(6/2025) June marks the beginning of a vibrant season in Frederick County. As schools close for the summer, our streets and parks will be filled with children enjoying their break. Please be extra vigilant while driving and mindful of the increased activity in our neighborhoods.
We also celebrate Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring and uplifting our LGBTQ+ community. This celebration not only acknowledges the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, but also reinforces our dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
June is also National Immigrant Heritage Month. Frederick County is honored to host a Heritage Festival on Friday, June 6, from 4 - 8 pm at Hill Street Park, located at 100 Hill Street in Frederick. This event will feature music, food, and activities that highlight the contributions of our diverse cultures. We hope you can join us!
Update on the FY-26 Budget
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in the FY-26 budget process. Your input was invaluable and ensured that our budget for the coming fiscal year, which starts on July 1, reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the County Council for their diligent work and collaboration in passing the budget as introduced. I am proud that this year’s budget prioritizes education and protects core services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. To learn more about the budget, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget.
Limiting Data Centers
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.
Last month, the County Council and I jointly announced a compromise to limit where data centers can be built to the area around the old East Alcoa property north of Adamstown. I want to thank the Council for working together to create a way forward that we can all support.
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.
We will limit the development to less than 1% of the County’s total land mass, in an area with the infrastructure to support it, and ensure the County Council retains the tools to prevent future sprawl.
An amendment will be introduced to the zoning code to create a tool called an overlay, which will be used to limit data center development.
The Council will review and vote on the bill through its ordinary public legislative process. After that, 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.
Community Partnership Grants
I recently announced $1.2 million in grants to 32 local nonprofit organizations through the Community Partnership Grant program. This initiative awards competitive grants to nonprofits focusing on four key areas: addressing homelessness and housing solutions, enhancing quality of life, improving public health, and supporting the arts.
Frederick County has an amazingly strong nonprofit network. Partnerships with our nonprofits results in big impacts for our community. Together, we can provide more services to more people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
The grants will fund a variety of critical services that foster resilience, bridge gaps, and bring innovative solutions. For example, Mission of Mercy, which serves Brunswick and Emmitsburg, and the Seton Center in Emmitsburg provide resources and assistance to those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to essential healthcare and support services.
Local nonprofits applied for a total of 61 grants, requesting nearly $3 million in funding. Independent review panels recommended the final list of grantees, which can be viewed online at FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPGAwardsFY26.
Frederick County Becomes Maryland’s First Bird County
The Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership officially recognized Frederick County as Maryland’s first "Bird County" during Earth Week 2025. The designation acknowledges the County’s efforts in ecosystem restoration, environmental education, and habitat protection.
Frederick County joins a growing network that includes eight Bird Cities across the state, including Brunswick and Middletown.
Birds are not only beautiful to watch – they also tell us a lot about the health of our environment. Because they respond quickly to changes in nature and are easy to observe, birds help us understand the conditions of our ecosystems.
By protecting birds and their habitats, we are also protecting the health and well-being of people in our community. The Bird County designation highlights this important connection and recognizes our continued leadership in environmental stewardship.
To learn more, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/BirdCounty.
