We are down to the wire! This Tuesday is election day and every vote counts! Please remember to cast your ballot at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library any time between 7AM to 8pm.

If you should need

Next Tuesday, Annapolis voters will head to the polls to decide the future of our city. I’m writing to ask for your support, your vote, and your help in these final days as we work together to keep building a stronger, more sustainable Annapolis.

 As we gather for our final Council meeting of this term, I want to take a moment to thank you for your engagement and support over the past eight years. When we next convene, it will be with a new mayor and a largely new Council, should I earn your continued support in the upcoming election. This transition marks an important moment for our community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

In this update, I’ll share key legislative actions from our last meeting, important election reminders, and opportunities to get involved—including a special door-knocking event with the Governor later today. Your feedback and participation remain vital as we shape the future of Ward 7 together.

Dock St Height legislation (i.e. downtown hotel proposal)

I wanted to provide you with a few important updates from the last Council meeting. First of all is O-14-25, which originally had proposed to do two things: 1. Increase the height allowed for accessory structures on rooftops along Dock Street (i.e. the proposal to allow rooftop dining on a future hotel), and 2. Increase the allowable density for planned mixed and residential developments (PUDs). At first, we amended O-14-25 to tweak the height portion (my amendment #5), but elected not to amend #2 to incorporate a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) requirement (my amendment #6). Without amendment #6, the entirety of O-40-25 failed. Wanting to save #2 (the PUD density changes), a motion was made to reconsider the just-failed vote. Such a motion passed. Then #1 (height changes) were removed entirely from O-14-25, and my amendment #6 (TOD) was inserted back in and passed. Hence, at the end of the votes, O-14-25 passed without #1 (height changes) and with #2 (PUD density increases but with TOD requirements). I advocated strongly for the TOD requirements, as I believe they are crucial for Ward 7. If we ever want a solution to the Forest Drive traffic problems, we simply must incorporate a TOD requirement. I’m happy and proud to say that this the strongest TOD requirement in Maryland, and will ensure that developers partner with us to provide community benefits and transit development for all residents.

Short term rental legislation – O-17-25

I am similarly happy to report that O-17-25 passed with my proposed amendments. What this means is that we have, for the first time in our history, adopted a 10% cap on Short Term Rentals (STRS) per blockface, with a clear path towards achieving that 10% cap. Such a path entails a zeroing out of all non-owner occupied STR permits at the end of two years, at which time a lottery will take place that prioritizes those that were in good standing and owned by either Annapolis or County residents.

2025 election updates

General election reminder

Please remember to vote on November 4th!

I'm seeking your support and your vote as I aim to serve another four years. If you're able, please consider donating; it will help me cover the costs of the mailers I sent ou, in an effort to keep us connected in Ward 7. For more information, see details on General Election

Need help door-knocking

If you would be interested in joining me in door-knocking, we will be having groups go out every weekend this month. So please get in touch! It’s a great way to meet your neighbors. Later today the Governor will be joining us in our canvassing efforts. 11:30 at the intersection of Amos Garrett Blvd and West St.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• CA-1-25 - City Council compensation commission – approved (I voted Aye)
• CA-2-25 – City Council Pay and Benefits Deadline – approved (I voted Aye)
• O-14-25 - Implementation of Annapolis Ahead Comprehensive Plan – As stated above, I initially voted no, then when the City Dock “hotel” height provisions were removed and my transit oriented development amendment added back in, I supported this legislation. – approved as amended (I voted Aye)
• O-15-25 - Accessory Dwelling Unit – This legislation was withdrawn.
• O-17-25 - Limiting Short-term Rentals per Blockface – approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-18-25 - Re-Allowing Historic Duplexes in R2 Zoning Districts – withdrawn
• O-19-25 - Historic tour regulation – Approved with an amendment (I voted Aye)
• O-21-25 - Annapolis Harbor Lines at 423 Chester Avenue on Back Creek – Withdrawn
• O-24-25 - Election Report Deadlines – approved with amendment (I voted Aye)
• O-29-25 - Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District – Approved (I voted Aye)
• O-30-25 - Business revitalization district change – Approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-34-25 - exempt service classifications change – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-5-25 - Maryland hall waiver – Withdrawn
• R-33-25 - speed camera fines – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-34-25 - market space fee interest waiver – Postponed
• R-35-25 - 181 Prince George Street Sidewalk Easement – Failed (I voted Nay, largely out of Aldermanic courtesy)
• R-41-25 - Military bowl parade – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-42-25 – Compensation of Acting City Manager Victoia Buckland – Approved (I voted Aye)

