On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the Charles County Board of Commissioners convened its annual State Legislative Proposals Work Session in La Plata, Maryland, to shape the county’s 2026 legislative package for the Maryland General Assembly, set to convene in January. The session, a critical step in aligning county priorities with state-level action, resulted in a consensus on 14 proposals, with three additional proposals slated for further discussion at a follow-up work session on September 30, 2025. The process underscores Charles County’s commitment to addressing local needs through state legislation, reflecting issues ranging from infrastructure to community services, tailored to the needs of its approximately 170,000 residents.
The work session featured briefings on key county initiatives, providing commissioners with data to inform their legislative priorities. Joel Binkley, Planning Supervisor, and Cathy Thompson, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Growth Management, presented an update on the Affordable Housing Work Group Report. The report outlines strategies to address housing shortages, quantifying both short- and long-term needs in Charles County, where demand for affordable housing has grown amid population increases and economic shifts. It includes an Implementation Framework and Milestones to guide progress. Binkley emphasized ongoing public engagement, noting, “Additional input through the Planning Commission and stakeholder dialogue will refine our approach.” A comprehensive strategy presentation is scheduled before December 31, 2025, to finalize recommendations for county-wide adoption.
Fiscal matters also took center stage. Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, alongside Samantha Chiriaco, Chief of Budget, briefed commissioners on the General Fund for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. The presentation detailed revenue and expenditure trends, ensuring fiscal stability for county operations. Commissioners approved the proposed fund balance reserves, a decision that reinforces Charles County’s prudent financial management as it navigates economic pressures like inflation and rising service demands.
Additionally, Dyer and Kelli Scherer, Budget Analyst II, discussed the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. A key outcome was the commissioners’ approval to extend the deadline for the Tri-County Council food insecurity partnership to December 31, 2025. This extension allows continued collaboration with regional partners to address food access challenges, particularly in underserved areas of Charles County, where organizations like the Southern Maryland Food Bank have reported increased demand.
The commissioners also addressed governance reforms, approving an amendment to the Ethics Commission’s rules of procedure. The change clarifies the role of alternates on the commission, ensuring smoother operations and consistency in ethical oversight. This procedural update reflects the county’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in local government, a priority for residents and officials alike.
The legislative package, once finalized, will be submitted to the Charles County State Legislative Delegation, which includes representatives from Maryland’s House and Senate. The delegation will advocate for the county’s priorities during the 2026 General Assembly session in Annapolis. The September 30 work session will focus on the three remaining proposals, which may address unresolved issues such as transportation, public safety, or economic development, though specific details were not disclosed. These discussions will ensure the final package reflects a comprehensive approach to Charles County’s needs, from infrastructure improvements along Route 301 to community programs in Waldorf and La Plata.
Charles County’s legislative process is rooted in a history of proactive engagement with state lawmakers. Past packages have secured funding for projects like the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor and enhanced public safety measures, demonstrating the county’s ability to translate local priorities into state action. The 2026 package is expected to continue this tradition, addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, which has emerged as a top concern in community forums hosted by the Department of Planning and Growth Management.
As the county prepares for its next session, the commissioners’ focus remains on balancing growth with quality-of-life improvements. With a diverse population spanning urban centers like Waldorf and rural areas like Nanjemoy, Charles County faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions. The legislative package, combined with ongoing initiatives like the affordable housing strategy and ARPA-funded programs, positions the county to address these demands effectively. The September 30 work session will be a pivotal moment to finalize the package, ensuring it reflects the priorities of Charles County residents as they navigate a rapidly evolving region.