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