Anne Arundel County Council Work Session - April 14, 2026

This work session of the Anne Arundel County Council included a presentation from the Department of Health on new and ongoing programs, followed by discussions on multiple bills and resolutions. No formal votes were taken; the session served as a preparatory meeting before the council sits as the Board of Health in May. The council also introduced a resolution for a future hearing.

Department of Health Presentation

• Dr. Tony Geddon and her team presented an overview of the department's work, including a new strategic plan for 2026-2028, budget breakdown (approximately 60% county general funds, $25 million in grants), and updates on key initiatives.
• Supporting Overdose Loss Survivors (SOLS): A pilot program launching in July 2026 providing financial support to children and families who have lost a parent or guardian to opioid overdose. Families with one child receive $5,000, with $2,500 per additional child. The program also includes post-secondary scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College.
• Maryland VAX Act: Recently passed legislation giving the Secretary of Health authority to set independent vaccine recommendations, maintaining the standard childhood vaccination schedule.
• On-Farm Food Service Bill: A new annual food service license option for non-licensed vendors at farms (up to 100 events), with regulations still being drafted.
• Maryland Vaccine Program (MVP): Launched in January 2026 to provide vaccines for uninsured/underinsured adults (19+). The health department vaccinated 82 adults at three health centers.
• Medicaid Changes: Preparing for an estimated 24,000 individuals affected by new work requirements and semi-annual renewals. The department is hiring five additional staff, expanding hours, and planning a communication campaign launching summer 2026.
• Gun Violence Intervention: A $1 million federal earmark ($500,000 per year for two years) for violence interruption in Northern Anne Arundel County, focusing on Glen Burnie or Brooklyn Park, based on a 2024 Cure Violence Global assessment.
• Black Maternal Health Week: Partnerships with libraries and a community advisory council; posters on display highlight disparities and lived experiences.
• Cancer Data Dashboard: A new online tool outlining risk factors, protective factors, and cancer types by age and gender. Councilmember Smith requested geographic data; Dr. Geddon noted data availability depends on identifiability.
• Overdose Data: Encouraging trends: decreases in both non-fatal and fatal overdoses. In 2025, cocaine was the second leading cause of overdose; about one in six fatalities also had alcohol in their system.
• Respiratory Illness Data: Influenza-like illness peaks in December; 116 influenza hospitalizations in that period. Vaccination rates slightly down.
• Cold-Related Deaths: As of April 28, 2026, there were 64 cold-related deaths statewide, with five in Anne Arundel County.
• Health-to-Go Vending Machines: 13 machines countywide distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction supplies; discussions with Department of Social Services for additional locations.
• School Health: Phase two of planning for school-based health centers at Brooklyn Park Middle School; 198 students used stock bronchodilators, with 60% able to return to class.
• Other highlights: Rabies vaccine program achieved 53% conversion rate; environmental health completed 2,600 inspections; 34 tons of food distributed through Brooklyn Park food pantry; cancer screenings resulted in 10 early diagnoses.

Discussion Items

Bills 20-2126 and 22-2126: National Business Park North TIF District

• Ethan Hunt (Administration) described two bills and a resolution to add parcels to the existing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and special taxing district at National Business Park North, owned by COPT. The special taxing district serves as a backstop; no special tax has been needed due to strong TIF performance. Councilmember Smith voiced strong support, noting the development supports NSA and US Cyber Command.

Bills 20-2226: PILOTs for Affordable Housing Projects

• Three payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreements for affordable rental housing projects:
  • Homes at Shelley (60 units, Glen Burnie): 50 units for households at 30%-60% AMI, 10 unrestricted. County revenue set at $11,043 in FY27 with 4% annual increase, 40-year term.
  • Odenton Junction 4 (72 units, Odenton): Units for households at 30%-80% AMI. County revenue set at $9,841 in FY27, same terms.
  • Odenton Junction 9 (50 units, Odenton): Units for households at 30%-60% AMI. County revenue set at $8,815 in FY27, same terms.
• Councilmember Pickard expressed support, noting mixed-income aspect as a model. Councilmember Fiedler added support, highlighting proximity to Odenton MARC station. Multiple councilmembers requested to be added as co-sponsors.

Bill 23-2126: Campaign Contributions (Land Use Decisions)

• Councilmember Rodvien introduced a bill to prohibit campaign contributions from developers during land use decisions, aiming to increase trust. The Administration (Ethan Hunt, County Attorney Greg Swain) expressed support, noting the county executive advocated for it. Swain explained the bill is modeled after similar laws in Prince George's, Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick counties. Enforcement would be complaint-driven through the Ethics Commission. Councilmember Fiedler raised concerns about enforcement and knowledge of donors' family relationships. Rodvien responded that returning a donation could resolve unknowing conflicts.

Bill 24-2126: Moratorium on Sewer Allocations

• Sponsored by Councilmember Volkey (absent). The Administration opposed the legislation, stating a moratorium was already declared administratively via Orange Notice. County Attorney Swain argued a legislative moratorium would require a bill to lift it, slowing future partial removals. Councilmember Pickard echoed concerns about administrative flexibility. Councilmember Smith noted a past moratorium was also administrative.

Bill 25-2126: Supplementary Appropriations

• Total of $18.6 million in appropriations and transfers, including:
  • $10 million to the Self-Insurance Fund for workers' compensation and general liability claims (7% increase in claims, 17% cost increase).
  • $515,000 for Workforce Development Corporation to meet new federal SNAP work requirements; Kirk Murray stated funding supports case managers to help participants gain employment.
  • $8.05 million for DPW Bureau of Highways for snow-related expenses from a severe ice storm in late January/early February 2026. Deputy Director Alex Bakier noted the storm exceeded typical preparations; new sidewalk removal requirements added significant costs. Councilmembers discussed lessons learned and equipment limitations.
  • $50,000 for Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families to cover half the salary of an initiative director for the ENGAGE program (Enough Initiative in Brooklyn Park). Pam Brown explained the state grant was less than requested, and the county contribution allows all state funds to go directly to community programs.

Bill 28-2126: Zoning for Commercial Districts (C4)

• Sponsored by Councilmember Volkey. The Administration stated comfort with the minor text amendment allowing apartments as an accessory use in C4 commercial districts.

Bill 29-2126: Cannabis Dispensary Buffer Restrictions

• Sponsored by Councilmember Volkey. The Administration opposed the bill, citing legal preemption (the state window to set more restrictive distances closed July 1, 2025), de facto prohibition due to layered buffers, and conflict with state social equity goals. Hunt noted he would meet with the sponsor.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; bills remain in committee for further consideration.
• The council announced a resolution (R-8-26) to introduce a conditional appropriation of $900,551 for electric hybrid buses from MDOT/MTA, with a hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026.
• Councilmembers encouraged continued dialogue with the Administration on bills 23-2126, 24-2126, and 29-2126.