LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County Government released its 2025 Annual Report on April 16, making available to the public a detailed review of the county’s accomplishments during the year under the theme Turning Plans into Progress.
The report outlines progress across the Board of County Commissioners’ strategic priorities, including economic development, institutional governance, emergency preparedness, response and safety, resiliency and sustainability, and quality of life. It features photographs, charts, and data visualizations to illustrate measurable outcomes for residents across Southern Maryland.
Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II said the document reflects meaningful progress in strengthening governance, expanding opportunity, and shaping a future that works for every resident. Guided by a shared commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive growth, the county took deliberate steps to ensure Charles County remains a vibrant and forward-thinking community, he stated. Collins added that the continued triple-A bond rating for nine years in a row demonstrates the community’s strength and the government’s commitment to sound financial management.
The fiscal summary in the report shows the approved Fiscal 2026 budget totaling 595081500 dollars with 44.4 percent or 263972500 dollars allocated to education. The Board of Education received 242644900 dollars while the Sheriff’s Office received 138974247 dollars or 23.3 percent and county government operations received 106258812 dollars or 17.8 percent. Debt service accounted for 33063700 dollars or 5.6 percent.
Economic development highlights include advancement of the 145-acre Waldorf Station mixed-use project at the intersection of U.S. Route 301 and Maryland Route 5. Phase 1 residential development saw a ribbon cutting in fall 2025 while Phase 2 retail components anchored by tenants including Starbucks Pollo Campero and Honeygrow remain under construction with occupancy expected in 2026. The Western Charles County Technology Corridor spanning from Indian Head to Bryans Road now includes more than 138 businesses and offers targeted incentives to attract technology enterprises. In Indian Head the Oasis Fresh Foods Market opened as the town’s first dedicated grocery store in more than two decades providing fresh produce meats and locally sourced items along with seven market-rate apartments.
The county established a new sister-city partnership with Matola Mozambique its third such international connection. A delegation led by Mayor Júlio José Parruque visited in June 2025 and signed an agreement focusing on trade investment agriculture education tourism and community development.
Resiliency efforts advanced through the Residential Stormwater Drainage Improvement Program which identified 109 projects to address flooding from aging infrastructure. The county also released its first-ever Climate Adaptation Report Card in partnership with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science earning an overall B-minus across environment human well-being and flooding categories. The Resilience Authority secured 5.7 million dollars in grants for nature-based projects and launched stormwater pocket parks in Waldorf to reduce flooding improve water quality and create community green spaces.
Infrastructure projects progressed with planning for the Sports and Wellness Complex at the former Sears site in St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf. A January 2025 community meeting drew more than 300 residents and a related survey generated 2114 responses. Follow-up meetings in March and May refined a phased approach beginning with a natatorium. Capital projects included construction of the Charles County Animal Care Center a new Pinefield EMS Station and upgrades to the Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Community engagement expanded with the Citizens Academy graduating 50 residents and launching a new Student Citizens Academy for 15 teens ages 13 to 17. The online Stay Engaged platform hosted 12 projects including surveys that drew strong participation. The Office of Equity and Access completed an employee assessment with 364 respondents and adopted an updated Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. Recruitment efforts reduced average time to hire from 183 days in 2024 to 97 days in 2025.
The report also details water supply planning including the WSSC Water-Waldorf Interconnection Project expected to deliver up to five million gallons per day of treated surface water by around 2030. Funding of 20 million dollars plus a 10 million dollar federal earmark supports the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project a top priority for Charles and Prince George’s counties.
Acting County Administrator Deborah E. Hall emphasized that the year’s focus was moving projects forward delivering commitments and getting things done for residents and businesses. The report underscores how county employees turn strategic plans into real-world results she noted.
Southern Maryland residents can access the full 2025 Annual Report online to review detailed departmental achievements and data. The document reinforces the county’s commitment to accountable transparent government that balances growth with responsibility.
