Capital Budget Highlights
In a recent press conference, I shared that several school construction projects will move forward in the coming year, even as the County tightens its operating budget. The FY 2026 budget includes substantial funding for the construction or renovation of four Frederick County Public Schools, including Brunswick High School, Twin Ridge Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, and new elementary school #41 in the eastern part of the County. For more information, click here.
Our biggest challenge and my top priority is building new schools to accommodate growing enrollment and renovating existing facilities. Through this year’s capital budget, we will make an historic investment in school construction projects to meet these needs. We are making budget decisions against the backdrop of chaos in Washington and a growing deficit in Annapolis. We will meet this uncertainty with a fiscally responsible spending plan that protects the core services our residents expect from Frederick County Government.
Capital Budget Press Conference.
Get Involved in the Budget Process
Our budget should reflect our community’s needs, priorities, and values. Your input helps us create a budget that invests in what matters most to residents. That's why you are invited to take take a short survey to help shape the County budget. To take the budget survey, go to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget and click on the Balancing Act Budget Survey icon.
This online survey asks people to identify and rank top priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Each funding category lists descriptions of actual requests that have been submitted to the Budget Office.
This will be the most challenging budget we’ve faced in nearly two decades. Federal funds we’ve been promised are on hold. Federal workers’ and contractors’ income is uncertain. And the state is proposing to shift millions of dollars in costs to local governments. This survey will help us to make the most of our scarce resources to meet the needs of our community.
The survey will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Survey responses will be considered, along with other comments, during a public hearing on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in Frederick.
If you would like to watch previous meetings on the budget, submit written comments, or learn about more ways to participate, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing. I look forward to hearing from you as we work to address the needs of our community and plan for Frederick County’s future.
Open Houses on New Livable Frederick Plans
You are invited to attend upcoming open houses to help shape the future of Frederick County through three new Livable Frederick plans. These meetings will feature interactive activities designed to engage the community and gather input on the Housing Element, the Historic Preservation Plan, and the Green Infrastructure Plan. At the meetings, you can learn about the plans’ objectives and provide feedback to staff. All meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m.
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Thursday, March 13, Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
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Wednesday, March 26, Middletown Branch Library, 31 East Green Street, Middletown, MD 21769
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Monday, April 7, Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung Street, Frederick, MD 21704
Planning for more affordable housing, historic preservation, and green infrastructure is critical to maintaining the high quality of life that we enjoy in Frederick County. These upcoming open houses will provide another opportunity for the public to contribute ideas and help shape the future of our community. To learn more, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/LivableFrederick.
Job Fair on March 18
Join Frederick County Government and our partners for the "Rebuilding Careers Job Fair & Hiring Event" on March 18 from 12 - 4 p.m. at the Frederick Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6437 Jefferson Pike, Frederick. This event is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to connect with local employers and explore various career opportunities. The job fair will feature representatives from over 50 employers including the County and State, IT, healthcare, education, hospitality, and more.
Don't miss this chance to learn about job openings, network with potential employers, and take the next step in your career. Spread the word and invite anyone who might be interested in attending! Thank you to the Maryland Department of Labor, Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Frederick, and Frederick County Workforce Services for sponsoring this event. Click here to register.
Career & Technical Education Master Plan
Recently, Frederick County entered a partnership with BerryDunn, an award-winning accounting and consulting firm, to conduct a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Master Plan Study. This initiative will examine our current CTE resources, programs, and spaces while planning for future industry growth, population changes, and workforce needs. It will also meet requirements for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
This collective effort will include participation from key stakeholders such as Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Community College, Frederick County Workforce Services, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, and members of the community. As part of this process, we are beginning to collect feedback to assess current CTE programs and plan for future needs. Please take the survey to share your input at www.publicinput.com/CTE. I look forward to hearing from you to ensure the right programs are offered in the right spaces.
Events & 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 webpage.
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 event page.
Boards & Commissions - Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in getting more involved in Frederick County? Visit our Boards and Commission webpage to learn how you can serve. Our Boards and Commissions rely on the expertise of community members to support, develop, promote, and advise on key issues that impact a broad range of industries across the County. If you have expertise in a topic, please consider applying for a position. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email fcgboards@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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