The FY27 budget is almost across the finish line. We adopted it on second reader after a long June 1 session and postponed final action to this Monday, June 8. Below you’ll find the wins I’m proudest of, a candid word about one process concern, what’s still ahead, and a full slate of community events. I'm also co-hosting a fundraiser for Gavin Buckley on June 18 — an evening on the water at the Annapolis Sailing School, with an environmental theme that reflects why his race for District 6 County Council matters.

A correction and apology. In my earlier comments on the Arnett/Finlayson scholarship issue, I characterized the Mayor as having opposed using the Education Commission’s expertise. After checking with both the Mayor and Alderwoman O’Neill, my recollection was mistaken — he did not oppose drawing on the Commission’s expertise. I want to set the record straight and apologize for the error.

A word on process — and the size of the Mayor’s Office. A procedural move late in our budget session ended up limiting debate on the size and cost of the Mayor's Office — something Alderwoman O'Neill and I objected to, though our colleagues saw it differently. I would have preferred to have had an open dialog about how this is the largest mayor's office in our history, but after the vote it is what it is. Over the next year I'll be watching how those positions perform and whether they deliver real value for residents, with an eye toward next year's budget conversation.

Stay healthy and safe,

Rob

A few items at the top of this newsletter. First, I am pleased to share that the scholarship program we approved last term — honoring former Alderpersons Ross Arnett and Sheila Finlayson — is now on a path forward. As some of you may have seen in the Capital Gazette, this took longer than it should have to resolve, but the important thing is that the eight students who were told they would receive these awards will not be left in limbo, the funds will be distributed before the fiscal year closes on June 30, and our Charter-crisis has been averted. I am grateful to Alderman Smith-Brown for stepping forward to develop draft protocols and to the Mayor for ultimately agreeing to move it forward.

Second, this Tuesday's council meeting is your LAST opportunity to testify in person on the FY27 City Budget. The public hearing closes at the end of this meeting and the Council moves into amendments at our June 1^st  meeting. Written testimony is also welcome — submit it at annapolis.gov/testimony. I have published my complete FY27 budget amendment package (v1.4, post-Finance review). You can read the full document here. You can also view what my colleagues on the council are proposing here.

Third, our Ward 7 Town Hall is Thursday, May 28th, 6:00–7:30 PM at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library. We'll cover the FY27 budget, Ward 7 capital projects, and open Q&A. If you can help distribute flyers to your immediate neighbors, please reply and I’ll let you know how to get some fliers.

Finally, if you're able to stay out a bit later on the 28th, I'd love to see you at the fundraiser for James Kitchin, who is running for Anne Arundel County Executive and has my full endorsement. James helped create Anne Arundel County's public campaign finance system — and then chose to use it himself, putting his principles into practice where many politicians would not. He has also earned the endorsement of the teachers union, and I look forward to working with him as a strong partner for our community. I'm going to do my best to wrap up the town hall early so anyone who wants to head to the Sailing School can make it. Details at jameskitchin.com/events.

Stay healthy and safe,

Rob