2026 Summit Recap
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Anne Arundel Community College | Health and Life Sciences Building | 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD. 21012
Contact: cecs@aacounty.org | (410) 222-1785
Hosted by the County Executive’s Office of Community Engagement & Constituent Services, in partnership with the Growth Action Network, the Community Association Summit was designed to equip community leaders, board members, and residents with practical tools, timely information, and opportunities to connect with one another.
This year’s summit included sessions on advocacy, board recruitment, legislation affecting associations, county services, and more. Attendees also had the option to participate in a special on-site stormwater field tour at Anne Arundel Community College following the main program.
View the sessions or download the presentations below.
Summit Agenda & Session Materials
Opening Session
County Executive Steuart Pittman will share what he’s learned about engaging communities from his experiences both inside and outside of government. He will analyze wins, losses, and challenges to come.
Session I: Working Effectively with Government
Community leaders are often called on to bring neighbors together, raise concerns, and work with government to help solve problems. This session is designed for association leaders who want to be more organized, more strategic, and more effective when engaging with government. Learn how to identify priorities, grow relationships and engage with decision-makers, make clear requests, and stay focused on outcomes.
Speaker: Jon Korin, BikeAAA
Watch the Session | Download the Presentation (PDF)
Session II: A Tail of Two Neighbors: How Communities and Beavers Can Peacefully Coexist
Learn how beaver activity affects local waterways, stormwater systems, and surrounding communities, and how Anne Arundel County approaches coexistence, mitigation, and environmental stewardship.
Speakers: Ryan Rich and Nita Settina, Department of Public Works - Bureau of Watershed Protection & Restoration
Watch the Session | Download the Presentation (PDF)
Session III: Solving Community Challenges with DPW
Meet with leadership from DPW to discuss collaborative community teaming and safer, innovative solutions regarding tree trimming, litter management, sidewalks, resurfacing, drainage, lighting, and service coordination.
Speakers: Erin Dey, Jim Small, Richard Folderauer, Blake Lightcap, Department of Public Works
Watch the Session | Download the Presentation (PDF)
Session IV: Board Recruitment and Leadership Development
A discussion on strategies for recruiting new board members, sustaining leadership pipelines, and addressing turnover and vacancies within associations.
Speakers: Community Associations Institute - Chesapeake Chapter
Watch the Session | Download the Presentation (PDF)
Closing Session: Legislative Update and What It Means for Your Association
A legislative update focused on issues affecting community associations, including reserve study-related legislation and other policy changes, paired with practical implementation guidance for boards and managers.
Speaker: Cynthia Hitt Kent, Law Office of Cynthia Hitt Kent LLC