Annapolis, MD (May 1, 2026) – Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman today released his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a plan guided by the theme "A House In Good Order." As the final budget of his administration, the proposal continues Pittman’s historic investments in education and essential government services and leaves a strong foundation for the future.
County Executive Pittman introduced the budget with an address to the County Council this morning. Click here to read the full address, and click here to view the proposed FY27 budget.
“Budgets are a statement of values and strategy. This budget, along with the seven I have presented before it, demonstrates our belief that government matters,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Our schools, our public safety, our environment, our health, and the people who live here all benefit when we invest in effective government. With the final budget of my administration, I am able to leave my successor and our residents what I promised: a house in good order, a foundation from which we can truly make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.”
Education
The FY27 budget proposal includes a record-breaking $72.8 million increase in direct funding to support Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). This is the biggest increase to AACPS funding in county history, and $20.8 million more than the $52 million record Pittman set last year. The proposal also provides a step increase for all AACPS bargaining units plus a 2.25% COLA to match what other county employees are getting, and adds 26 new special education positions.
Health & Human Services
This budget proposal continues to create opportunities for those who have too often been left behind and prioritizes the County Executive’s mission to protect our people from federal threats. To meet these goals, the proposal:
- Provides $2 million to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, an increase from last year’s support of $1.5 million.
- Creates five new Medicaid Navigator positions to help recipients keep their health coverage amidst new federal administrative burdens.
- Adds two new case managers to the REACH Program to connect uninsured residents to volunteer and discounted medical providers.
- Doubles funding for the Family Protection Initiative to provide immigrant families with legal assistance and crisis support services.
- Expands the Department of Health’s violence interruption program to Brooklyn Park, and continues to support their work in Eastport and Severn.
- Funds the Housing In Place, Home Our Priority (Hip Hop) Program to assist homeless youth.
Public Safety
This proposal continues to grow the county’s public safety agencies based on achievable proposals from our chiefs and directors that directly address the needs of our residents. The budget adds 9 new positions to the Police Department, including the 6 positions needed to staff the final shift at the Real Time Information Center, providing 24/7 coverage for this state-of-the-art crime fighting tool. For the Fire Department, this budget adds 21 new firefighter positions to fully staff a new fire truck in the Annapolis Neck and South County area. The proposal also continues to invest in new public safety facilities, funding the new Northern Police Station, and the new Arundel, Waugh Chapel, and Jessup Fire Stations.
Land Use & Government Operations
To continue the county’s work to protect our natural spaces and ensure efficient government services for our residents, the proposal:
- Funds the new Capital Program Optimization Initiative to speed up projects and address bottlenecks in the design and construction process.
- Invests nearly $60 million to divert wastewater flow from the Patapsco Treatment Plant to county facilities, creating capacity and supporting our work to lift the moratorium.
- Provides a one-time boost of $458,000 for the road repair fund to address potholes.
- Funds designs for recreation facilities and housing with supportive services at Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park.
- Funds the next phase of planning for the Regional Agricultural Center at the Lothian Grain Elevator Site.
- Adds Rec & Parks staffing for the new Edgewater Community Center, Lake Waterford Indoor Tennis Facility, and recent natural area acquisitions at Glebe Heights, Saltworks, and Looper properties.
- Adds an Adoption Coordinator at Animal Services and funds the concept design for a new Animal Shelter.
The budget proposal maintains the county’s current progressive income tax rates, protecting lower earners and keeping our taxes the lowest in Central Maryland. It also lowers the property tax rate to 96.8 cents per $100. The proposed property tax rate is .9 cents below the rate that residents pay today, and is .6 cents above the tax cap that local jurisdictions may exceed for education funding, striking a balance that delivers more of what our educators need while still lowering taxes.
“In the face of draconian cuts from the federal government, this proposal responsibly protects the services and local priorities of Anne Arundel County from education to public safety, while also lowering our tax rate,” said County Council Chair Julie Hummer. “Taking care of our residents remains at the forefront, as it always should be.”
"Budgets reflect our priorities as a county, and it is important that all voices be heard. The hard work of the legislative branch now gets underway: examining every category and ensuring that the needs of all areas of the county are met,” said County Council Vice Chair Pete Smith. “Residents rely on the county government for public safety, education, environmental protection and health and welfare, and I take the Council's responsibility seriously as we review and adopt a responsible spending plan."
“This proposed budget cements the strong fiscal foundation the County Executive and County Council have built over the last eight years,” said Chris Trumbauer, the county’s Budget Officer. “As a contrast to the broken federal budgeting process, this budget shows that Anne Arundel County can tackle challenges and deliver projects and results for its residents, all while being a good fiscal steward.”
Residents can review the full FY27 proposed budget at www.aacounty.org/FY27budget. The County Council will begin to hear presentations this afternoon as they review and consider the proposal. County Council budget public hearings will be held on May 13 and May 19, and all residents are encouraged to participate.
Members of the media who would like to schedule interviews with County Executive Pittman regarding the proposed budget should contact Gabby Reed at exreed@aacounty.org or 443-699-3533.
