying on repurposed facilities to investing in purpose-built, modern senior centers across Frederick County. For Brunswick, the study’s recommendation is clear: the community needs a right-sized, accessible, intentionally designed center for programming, wellness, social connection, and recreation.

More details: Learn more about the future Brunswick 50+ Community Center and the Feasibility Study on the Frederick County website. 

County Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

A group of people posing for a photo outside in front of a building.

The Finance Team with the Certificate of Achievement Award. 

The news: Frederick County has been awarded with the Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Division of Finance received the award for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

Why it matters: The highest recognition in government accounting and financial reporting is the GFOA Certificate of Achievement. I am proud of our Finance team for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. Their hard work ensures transparency and accountability for the people of Frederick County.

More details: To receive this award, a government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual comprehensive financial report that follows both accounting standards and legal requirements.  

Apply for the Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program 

A historic stone building in Frederick County.

A historic property in Frederick County. 

The news: Eligible owners of historic properties located in unincorporated areas of Frederick County may apply for the Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program now through November 30, 2026. Award notifications will take place in early Spring 2027.

Why it matters: Preserving Frederick County's rural historic sites protects our heritage and sense of place. These grants provide support to property owners who are committed to safeguarding our history for future generations. 

More details: Informational workshops will be offered to help guide interested applicants through the program and application process. To learn more and register, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/HPGrant.

Events and Activities

Parks and Recreation Activities: Our Division of Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of activities and events for the whole family. Whether you are looking to improve your skills or learn something new, Parks and Rec has activities for all ages. Browse and register for activities on the Parks and Rec website.  

Frederick County Public Libraries: Our public libraries offer a variety of enriching events and programs for kids, teens, and adults. From story times to crafts to educational workshops, there’s something for everyone. Learn more on the Frederick County Libraries website.

50+ Community Centers: Our 50+ Community Centers offer a variety of fitness classes, social groups, special events. Learn more on our 50+ Community Centers web page.

Frederick County Workforce Services: Workforce Services offers a variety of in-person and virtual classes and workshops to help people prepare for a new career. Learn more on the Frederick County Workforce Services events page.

Office of Economic Development: The Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment in Frederick County and offers a variety of events and activities designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. See what’s happening on the OED events calendar.

Boards and Commissions - Volunteers Needed

Are you interested in getting more involved in Frederick County? Visit our Boards and Commissions web page to learn how you can serve. Our Boards and Commissions rely on the expertise of community members to support, develop, and advise on key issues that impact industries across the County. For more information, please email FCGBoards@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
 

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