La Plata, Maryland – The Charles County Board of County Commissioners advanced work on establishing an Inspector General Office, reviewed resilience project funding, equity initiatives, zoning code changes, a potential project labor agreement policy, and state legislative bills during their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
County Attorney Wes Adams briefed commissioners on the proposed Inspector General bill, including a provision allowing civic organizations to participate in evaluating candidates for the oversight committee. Adams indicated the bill would be ready for introduction by March 3.
Stacy Schaefer, executive director of the Charles County Resilience Authority, presented the 2025 Year in Review. By the end of 2025, the authority secured more than $5.76 million for nature-based climate resilience projects through federal sources such as the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, along with state and philanthropic funding. Key highlighted projects included ongoing construction of the Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park and the completed Waldorf Senior & Recreation Center Accessible Pocket Park.
Renesha Miles, chief equity and access officer, and Elaine Pollard, equity and access coordinator, delivered a Quarterly Equity Update. The presentation covered the recent office rebrand, definitions of key terms related to their work, and actions taken to promote equity within county government operations.
Commissioners discussed proposed amendments to the Charles County Zoning Code following a request from Dr. Amanda Stewart, representing District 3. The changes address retail sales establishments exceeding 100,000 square feet in Urban Center, Mixed-Use, and Transit-Oriented Development zones. The amendments aim to correct an error in the code and revise use classifications in the Mixed-Use and Transit-Oriented Development zones. Commissioners reached consensus for staff to draft legislation based on the proposed edits and prepare a briefing on potential economic impacts.
The board also reviewed a proposed Project Labor Agreement Policy that would apply to contracts estimated at $20 million or more. The policy includes establishing a Project Labor Agreement Coordinating Committee to review proposals, with the committee’s structure set by the county administrator and county attorney and approved by the commissioners. Commissioners directed staff to return with analysis on applying the policy only to county projects and whether it could extend to commercial projects.
Acting Deputy County Administrator Danielle Mitchell provided a legislative update on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. Charles County government bills are in the drafting phase, and commissioners agreed to provide letters of support as bills advance. Updates covered three housing-related measures in the governor’s package: the Housing Certainty Act, the Starter and Silver Homes Act, and the Maryland Transit and Opportunity Act. Commissioners also received information on the BAMBY Act, supported by the Maryland Association of Counties, which would modify state oversight, zoning, and taxation for residential housing development. The board reached consensus to send a letter outlining concerns with the Housing Certainty Act and the Starter and Silver Homes Act.
Commissioners heard department highlights from the Department of Public Works on its recent activities.
In approval items, commissioners authorized:
- A budget transfer of $662,370 to cancel the White Plains Water Enhancements capital improvement project after modeling showed minimal or insignificant water pressure decreases from future development, making major upgrades unnecessary at this time.
- A budget transfer of $1.88 million for modifications and technology updates to the government building auditorium to support live and hybrid meetings.
- Façade alterations to Blue Crabs Stadium for signage and exterior color changes.
- Direction to staff to initiate a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to align the county’s Land Use Map with the October 2024 rezoning of properties surrounding Maryland Airport, including updates to Land Use District Table 3-3.
The meeting reflects the commissioners’ focus on governance improvements, environmental resilience, equity, land use policy, labor standards, state legislative advocacy, and fiscal adjustments in Charles County government operations.