LA PLATA, Md., June 12, 2025 — Charles County Government has released its 2024 Annual Report, a detailed document showcasing the county’s accomplishments across various departments. Available online, the report highlights progress in education, public safety, economic development, and community services, reflecting the county’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.
“The 2024 Annual Report offers a comprehensive look at the progress Charles County has made over the past year,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “It highlights the accomplishments and key milestones achieved across our departments and reflects the continued collaboration between county staff and the Board of Commissioners. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to serve our residents and move Charles County forward”.
The report details a balanced Fiscal Year 2025 budget, adopted without increasing property or income tax rates, with expanded investments in education, public safety, and recreation. The county maintained its AAA bond rating for the eighth consecutive year, enabling low-interest bond repayments to fund capital improvements. On Dec. 3, 2024, the county sold $73 million in bonds to support infrastructure projects.
Economic development was a key focus, with the Western Charles County Technology Corridor attracting over 130 technology and defense-related businesses. The Economic Development Department earned a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council for its “With Love From Charles” digital gift card program, launched during Business Appreciation Week in May. The initiative supports local businesses by encouraging community spending.
“This has been a joint labor of love, years in the making, aimed at giving everyone a way to celebrate and support our local businesses,” said Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “Every purchase of a ‘With Love From Charles’ gift card brings your hard-earned dollars back to our community, supporting local businesses like a boomerang of economic benefit.”
In public services, the county expanded VanGO transportation with new routes and improved ADA accessibility. Emergency services saw upgrades, including a new Pinefield station and additional EMT training. The acquisition of the former Sears store at St. Charles Towne Mall will transform the space into a sports and wellness complex, featuring a competition-size swimming pool.
Sustainability efforts included a $5 million federal grant for the Mallows Bay Heritage Center, supporting pre-construction at the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. “This remarkable project highlights our county’s unique cultural and ecological treasures and directly supports the County Commissioners’ goals of Resiliency & Sustainability as well as Economic Development,” said Acting County Administrator Deborah Hall, CPA.
The report also emphasizes community engagement. The Citizen Response Office resolved 739 inquiries in 2024, and the new SEECLICKREPORT platform allows residents to report issues online. The Collaborative Community Improvement Project, set to launch in Bryans Road in 2025, will foster dialogue between residents and government to address local needs.
Commissioner initiatives included food insecurity programs led by Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling, youth empowerment by Commissioner Thomasina Coates, and the 11th Annual Back-to-School Fiesta by Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, providing school supplies to hundreds of students. Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson promoted civic education through town halls on Charter Government.
The report outlines plans for 2025, including a new La Plata Library, a Performance Measurement Dashboard, and a Comprehensive Plan update to guide future growth. The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department will move to a new La Plata location, enhancing service accessibility.
Charles County, a code home rule county governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, serves a diverse community with a focus on fiscal responsibility and quality of life. The 2024 Annual Report, available in PDF format, includes local photos and charts to illustrate progress across its strategic priorities: economic development, institutional governance, emergency preparedness, resiliency, and quality of life.
Residents can access the report online, requiring Adobe Reader for viewing. The document underscores the county’s dedication to serving its residents through strategic planning and community collaboration.