(12/2024) December is a time of celebration, gratitude, and anticipation for the future. It’s an opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved and set our sights on new goals we aspire to reach in the coming year. As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year and all we have accomplished as a community.

While Frederick County faces challenges, we have also seen countless examples of resilience, compassion, and progress. Together, we have strengthened the bonds that make our county a place where people can thrive.

As we gather to celebrate the holiday season, let us also remember those in our community who are in need of support. The spirit of service and kindness defines this season, and I encourage everyone to look for ways to lift up those around us.

Part of our preparation for the upcoming year includes setting priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. In this important work, I will be holding six town hall meetings in the coming weeks where members of the public are invited to attend and share feedback on budget priorities and concerns.

There will be one meeting in each of the County Council Districts and one general hearing. The District 5 meeting will be held January 25 at 1 p.m. at Walkersville Middle School with Council Member Carter. The general public hearing witll be held December 4 at 7 p.m. at the Prospect Center in Frederick

All meetings are open to the public. Those interested in attending are welcome to join whichever meeting is most convenient. Attendees are not limited to the meeting in their home district.

Those who cannot attend in person may submit comments online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing. Additionally, each town hall will be recorded and posted online for later viewing on FCG TV.

I am looking forward to hosting these events, along with the County Council, so we can hear from and continue to meet the needs of our residents.

Another way Frederick is County working to meet the needs of its residents is through the newly revitalized Business and Industry Cabinet (BIC). The BIC will serve as an advisory board on matters related to sustainable and inclusive economic and workforce development, including strategic planning, marketing, and business recruitment, retention, and expansion.

The BIC also will provide a forum for business leaders and government officials to share ideas, solutions, and creative approaches to business and workforce topics and issues facing Frederick County.

Membership of the board will reflect the diversity of Frederick County, including representatives of our key sectors like agriculture, life science and biotech, and manufacturing, as well as associated sectors like banking, law, and nonprofits.

Restoring the advisory board was a recommendation of the community-led Transition Team. I look forward to hearing regularly from small businesses and major employers about economic trends and workforce opportunities they see in our County. Learn more about the BIC at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Boards.

In the upcoming year, I am also looking forward to continuing to partner with local nonprofits to serve residents more effectively. These types of collaborations leverage our strengths, which results in improved services and stronger communities.

I recently announced the opening of the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Partnership Grant Program. This program awards competitive grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of Frederick County residents.

The application period for this year’s grant program will be open from Monday, November 25 until Wednesday, January 8.

Applications should focus on the areas of addressing homelessness and housing solutions, quality of life, public health, and supporting the arts. These areas are crucial for fostering a strong, thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Last year, we awarded $1.2 million through this program. We saw firsthand the incredible impact that these organizations made. From providing stable housing to promoting health and wellness to enriching our lives with arts and culture, these programs foster resilience, bridge gaps, and bring innovative solutions that help our County thrive.

For example, in Emmitsburg, the Seton Center’s DePaul Dental Program used grant funds to work with local dentists and oral surgeons to provide adult dental services at reduced rates.

I encourage all interested nonprofit organizations to apply. For more details on the application process, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CPG.

Together, through our shared efforts, we can continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community and make Frederick County a place where everyone can thrive. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far and am optimistic about the possibilities that lie before us. As we close out this year, I wish everyone a joyous holiday season and new year filled with promise and success.