Annapolis, MD (June 13, 2025) – The Anne Arundel County Council passed County Executive Steuart Pittman’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget today with bipartisan support. All seven members of the County Council voted unanimously in favor of the $2.4 billion budget.
County Executive Pittman introduced the budget on May 1st with a theme of “Protecting Our People.” The FY26 budget, now officially adopted, maintains a strong fiscal foundation, reduces the property tax rate, and makes new investments in education, public safety, health and human services, affordable housing, and infrastructure.
"As we face threats to federal funding and attacks from the federal government on the services that families rely on, our elected officials in Anne Arundel County worked together to support a budget that protects our people," said County Executive Pittman. "I want to thank the County Council for their collaboration that allowed us to pass a budget that delivers for all our residents."
The FY26 budget includes a record $52.28 million increase for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, fully funding the Superintendent’s compensation package and adding 30 new special education positions and additional staff for bilingual support, social-emotional learning, and community schools. It also invests in middle school athletics, early childhood enrichment, and construction of new school facilities, including $120 million for the Old Mill Master Plan.
“Given the never-ending chaos of the federal government and its efforts to wreak havoc on our state and local budget, I am immensely proud of the work we did on the county budget this year,” said County Council Chair Julie Hummer (District 4). “We prioritized services for residents by increasing funding for our school system, giving much needed raises to our first responders, and continuing the work on vital capital projects like the new joint 911 public safety center. This budget was a true collaboration between the administration and the entire Council, and it is a testament to what can be accomplished when we focus on our shared values.”
Key public safety investments include new positions that will allow the Police Department to staff an additional shift at the new Real-Time Information Center and the Fire Department to add positions dedicated to the Fire Training Academy. Within the Sheriff’s Office, the budget adds eight vehicles for sheriff’s deputies, and creates two new civilian positions that will allow deputies to focus on courtroom security. The capital budget invests in the construction of a new Northern District Police Station, a Joint 911 Center, and new fire stations in Jessup, Waugh Chapel, and Arundel.
The budget includes investments that continue and expand on the county programs that serve those most impacted by potential federal funding cuts, our most vulnerable residents. Health and Human Services investments in FY26 budget include:
- $1.5 million for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank
- Recurring funding for the Health Ambassadors and Healthy Communities Programs
- Funding for violence interruption programs in Eastport and Severn
- Increased support for crisis response mental health services
"Despite the looming challenges and economic uncertainty created by the federal government in recent months, I am proud of the careful planning we have done over the years that positions us to tackle the more turbulent conditions we now face,” said Council Vice Chair Lisa Rodvien (District 6). “While our neighboring counties are facing staffing cuts, our county's FY26 budget continues to make important investments in our school system, public safety, public health, and our communities. Our County Executive and Budget Officer deserve kudos for their forward-thinking and steady leadership over the years."
The budget uses funds from the county’s Housing Trust Fund to continue eviction prevention services, assist families struggling with homelessness, and support the creation of more affordable housing.
To protect the county in the face of federal funding threats, the budget:
- Maintains the Rainy Day Fund at 8%, the maximum allowable level
- Sets aside more than $10 million to protect essential services from cuts to federal support, with oversight from the County’s interagency Federal Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Workgroup
To support working families, the budget maintains a progressive income tax structure, lowers the property tax rate from 98.3 to 97.7 cents per $100 of assessed value, and preserves the 2% Homestead Property Tax Credit.
"This budget represents a stable, and forward thinking approach to maintaining quality schools, safe neighborhoods and economic prosperity," Councilmember Pete Smith (District 1) said.
“At a time when dysfunction 30 miles down the road in Washington dominates the headlines, we’re showing that real leadership still happens at the local level,” said Councilmember Allison Pickard (District 2). This budget is a product of bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to governing—not grandstanding. Together, we’re investing in safer communities, stronger schools, and a better quality of life for every resident. That’s what public service should look like and that’s the kind of leadership I believe our entire county deserves.”
More information on the FY26 budget is available at aacounty.org/fy26budget.