Thank you for your continued support. Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

The countdown continues… two Council meetings remaining in this term. Hence, we will have some rather packed agendas for these last two meetings.

Of particular note are 5 pieces of legislation that deal with growth, development, and housing. First up, of greatest concern (and potential impact) to me, is O-14-25. This would double the allowed density in certain Planned Developments along our major corridors. I have an amendment to scale this back and only allow growth if we have a solid plan in place for addressing the associated safety and traffic impacts. More on this legislation below. We also have O-17-25 that would implement a 10% cap on short term rentals per blockface, which is a much needed step. And also O-15-25 (Accessory Dwelling Unit code tweak), O-18-25 (allowing duplexes in R-2 districts as they once were in the past), and O-29-25 (Tyler Ave overlay).

2025 election updates

General election reminder

Even though I was not on the Primary Ballot since it was an uncontested race, I will be on the November ballot and ask for your vote and continued support as I look to serve you for another 4 years. Please considering donating as I hope to send out some additional mailers to voters to better engage everyone.

Need help door-knocking

If you would be interested in joining me in door-knocking, we will be having groups go out every weekend this month. So please get in touch! It’s a great way to meet your neighbors.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-19-25 - Regulation of Tours in Historic Annapolis – postponed (I voted aye)
• O-24-25 - Election Report Deadlines. - postponed (I voted aye)
• O-32-25 - Lease of City Property - 2031-2036 Fall Boat Shows – approved (I voted Aye)
• O-36-25 - Lease of City Property - 2031-2036 Spring Boat Shows - approved (I voted Aye)
• R-35-25 - 181 Prince George Street Sidewalk Easement – postponed and referred to Environmental Matters Committee (I voted aye)
• R-36-25 - Fees for Clearing Snow and Ice from City Sidewalks – approved (I voted Aye)
• R-38-25 - Re-assigning Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 Community Grants – approved (I voted Aye)
• R-39-25 - Itinerant Merchant Sales in the Historic District for a Flea Market – approved (I voted Aye as amended)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Only 3 meetings remaining in this term. On Monday we will have five pieces of legislation up for a public hearing. Of particular note to some of you may be O-15-25, updating our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) requirements.

2025 election updates

Primary Election results

Final results from the Primary Election are in! Due to an issue with an election judge misreporting the numbers on election night, the City just concluded auditing all of the ballots, and I’m happy to report that the totals from the audit reflect the same totals from election night, speaking to the accuracy of our election methods. You may have also read about the issues with the mailed ballots, but based on what I’ve been told that issue stemmed from an issue with the US Postal Service not properly handling election ballots and holding onto them in the Baltimore sorting facility. I have not heard of any other issues coming out of that, so it would seem that all ballots have been received and counted at this point. We will certainly give this close consideration when we get our post-election briefing from our Election Board. But to be frank, this does have me wondering about perhaps administering our own elections again instead of contracting with Anne Arundel County. After these snafus, I’d like to ensure we maintain complete control over our elections, and in my mind having direct control over our democracy is worth any potential costs resulting from such self-administration. This is what we used to do until former Mayor Pantelides partnered with the County on our elections.

Congratulations to Mayoral candidate Jared Littmann

I would like to congratulate Mayoral candidate Jared Littmann on his victory in the Democratic primary. He will next be facing Republican Bob O’Shea in the general election on November 4^th 2025.

