Dear Community Leaders and Members of Anne Arundel County,

Anne Arundel County recently earned the prestigious Budget Presentation Award, a testament to transparency and collaboration in our budgeting process. If you are curious about the County budget process and how you can be part of it, join us next week on December 18th at noon for our next EngageArundel webinar, Navigating the County Budget. This webinar will prepare you to participate in a Budget Town Hall in your district, where County Executive Pittman and your Councilmember are eager to hear your priorities for the next fiscal year. Dates and details on the Town Halls are below—don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact!

Additionally, County Executive Pittman’s 2024 State of the County Address is now available! Discover the County’s achievements and vision for recovery, equity, and growth. Watch the address at aacounty.org/state-of-the-county or listen on the Pittman and Friends podcast at aacounty.org/PittmanandFriends.

Vincent Moulden

Office of the County Executive

Director, CECS

County Executive Pittman in the Community

1. Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial Rededications | 2. Executive Order 67 Bill Signing | 3. Glen Burnie District Court Mental Health Ribbon Cutting | 4. Civic Engagement Awards

Follow the County Executive on social media:

County Executive Pittman Releases 2024 State of the

County Address Video

Yesterday, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the release of the 2024 State of the County Address, emphasizing the importance of healing from pandemic-era challenges and fostering trust within the community. The address reflects on the county’s progress and outlines a vision for continued recovery, equity, and smart growth.

“This year’s address focuses on how the daily work of local government can heal divisions and build the trust our communities need to thrive,” said County Executive Pittman.

The full State of the County Address is available to watch by clicking the image above or listening to the Pittman and Friends Podcast at aacounty.org/PittmanAndFriends.

Statement from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman on AACPS Star Rating Results

County Executive Steuart Pittman issued the following statement regarding the Anne Arundel County Public School’s recent star rating results:

“The rise in star ratings for 21 Anne Arundel County Public Schools, with 53 percent earning four or five stars, is a proud moment for our county. With scores consistently outpacing the state average, AACPS continues to set the standard for educational excellence.

“These achievements highlight the dedication of our educators, students, and families, as well as the focused leadership of Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell and his team. The progress in our Community Schools, supported by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, demonstrates the power of equity-driven investments to improve outcomes for all students.

“Strong schools are the foundation of a thriving county, and we will continue working to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Anne Arundel County Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded Anne Arundel County the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, marking the sixth consecutive award for budgets prepared under his administration. This recognition reflects the county’s commitment to excellence in governmental budgeting and its adherence to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.

Read more.

See The Impact Department Work Has On Our Community

Did you know that the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) was included in the original form of County Government? The OAH plays a critical role to ensure that development in Anne Arundel County is done in a manner that is well planned. In FY 2024, the top three types of cases heard were zoning cases only (64.8%), critical area cases only (17.3%) and cases that had a zoning and critical area component (10.7%). Regardless of the case type, since FY2022, the OAH has consistently approved over 80% of cases heard. 

OpenPerformance is a piece of what is available on OpenArundel, a collection of tools, reports and data developed to empower county residents with information and to encourage civic engagement. We are interested in hearing from you and how you use the information available on OpenArundel. Please take a moment to tell us what you think by clicking here to fill out the survey. 

If you have any questions or want to know more, contact ArundelStat@aacounty.org.

The Department of Aging and Disabilities Announces Winter Holiday Closure Schedule for All Senior Activity Centers

All senior activity centers will be closed from Tuesday, December 24th through Wednesday, January 1st. They will reopen on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. The Senior Center Plus Program and transportation service to senior activity centers will not occur during the holiday closure, but they will resume on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. Lunch will not be served at the senior activity centers during the closure, but lunch will be served at all other congregate nutrition sites.

