Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Meetings
The news: Thank you to everyone who attended the annual budget public hearing on December 1. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, there are still plenty of opportunities to help set priorities for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. I will be holding a town hall meeting in each of the County Council Districts in January.
Why it matters: Our budget should align with the needs, priorities, and values of our community. Your feedback is important to help us develop a budget that prioritizes what matters most to our community.
More details: Learn more about the upcoming town hall meetings and provide written comments at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetFY27.
HEART Grant Program
The news: Last month, I announced the opening of the application period for a new grant program called HEART: Helping Empower Area Resources Together. This program supports local nonprofit organizations that provide resources and support directly to people in Frederick County.
Why it matters: The federal shutdown put unprecedented pressure on our social safety net, and we have heard clearly from local nonprofits that they need help to recover. Grant funds will help organizations meet increased demand for services and recover from revenue losses caused by federal funding disruptions.
More details: The HEART Grant program will distribute up to $1.5 million in one-time funds, with individual grants of up to $50,000 available to eligible nonprofits. The application period is open until January 8, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/HEART.
Frederick FEED Grant Program
The news: We are also providing support to local food banks through Frederick FEED: Food Equity and Emergency Distribution. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Frederick County, this program will strengthen food distribution efforts in our community.
Why it matters: Many people are facing ongoing food insecurity from recent federal actions, including delays in SNAP funding and federal layoffs. This emergency one-time funding will help bolster local food banks, which have seen a surge in demand due to the recent federal shutdown.
More details: The Frederick FEED Grant Program is open to existing food banks, pantries, religious organizations, and nonprofits operating within Frederick County. Funds will be distributed in two rounds. The first application window opened on December 1. The second round is expected to open in February 2026. Learn more at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FEED.
Provide Comment on Fort Detrick’s Air Quality Permit Application
The news: You are encouraged to participate in the comment period hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment for an Air Quality Permit-to-Construct application submitted by Fort Detrick.
Why it matters: Here in Frederick County, we know that community voices are essential to developing thoughtful solutions. Public participation in the comment period is vital to ensure that our community’s voice is heard. Together, we can help influence critical decisions that impact our health, environment, and quality of life.
More details: The application is about the air quality permit necessary for construction related to two medical waste incinerators and a natural gas-fired generator at Fort Detrick. Comments may be submitted via email to Shannon.Heafey@Maryland.gov by January 6, 2025. Learn more in the press release.
Frederick County and City Launch First-Ever Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan
The news: This year, we created our first Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). Created in collaboration with the City of Frederick and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, this project involved local assessments, new data, and significant public input to form a plan to tackle the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Why it matters: Shifting weather patterns like hotter summers and more intense storms affect our local economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and health. I am proud of the work of County staff and the collaborative efforts of our community partners to secure a more resilient, equitable, and ecologically sustainable future for all.
More details: To read the CEAP and learn how to get involved, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ClimateAction.
Celebrating Frederick County Employees
I am incredibly proud of the work that our staff does every day for the people of Frederick County. Recently, several Frederick County employees and agencies received prestigious awards that recognize their dedication, innovation, and commitment to public service.
Frederick County Budget Office
The Frederick County Government Budget Office was honored as a Top Performer in the 2025 Best in Governance Awards for the Priorities in Action category, presented by Polco. This award recognizes the Budget Office for work on the County’s annual budget survey. Our team works hard every day to ensure Frederick County’s budget makes the most of our resources to meet the needs of our community.
Transit Services of Frederick County
Transit Services of Frederick County was named Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Visit Frederick. This award recognizes Transit Services’ role in supporting local tourism and improving access to Frederick County’s attractions for visitors and hospitality workers. In addition, Transit received two awards at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Transportation Association of Maryland.
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Mary Dennis, Communications Manager, received the Rising Star Award for her community engagement, travel training efforts, and partnerships with local organizations.
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Deputy Director of Transit Services Jaime McKay received the Outstanding Leadership Award for her transformative improvements to grow ridership and enhance services.
Office of Agriculture
The Frederick County Office of Agriculture’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program was honored with the Rural Economic Development Award by the Rural Maryland Council. This recognition highlights the program’s exceptional efforts to promote agricultural innovation, job creation, and economic growth in rural communities.
Amanda Radcliffe, Division of Public Works
Amanda Radcliffe, Chief of the Office of Project Management in the Frederick County Division of Public Works was awarded the 2025 Meritorious Service Award by the County Engineers Association of Maryland. This award recognizes Amanda’s dedication and service to Frederick County, the State of Maryland, and the County Engineers Association of Maryland.
Philip Tepper, Interagency Information Technology
Philip Tepper of the Interagency Information Technology Division’s Digital Workplace Services team was selected as the recipient of the Visionary Award by BrainStorm. This recognition reflects Phil’s leadership in advancing innovative tools that encourage employees across Frederick County Government to be engaged, proficient, and productive.
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 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 event 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. From networking events to business development workshops, OED provides valuable resources to help businesses grow and succeed. See what’s happening on the OED events calendar.
Boards & 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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