General election reminder

Even though I was not on the Primary Ballot since it was an uncontested race, I will be on the November ballot and ask for your vote and continued support as I look to serve you for another 4 years.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-31-25 - Issuance of General Obligation Bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes – APPROVED (I voted “Aye”)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

We are in the final stretch of the Council, with only 4 meetings remaining. Hence, as you’ll see below, there are quite a few of pieces of legislation being introduced.

Ranked Choice voting hearing

We will be having a public hearing on O-35-25, which would change Annapolis elections to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in 2029. If you support this transition, I encourage you to come out and testify.

RCV is an election method where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. It is utilized in Takoma Park, NYC, Maine, and Alaska. If no candidate wins a majority of first‑choice votes, the lowest‑ranked candidates are eliminated in rounds, and votes are redistributed based on the next preference until one candidate has a majority. I am co-sponsoring this with Alderman Huntley as I’ve long-supported shifting to this type of voting. I believe this voting method will help build unity at a time when this country is incredibly divided, for two main reasons: 1. It ensures that whomever wins, wins with a majority of the vote instead of simply a plurality, and 2. It helps prevent vicious fighting between candidates since they will want their opponent’s supporters to at least vote for them as #2. Furthermore, it helps to remove the ”spoiler” effect because if a candidate receives the least amount of votes, they will lose that round and those who voted for that person as #1 will have their #2 jump up to #1. Here is a good video explaining RCV.

2025 election updates

Door-knocking tomorrow with Mayoral candidate Jared Littman

As you may have seen in my email yesterday, Mayoral candidate Jared Littman and I are door-knocking tomorrow morning in Ward 7, starting at 10AM. If you would like to join us, please RSVP here.

Endorsement

As you could tell from the door-knocking, I fully support Jared Littman for Mayor. I have worked with him during his tenure as an Alderman, prior to my own election, and can attest to his strong integrity and dedication to environmental protection. Throughout my experience in politics, I have encountered many public officials, and he stands out as someone genuinely motivated by public service. I encourage you to consider supporting him in the upcoming Mayoral Primary.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Thank you for a successful fundraiser at Port Annapolis.

For those who were able to join us, thank you for turning out. We enjoyed the port wine and had some lovely conversations. The money raised will help to go towards some mailers that I will be sending out between the primary and general elections.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-9-25 - Expanding Waterfront Uses in R4 General Residence (Zoning) Districts D – APPROVED (I voted “Aye”)
• O-19-25 - Regulation of Tours in Historic Annapolis – POSTPONED (I voted “Aye” on postponement)
• R-30-25 - Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan – PASSED (I voted “Aye”)
• O-20-25 - Sale of City-Owned Property at 932 Spa Road and 935 Spa Road – APPROVED as amended by Environmental Matters Committee (I voted “Aye”)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

We are coming up on our 5^th Council meeting remaining of this term. For Monday, note that we have a public hearing on O-14-25, which would increase density throughout our City’s major corridors, a Ranked Choice Vote (RCV) proposal coming from Alderman Huntley and I, and a final vote on a proposed property transfer to secure remediation money to clean up the contaminated Spa Rd properties. In addition, in the last section I have some updates on the ASPCA barking issue, Edgewood Rd crosswalk lighting complaint, and vegetative complaint on Bembe Beach Rd.

Re-election campaign update

Fundraiser Friday – Dessert & Port at Port Annapolis

I’m holding a Dessert & Port Tasting fundraiser this Friday, Aug 1, 7–9PM at Port Annapolis at the lounge above their pool. $75 for a ticket, only 30 spots, so act now! Join me for sweets, sips, and civic fun 🍷🍫 RSVP here. 

Donation link correction

I apologize to all those who have had difficulty sending donations through my website. I believe we have the issue resolved now, so please donate at www.RobSavidge.com/donate

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-6-25 - Clearing Snow and Ice from City Sidewalks - Approved (I voted Aye)
• O-8-25 - Chesapeake Children’s Museum Lease Renewal Through June 30, 2030 - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-27-25 - Renaming of the Noah Hillman Parking Garage - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-30-25 - Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan – Postponed (I voted to postpone)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Our Monday meeting contains six pieces of legislation up for a public hearing, including one that would limit the number of short-term rentals per block. I have two amendments, possibly more, that would define blockface to include communities (like mine) that do not have traditional blocks, and exempt owner-occupied STRs from this limitation since simply renting out rooms doesn’t have as much of a negative impact on communities as entire homes being rented (as opposed to having long-term residents via ownership or long-term rentals).

