I hope you had a great St. Patrick’s Day—and, if you made it downtown, enjoyed the parade and time with neighbors.

This Monday (3/23) the City Council meets again. Below is a preview of what’s on the agenda, along with a few community updates I think you’ll find useful.

A quick update from our last meeting: Ordinance O-40-25 (a moratorium on non-owner-occupied short-term rentals) passed. I voted no. My concern is that we adopted comprehensive legislation on this topic about six months ago, and I did not see a clear justification for pausing the current rules so soon. I’d prefer we evaluate how the new regulations are working, using data and enforcement experience, before taking a step as sweeping as a year-long moratorium.

Thank you for staying engaged and for taking the time to read these updates.

Stay healthy and safe,

Rob

Next Council meeting – 3/23/26 (agenda)

This meeting starts at 7pm and will be televised on local cable, YouTube, Facebook, and the City website.  You can submit public testimony at http://www.annapolis.gov/testimony. This will be an in-person meeting.

Closed session

We are scheduled to have a closed session at 6:15pm to discuss some lawsuits as well as a personnel issue. The regular (i.e public) meeting will start at 7pm.

Public Hearings

No legislation is scheduled for a public hearing, but you may speak on any topic during the general comment period.

Legislation being introduced on first reader

• O-6-26 - Oversight of the City’s Firing Range - For the purpose of allowing the Police Chief, along with the Mayor, to approve who uses the City’s police firing range located within the Annapolis Police Department.
• O-7-26 - Eliminating the Requirement for Outdoor Dining Patrons to be Seated - For the purpose of removing requirements that outdoor dining patrons must be seated to be served alcoholic beverages. The current outdoor dining code has this odd requirement that patrons have to be seated while eating and drinking. A number of us on the Council want to change this to encourage more community gatherings in outdoor dining areas. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation. All that said, I believe this legislation may get removed from the agenda as more time is needed to develop staff reports, and to reach out to some of the most impacted Alderpersons.
• R-7-26 - Support of Maryland General Assembly House Bill 1142, Establishing Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Sources - For the purpose of expressing the support of the Annapolis City Council for Maryland General Assembly House Bill 1142, which establishes a Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Sources; and urging the Maryland General Assembly to pass said legislation.

Legislation up for Second Reader (i.e final vote)

• R-1-26 - Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Statement of Performance Standards –– The Council is mandated by Code to approve the annual performance standards, which are intended to guide departmental operations throughout the upcoming fiscal year and budget cycle. There has been an ongoing need to update these standards, as several measures for certain departments remain insufficient and do not effectively serve as benchmarks for performance. Responsibility for this process lies with the City Manager’s Office; however, due to the administrative transition, this issue has seen limited progress, resulting in the current consideration of largely sub-optimal standards. Efforts were made to revise at least the environmental standards within the committee, but time constraints prevented comprehensive discussion and feedback from affected departments. I have requested that this topic be included on the Environmental Matters Committee agenda early this fall to ensure updated standards are established prior to next year’s (FY28) budget process. At present, I have not reached a decision regarding my vote. While some departments have enhanced their standards, others have not, and the collective result remains inadequate. Nevertheless, these are currently the most viable standards available.
• R-4-26 - Extending the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project - The purpose of this legislation is to extend a City of Annapolis pilot project; allow a public paddlecraft rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront; lower the paddlecraft rack fee; and generally related to the paddlecraft pilot project. I am co-sponsoring this legislation and hence have a strong inclination to support it, pending any comments from you.
• R-6-26 - Authorizing Itinerant Merchant Sales Within the Annapolis Historic District for Approved Special Events During Calendar Year 2026. I’m inclined to vote in favor, pending input from you.

Community & Political updates

Board vacancies - Help Shape Annapolis’ Environmental Future

The Annapolis Conservancy Board works to protect natural areas by guiding land donations and stewarding City-owned open spaces—improving water quality, expanding recreation opportunities, and preserving the natural and cultural resources that make Annapolis unique.

The Environmental Commission focuses on the City’s overall environmental health, studying issues like air and water pollution, noise, recycling, and sustainability practices, and making recommendations to the City Council.

If you care about clean water, healthy neighborhoods, and protecting the Bay, these boards offer a meaningful way to make a real impact for our community. Consider applying today! https://www.annapolis.gov/736

Virtual Renters Town Hall

Annapolis Community Grant portal now open

Expanded downtown circulator shuttle to support City Dock businesses

Introducing Golden Pass Parking

I am excited to announce that our brand-new Golden Pass Parking program begins on Monday, March 9! For just $20 from March 9 to April 6, seniors 62+ can enjoy up to two hours of parking per day on Main Street, Maryland Avenue, and at the Mills Hillman Garage.

This program is designed to make downtown Annapolis more accessible and enjoyable for our senior residents. Simply register your vehicle(s) through the online portal and submit payment. Once approved, your tag will be eligible for the daily two-hour parking benefit throughout the program period. No need to input a code or swipe a card. Drive up, do your downtown shopping and dining, and drive away. Tag readers will know your vehicle is enrolled in the program!

If you want to sign up for the program, you apply here or call (410) 216-5620.

Tickets Now on Sale for the Annapolis Film Festival on March 26-29

The Annapolis Film Festival is almost here! This year, the annual festival will be held from Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29. Screenings and events will be held at venues throughout Annapolis, including Maryland Hall, St. John’s College, Asbury United Methodist Church, and across the Historic Arts District, with additional festival experiences such as industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, Coffee Talks at RamsHead OnStage, student programs, and late-night parties.

Tickets are on sale now! You can pick up yours here.