Upcoming Community Meeting on Transmission Line Project
Right now, residents have more questions than answers about the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. That's why I am convening a public meeting on Wednesday, October 9 at 6 PM in the Oakdale High School auditorium. The Public Service Enterprise Group, which is managing the project, will have representatives at the meeting to present information and to answer questions. For more information, click here or watch the video below.
Click on the play button above to watch the video on YouTube.
Maryland Budget and Fiscal Outlook
The recent Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 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? Click here to find out.
School Construction
With school back in session, it’s a good time to look at how our growing community is tackling the issue of school overcrowding.
Because Frederick County is such a great place to live, more families are moving here. That means we need more classroom space. At the same time, many of our older schools, like Brunswick High, need renovations and replacements. My Administration is looking at ways to address both challenges at the same time.
Last month, I announced several steps to bring us closer to solving the school construction challenges. These steps will add new capacity sooner than anticipated, create extra space at our most overcrowded school, and add more sites for future schools. Click here to read more about the plan.
Press conference announcing school funding plan.
Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference
Last month, I was fortunate to join colleagues from across the state at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 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.
Several Frederick County leaders sat on panels and gave presentations during this conference. Tom Coe, Frederick County Fire Chief, and Tony Rosano, Director of the Division of Emergency Management, were panelists on a session focused on recruiting and retaining first responders.
Frederick County Director of Economic Opportunity Lara Fritts shared how our community's economy has grown and explained how data has shaped the work of her division. She also announced the launch of a groundbreaking Life Science Roadmap: a strategic initiative designed to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and position Frederick County, Maryland as a global leader in the life sciences industry. Click here to read more.
Frederick County leaders during MACo.
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. 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– 8 p.m., another Wednesday, September 25 from 2– 4 p.m., and Wednesday, October 2 from 6–8 p.m. All meetings will contain the same information, so you only need to attend one meeting to learn more and offer comments. Click here to learn how to get involved.
Frederick County Receives Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Level Award from the International Economic Development Council. The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Print Brochure category that impacted between 200,000 and 500,000 residents. The FCOED team will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in September.
FCOED’s award-winner project, the Life Sciences Industry Profile, shines a spotlight on the extensive and thriving biotech industry ecosystem within Frederick County, while highlighting major employers and recent projects. Frederick County’s strategic location, skilled workforce and top-tier educational programs are also highlighted. FCOED engaged Frederick-based firm Octavo Designs to develop the visual design of the publication. Learn more about the award.
Life Sciences Industry Profile.
Rural Historic Preservation 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. Grant applications will be accepted beginning September 1 through November 30, 2024. Award notifications will be made in early spring 2025.
The Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting will hold public workshops to provide information about the program and details on how to apply. Click here to learn more about how to apply.
A historic Frederick County property.
FEMA Awards $392,000 to Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it is awarding Frederick County’s Division of Fire & Rescue Services over $392,000 to improve the safety of first responders along roadways. Most of the funds will be used to train 1,100 career and volunteer personnel. The award also will pay for highly reflective signs and cones that can be used to alert drivers as they approach an incident. Learn more!
Congratulations to Frederick County Transit Services
Over the summer, Transit Services of Frederick County was awarded the 2024 Community Transportation Association of America's (CTAA) Community Transportation System of the Year - Large System award. This prestigious national honor recognizes Transit for providing innovative, responsive, and accessible public transportation that meets the diverse needs of the Frederick community.
Additionally, congratulations to the 2024 Fixed Route Driver of the Year, Joseph Asamoah, and the 2024 Paratransit Driver of the Year, Karen Stottlemyer. These outstanding drivers were nominated by their peers for embodying the spirit of service, teamwork, and professionalism that Transit values in its employees.
I am incredibly proud of our Transit team. They consistently work with the community continually to ensure Transit routes and schedules best serve our residents. This award is a testament to their professionalism and dedication. Learn more about Transit's success!
Transit Award!
Frederick County Receives $500,000 for Renovations at Bell Court Senior Apartments
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded $500,000 to Frederick County in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds for capital improvements at the County-owned Bell Court Senior Apartments in Woodsboro.Housing is a top priority for my Administration, especially when it comes to our vulnerable seniors.