For more questions about Transportation, please call 410-222-0022 or visit www.aacounty.org/departments/transportation/. For food pantries and meal distribution sites near you, please visit www.aacounty.org/food-council/food-resources. For more information, or for anyone needing accommodations, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4257. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

Draft Blue Notice: Bioswales Guidance

The Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits has published a guidance memo on the design, construction, and maintenance of bioswales as they relate to development projects.

Click here to view more information and to leave a comment by December 25, 2024.

Self-care is an important part of supporting mental wellness. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call the Anne Arundel County Warmline at 410-768-5522 for 24/7 support and resources. More at AAHealth.org/suicide-prevention.

County Council Meeting

Below is a list of legislation receiving a public hearing at the upcoming County Council meeting. Let your voice be heard during the public comment period for each of these! For meeting schedules, legislation links, and other relevant information about the Council please click here.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Please note: the legislation scheduled to be heard at the next County Council meeting is subject to change. Click here for an up-to-date list and to see other legislation that has been introduced but is not scheduled for a hearing at the next meeting.

The Nonprofit Center is a county initiative that supports nonprofit organizations to advance the health and well-being of our residents.

What’s New with NPC

NPC News & Updates

Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc is our spotlight this month. Learn more here!

Professional Development  

Introduction to Finding Grants 

Get practical tips that you can use to expand your nonprofit's funding opportunities this year and into 2025. This webinar will highlight the top 10 things you need to know about finding grants, from understanding who funds nonprofits to making the first approach. Register for free here. 

Details: December 12, 2–3:30 ET 

Grant Opportunities

Chesapeake Bay Trust issues RFP for Environmental Education Grant Program

The trust invites proposals for its Environmental Education Grant Program, which supports programs and initiatives that advance environmental literacy and result in students having the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation to take informed and responsible actions to protect and improve the environment.

Learn more here. 

Application Deadline: December 12, 2024

Environmental Advertising Grant Available Through Temper of the Times Foundation

Grants of between $5,000 and $15,000 are available for projects that will lead to measurable outcomes for wildland ecosystem conservation and restoration in the United States.

Learn more here. 

Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

Grants Available for Climate Crisis Solutions

HCLTech will award grants totaling $1 million to three non-governmental organizations in support of scalable, replicable, and sustainable solutions to fight the climate crisis the world is facing today.

Learn more here. 

Application Deadline: December 20, 2024

Residents can view a calendar of upcoming meetings in their area, review site plans and other documents, attend virtual meetings, watch previously recorded meetings, and provide public comments directly to the Office of Planning and Zoning - all through the new Community Meetings website. See a partial list of upcoming meetings below and click here for more details and to view the full calendar.

1724 Westmoreland Trl

Property Location 1724 Westmoreland Trail, Annapolis, MD 21401, Westmoreland Trl X Roydon Trl

Meeting Date: 2024-12-12

Virtual | Time: 6:00 PM

727 Old Benfield Blvd



Property Location 727 Old Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146 Old Benfield Blvd X Benfield Rd

Meeting Date: 2024-12-16

Hybrid | Time: 6:00 PM

Marley Neck South Property

Property Location 0 Marley Rd, Glen Burnie, MD 21060, Marley Neck Boulevard, 1,200 feet south of the intersection with Tanyard Springs Lane.

Meeting Date: 2024-12-16

In-Person | Time: 6:00 PM

2723 Annapolis Road

Property Location 2723 Annapolis Road Jessup Maryland 21076

Meeting Date: 2024-12-16

Virtual | Time: 6:00 PM

Joint 911 Center

Property Location Parcel tax ID 200090012184 Cross streets of General's highway and Dunton Road or Covington Way

Meeting Date: 2024-12-18

In-Person | Time: 6:00 PM

Mt. Zion Crossing - TM71 P192

Property Location 1281 Mt. Zion Marlboro Rd., Lothian, MD 20711

Meeting Date: 2024-12-18

Virtual | Time: 6:00 PM

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Newsletter edited by Vincent Moulden.

For media inquiries, please contact Renesha Alphonso.