(4/2025) April is Deaf History Month! Frederick County is home to a thriving community of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. We were proud to celebrate by holding a Deaf History Month Proclamation event at the beginning of the month. This event was a moment for us to come together, honor and recognize the impact of the deaf community, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. If you couldn’t join us in person, be sure to check out a recording of the event on FCG TV!
April also brings several other important updates and initiatives. From the unveiling of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to new plans under the Livable Frederick initiative, there is much to discuss and look forward to.
Budget
Over the past several months, we have been working hard to develop the County’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025. Your input and feedback have been invaluable in helping us shape a budget that reflects our community’s needs, priorities, and values. Thank you for taking the time to be involved in the budget process.
Later this month, I will present my FY26 Proposed Budget. This is the most challenging budget we’ve faced in nearly two decades. Federal funds we’ve been promised are on hold. Federal workers’ and contractors’ income is uncertain. And the state is proposing to shift millions of dollars in costs to local governments.
Our biggest challenge, and my top priority, is education. Through this year’s capital budget, we will make an historic investment in school construction projects to accommodate growing enrollment and renovate existing facilities.
Despite a tightening budget, I’m pleased to share that several school construction projects will move forward in the coming year. The budget includes substantial funding for the construction of a new Brunswick High School, renovations to Twin Ridge and Hillcrest Elementary Schools, and a new elementary school #41 in the eastern part of the County.
We must make budget decisions against the backdrop of chaos in Washington and a growing deficit in Annapolis. We will meet this uncertainty with a fiscally responsible spending plan that protects the core services our residents expect from Frederick County Government. To learn more about the budget process, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget.
New Livable Frederick Plans
Planning for more affordable housing, historic preservation, and green infrastructure is critical to maintaining the high quality of life that we enjoy in Frederick County. That’s why Livable Frederick has announced three new plans on Housing, Historic Preservation, and Green Infrastructure.
Members of the public are invited to attend an upcoming open house on Monday, April 7 at Urbana Regional Library from 6 – 8 p.m. to learn more and provide feedback on the new plans. This public meeting will feature interactive activities designed to engage the community.
The Livable Frederick Master Plan is an ongoing initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents of Frederick County by addressing critical areas such as housing, historic preservation, the environment, health, and the economy.
The aim is to create a comprehensive and sustainable plan that reflects the community's needs. Through open houses and interactive activities, our Livable Frederick staff will gather diverse perspectives and ideas that can be incorporated into the plans. To learn more, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/LivableFrederick.
Expanding Childcare Opportunities & Strengthening Our Workforce
To address the critical shortage of quality childcare in Frederick County, the Division of Family Services and Frederick County Workforce Services have partnered to launch a comprehensive Childcare Initiative. The goal is to add more childcare providers and increase families’ access to childcare options.
Every family in Frederick County should have access to reliable, high-quality childcare, and every childcare provider should have the support they need to thrive. This initiative helps families find the care they need and empowers individuals to build rewarding careers in childcare. By investing in our workforce and expanding access to childcare, we’re strengthening our economy and ensuring a brighter future for our entire community.
Up to 70 Frederick County residents will gain access to free training and resources that enable them to start and operate a licensed family-owned childcare business or obtain certifications to work in various childcare settings. Participation is free, but space is limited so be sure to apply early. To learn more, visit www.FrederickWorks.com/Childcare-Initiative.
While we are working to improve childcare for workers and families, Frederick County has also begun a new comprehensive Child Care Study to reassess the current childcare landscape in our community. Public participation will be critical to the study’s success and it will help shape our children’s future.
Frederick County residents with children aged birth to 12 years old are invited to complete the survey and participate in focus groups. More information on how to get involved is available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ChildCare.