This grant will be used to make critical improvements to Bell Court Senior Apartments, helping to ensure a high quality of life for residents who are aging in place. Frederick County will use the CDBG funds to replace the heating and air conditioning systems in each apartment and in the community center, install accessible showers in the resident’s bathrooms, repair sidewalks, and replace the flooring in the apartments. Learn more about the grant.
Recruit Classes 36 & 37 Graduate from Frederick County Fire and Rescue Training Academy
Congratulations to Recruit Classes 36 and 37 who recently graduated from the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Training Academy. The 40 recruits graduated as firefighter/EMTs on August 23. Their 28-week training academy began on February 12, 2024. In addition to challenging daily physical fitness conditioning, the recruits participated in over 1,000 hours of coursework, including Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Vehicle Operator, Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Rescue Technician - Site Operations, Technical Rescue: Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue, Firefighter Safety and Survival, Truck Company Operations, and Arson Detection for the First Responder. Click here to read more and see a training video.
Congratulations Recruit Classes 36 & 37!
Workforce Services Leads Initiative to Strengthen Construction and Skilled Trades Industry
Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to support and strengthen the Construction and Skilled Trades Industry, a vital sector that accounts for 11.7% of all jobs in the county and plays a pivotal role in the local economy. This initiative aligns with my Administration's 2023 transition report, which highlighted economic development, jobs, and workforce development as top priorities for the administration.
Every sector in our economy relies on the skilled trades, so supporting these local businesses and organizations is essential to the entire community. Workforce Services’ recent listening tour provided important information about the industry’s needs. This will allow us to move forward strategically to best serve Frederick County employers and job seekers. Click here to read more.
Frederick County Awards Grants to Support Agriculture Innovation
Frederick County’s agriculture community is leading the way in creativity and diversification, thanks to the County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program. My administration recently announced the distribution of $126,448.22 in grant awards as part of the Spring 2024 grant cycle. Eight agricultural businesses were selected to receive funding through this competitive grant program, designed to foster innovation and diversification in farm operations.
Farms are a major driver of Frederick County’s economy and farmers are an important part of our community. Our award-winning grants help to cultivate a prosperous future for our farms and farmers. The program also fulfills our community-based Transition Team’s recommendation to support a diversified agriculture economy. Click here to learn about the grant recipients.
Frederick County agricultural innovation.
Program Helps Seniors Find Services and Resources
Frederick County’s Division of Aging and Independence has launched a new program to help vulnerable seniors stay in their homes. In its first few months, the Service Coordination for Seniors Program connected more than 100 residents to resources and services! Learn more about the new program.
Highlighted Events
Open Fall Sports Enrollment: Register now for youth and adult fall sports leagues including soccer, basketball, and more. For more information and to register, visit the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Sports Leagues webpage.
Folkways by the Fire: Explore an evening of music and folkways at Snook Family Agricultural Center, taking place Friday September 6 from 4 PM - 8 PM. Learn more on the Parks & Rec website.
Chair Yoga: Practice this adaptive and inclusive form of yoga that incorporates sitting and using a chair for support. Every Tuesday starting at 11:30 AM at the Urbana Senior Center. View this event and more activities on our 50+ Community Centers webpage.
Dungeons & Dragons: Play through an exciting campaign DMed by one of Frederick County's library teens. Thursday, September 5 from 5 PM - 7 PM at the Middletown Library. For ages 10-18. Check out this event and more on the Frederick County Public Libraries site.
Catalyst Connects: This program offers a vibrant space for Frederick County youth (ages 16-24) to connect with peers and gain essential professional skills. Taking place Thursday, September 5 from 1 PM - 2 PM at 200 Monroe Ave, Ste 1. Click here to see more details.
Meet Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment Staff in your Community: Did you know that once a month you can meet staff to get help applying to energy-saving programs? Staff can tell you about rebates and incentives to lower your energy bills, improve your home environment, get weatherization assistance, and upgrade your appliances. Next meeting is Thursday, September 19 from 9 AM - 1 PM at 1100 West Patrick Street, Unit H, in Frederick. Click here to see more details.
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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