Annapolis, MD (May 1, 2025) – Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman today released his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, a plan guided by the theme "Protecting Our People" in response to federal attacks on our jobs, businesses, schools, retirement accounts, health care system, and economy. The proposed budget delivers new investments in public education, public safety, health and human services, affordable housing, and infrastructure, without raising income taxes and while reducing the property tax rate. County Executive Pittman introduced the budget with an address to the County Council - click here to read the full address, and click here to view the proposed FY26 budget.
"Budgets reflect values, and this one reflects ours. As federal threats impact the wellbeing of our residents and the programs that support our communities, we are stepping up to protect our people," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “While other jurisdictions face painful cuts, our strong fiscal management over the past six years has set us up well to continue investing in the services that our residents need to thrive.”
“In a time of uncertainty from the federal government, protecting our people, especially our most vulnerable residents, is essential. County Executive Pittman’s budget reflects my own priorities to bolster our crucial social services and invest in public safety and our schools, all while lowering taxes and increasing savings,” said County Council Chair Julie Hummer. “This budget lays a strong framework for meeting the needs of Anne Arundel County in the coming year, and I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to strengthen that plan even more.”
“This budget responds to the moment we are in with both compassion and responsibility,” said County Council Vice Chair Lisa Rodvien. “I’m especially encouraged by the continued commitment to our schools and to services that support our most vulnerable neighbors. I look forward to hearing from residents and working with my colleagues on the Council to make sure this budget reflects the needs and values of our diverse communities.”
The FY26 budget includes a record $52 million increase for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), fully funding the Superintendent’s compensation proposal and expanding staffing in special education, community schools, bilingual support, and social-emotional learning. It also invests in middle school athletics, early childhood enrichment, and new school construction, including $120 million for the Old Mill Master Plan.
For public safety, the budget expands police and fire staffing with positions to staff an additional shift at the new Real-Time Information Center, more positions to staff the Fire Training Academy, and supports extra summer coverage for the county’s two fire boats. Within the Sheriff’s Office, two new civilian positions 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.
Health and human service investments include:
- $1.5 million for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank to address rising food insecurity;
- Continued funding for the Health Ambassadors and Healthy Communities Programs;
- Increased support for crisis response mental health services;
- Funding for violence interruption programs in Eastport and Severn;
- A new Family Protection Initiative to support children who lose a parent or guardian to deportation and to provide legal services for low-income residents;
- Funding for a Career Coach at the Ordnance Road Correctional Center Re-Entry Hub and continued support for the Turnaround Thursday program;
- Positions to staff the new Nonprofit Center;
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.
In the face of federal funding threats, the budget:
- Maintains the Rainy Day Fund at 8%, the maximum allowable level;
- Sets aside $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.
Environmental and infrastructure investments include:
- $3.3 million for the Agricultural and Woodland Preservation Program;
- Funding for Edgewater Recreation and Community Center, Marley Creek Regional Park, Severn Danza Park, South Shore Trail, Quiet Waters Park upgrades, and the West County Swim Center;
- Continued support for climate infrastructure and stormwater management through the Resilience Authority;
- A revolving loan fund to strengthen the Resilience Authority’s competitiveness for state and federal grants.
“This is a solid, responsible budget, and it’s made possible by the responsible budget’s the County Executive and County Council have passed over the last several years,” said Chris Trumbauer, the county’s budget officer. “Even in the face of unprecedented uncertainty, the County’s fiscal foundation remains strong and resilient.”
Residents can review the full FY26 proposed budget at www.aacounty.org/budget. The County Council will begin to hear presentations this afternoon as it reviews and considers the proposal. County Council budget public hearings will be held on May 14 and May 21, and all residents are encouraged to participate.
County Executive Pittman will be available for Zoom interviews from 12pm - 1pm on Thursday, May 1. To book a time slot, please contact Renesha Alphonso at exalph21@aacounty.org or by phone 410-271-7331.