Executive Summary
The Latest News from County Executive Jan Gardner
Looking Forward to 2018
As we begin a new year, it is time to reflect on our blessings and accomplishments, and a time to look forward with optimism to what the upcoming year has to offer us. Frederick County’s new charter government has delivered good government with plenty of accomplishment and lots of community involvement.
Frederick County is leading the way. We are on the cutting edge and forefront of innovation in education, job creation, public safety, and so much more.
- We are at the forefront with a new innovative educational program called LYNX, Linking Youth to New Experiences, at the new Frederick High School that stands tall and proud in the center of our community.
- We've opened a unique and innovative job creation center called ROOT. ROOT is a truly unique collaboration of economic development partners, higher education, and industry, as well as a new business & technology incubator, coming in 2018.
- In public safety, we are on the leading edge with the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 communications and are the only county in Maryland with text to 9-1-1.
- And we can be proud that we are planning for our future with the Seniors First initiative to prepare for our rapidly growing aging population.
- Most important, we have restored honesty and integrity in county government. This is fundamental to good government. We have some of the strongest ethics laws in the state and are the only county with a truly non-political and independent process for appointment to our Ethics Commission.
The New Year also brings the opening of the state General Assembly session. Working across the political aisle, I am pleased to be advancing stronger state ethics provisions that apply specifically to Frederick County. I will also be actively advocating for support to address the opioid crisis, funding for our schools and roads, and legislation to deal with the impacts of the federal tax law on our county and state.
The County budget process is beginning and will include public hearings in March and April. In addition, we will use social media and an online survey to gather public input to allow citizens to shape budget priorities. My goal is to prioritize core services like education and public safety, transportation, and public health. I am focused on protecting taxpayers and making sure we live within our means. Like the past three years, there will be no increase in tax rates.
I am excited about Frederick County’s bright and prosperous future. I am excited by the engagement of citizens in the public process. Together, we make Frederick County proud.
Livable Frederick to Shape Future
Facebook: facebook.com/LivableFrederick
Twitter: @LivableFred
Interactive tools and computer simulations allowed us to look at scenarios and assumptions to see how different choices impacted our future, including our health, jobs, the environment, and transportation. Livable Frederick will shape the future of our community.
The draft plan was approved by the Frederick County Planning Commission on January 3. Now it's your turn to weigh in. During the 60-day review period, I encourage you to review the plan. There will be opportunities to ask questions at an open house.
- Brunswick High School - Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m.
- Oakdale High School - Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
- Frederick High School - Monday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
- Urbana High School - Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m.
- Catoctin High School - Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Livable Frederick on Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m.
Make your voice heard! You can read the draft Livable Frederick plan online at www.LivableFrederick.org. For more details, watch my public information briefing about the plan.
Contact Me
Email: CountyExecutive@FrederickCountyMD.gov
Website: FrederickCountyMD.gov/Executive
Location: 12 E Church St, Frederick, MD, United States
Phone: 301-600-1100
Facebook: facebook.com/JanGardnerExec
Twitter: @JanGardnerExec