Legislation Introduced to Limit Data Centers
Background: Along with members of the County Council, I recently announced a compromise to limit where data centers can be built to the area around the Old East Alcoa property north of Adamstown. Thank you to the Council members who have worked with my Administration to create a way forward that we can all support.
Why it matters: One of the most important questions facing our community is where data centers can be located and, by extension, where they will not be allowed. This bipartisan compromise ensures we are protecting our environment and quality of life, while acknowledging that Frederick County’s location makes it a logical site for this critical industry.
What it is: A text amendment to the zoning code to create a tool called an overlay, which will be used to limit data center development.
Next steps: The Council will review and vote on the bill through its ordinary public legislative process. Then, the Division of Planning and Permitting will develop a map through an open and transparent public process, which will be presented to the Planning Commission for review and the County Council for approval.
Learn more: See the press release for more information.
Community Partnership Grant Awards
Background: I recently announced $1.2 million in awards to 32 local nonprofit organizations through the Community Partnership Grant Program.
Why it matters: Our nonprofit organizations make a meaningful impact on the people of Frederick County and together, we make it possible for more people to thrive.
What it is: The Community Partnership Grant Program awards competitive grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of Frederick County residents in four priority areas of addressing homelessness and housing solutions, quality of life, public health, and supporting the arts.
Learn more: Click here to learn more and see all the award recipients.
Provide Feedback on Affordable Housing
Background: The Division of Housing invites you to provide input on housing priorities in Frederick County through an online survey. The survey will remain open until May 16.
Why it matters: Results of the survey will help guide housing initiatives, including how to best use new Community Development Block Grant funds – a key tool to improve housing, support local services, and strengthen communities.
What it is: The 5-minute survey aims to collect feedback about housing challenges and opportunities across Frederick County. Community members can provide input on housing priorities, day-to-day challenges, and preferred housing types.
Take the survey:
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Click here to take the survey.
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Paper copies of the survey are also available in senior centers, libraries, and at the Frederick County Division of Housing located at 401 Sagner Avenue in Frederick.
Share Input on Child Care Needs
Background: The Divisions of Family Services and Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Public Consulting Group, are conducting a comprehensive Child Care Study to fully assess the accessibility, affordability, and quality of child care in the County for families with children aged birth to 12.
Why it matters: This study will inform and guide the future of child care in Frederick County. By identifying gaps and opportunities, we will determine where and how child care services should be expanded to ensure families have access to the care they need.
What it is: As part of the comprehensive study, you are invited to take an online survey to share feedback on child care needs and choices in Frederick County. Click here to take the survey.
Learn more: Click here for additional information and to learn about other ways you can get involved.
Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports
Background: Consumer Confidence Reports, also known as annual drinking water quality reports, for calendar year 2024 are now available online.
Why it matters: This report helps you better understand the contents of the water that you and your families rely on daily. Drinking water from all 13 of the water systems operated by the Frederick County Division of Water and Sewer Utilities meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water standards.
What it is: This report provides information about local drinking water quality, including the regulated contaminants found in your drinking water and health effects.
Learn more: Click here to view the reports.
Whole Blood Program
Click the image above to learn about the Whole Blood Program.
Background: The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (FCDFRS) has proudly launched its groundbreaking Whole Blood Program.
Why it matters: The launch of this program marks a major milestone in our mission to provide the highest level of emergency medical care to the people of Frederick County. Whole blood transfusions give our paramedics the tools to stabilize patients faster, reduce complications, and provide comprehensive resuscitation when seconds count.
What it is: This program ensures the availability of blood products directly at the scene of emergencies. Equipped with state-of-the-art warming and transfusion technology, FCDFRS’s highly trained paramedics can administer life-saving care within minutes to critically ill or injured patients.
Get involved: We will be hosting a community blood drive to help ensure there is enough blood available when it's needed most. The blood drive will take place Tuesday, May 20 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Independent Hose Company, 310 Baughmans Lane in Frederick. Click here to sign up.
Learn more: Watch a video to learn more about the program.
Climate and Energy Action Plan Community Engagement Sessions
Background: We are working with the City of Frederick to create Frederick County’s first Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) for the Community. You are invited to join upcoming community meetings to learn more and provide feedback. The meetings will be held on:
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May 10: Brunswick Library at 2 pm
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May 17: Emmitsburg Library at10 am
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May 21: Thurmont Library at 6 pm
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May 24: Middletown Library at 11 am
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May 29: Urbana Library at 12 pm
Why it matters: Diverse public input is critical to building a robust plan that responds to the needs of our community members.
What it is: This project aims to support the recommendations of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup's 2021 Climate Response and Resilience Report. The CEAP will build upon the strength of that work and add new local data, current research and analysis, and robust public engagement to develop practical, economical, and equitable ways we can all address climate change.
Learn more: Click here to learn more.
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, and advise on key issues that impact industries across the County. For more information, please email fcgboards@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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