Re-election campaign update

Save the date! I plan to send an email early next week with details about a fundraiser event tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m. Your support would be greatly appreciated! 

Donations. As I prepare to organize some important mailers to reach more voters, your generous financial support would be invaluable in helping us run a strong and effective campaign. Sending checks is best (no fees!), made out to Friends of Rob Savidge, mailed to 12 Windwhisper Ln, but you can also donate at www.RobSavidge.com/Donate

Volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering, there are so many meaningful ways to get involved! Whether it’s helping distribute campaign signs, hosting a meet-and-greet to introduce neighbors, or joining our door-to-door outreach team to engage directly with community members, your enthusiasm can make a tremendous impact. I deeply appreciate every offer of support, and together, I know we can achieve great things. Thank you so much for considering being part of this journey!

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-17-25 - 2025 Transit Development Plan for the City of Annapolis – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-22-25 - City Supported Special Events in Fiscal Year 2026 – Approved (I voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

It's time again to get out there and knock on some doors! Join us this Saturday

There isn’t too much to report on for our upcoming Council meeting. Nothing is up for a public hearing and we only have two pieces of legislation up for a Second Reader (final vote). That said there are two things I’d like to highlight:

1. We will be holding a preliminary hearing on a petition of Annexation for the Carrs Road community. This is an area between Chesapeake Harbour and Edgewood Green, off Edgewood Rd. It was left out of the annexation decades ago, and now they have failing septic tanks and would like to annex. I believe there are around 15 or so current homes. The purpose of this preliminary hearing is to determine if there is any additional supplemental information or studies that the Council may deem needed to officially move the annexation petition to the next step, which would be a public hearing and then an introduction of the associated Resolutions and Ordinances. Based on my conversations with staff, they will likely make a recommendation that some additional information be gathered. What I will likely do is make a motion to request this additional information be given to us, by the petitioners, by June 2026. That means that when the petitioners get this information to the Council, likely the new Council, we will hold a second preliminary hearing that will hopefully conclude and move to the next steps.
2. We may add legislation on First Reader (i.e. introduction) to the agenda. Given that we are at the end of a Council term, we have limited time left with our “sine die” on our second meeting in October. Many, including staff, are trying to get legislation through last minute. In order for the timing to work, when factoring in the August recess all City bodies realize, we need to get legislation to the Planning Commission as soon as possible in order to give them enough time to get their recommendations back to us. Hence, we may move to add the following legislation to the agenda, though it will require a suspension of the rules since the staff reports are not all ready. Because of this, I am not prepared to comment on this legislation, but here is the list nonetheless.
   1. O-15-25 - Removing Accessory Dwelling Unit Owner-Residency Requirement (Schandelmeier) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government Committee
   2. O-18-25 - Reallowing Duplexes in R2 Zoning Districts (Huntley) - Planning Commission then Rules & Government Committee
   3. O-27-25 - Cutting of Trees in Critical Areas and Tree Replacement (Savidge) - Planning Commission then Rules & Government AND Environmental Matters
   4. O-29-25 - Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District (Gay) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government AND Housing & Human Welfare
   5. O-30-25 - Business Revitalization Zoning District Regulations (O'Neill) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government Committe

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-20-25 - FY 2026 Annual Fees Schedule – approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• R-21-25 - FY 2026 Fines Schedule - approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-10-25 - Annual Budget and Appropriation and Property Tax Levy. approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-33-24 - Appeals Process for Property Development in Annapolis - approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-11-25 - Arts in Public Places Commission Update and Revisions – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-12-25 - Street-end Park on Annapolis Street - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-17-25 - 2025 Transit Development Plan for the City of Annapolis – Postponed until 6/16 meeting (I made the motion and voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob