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St. Mary’s County outlines local rules for cannabis community reinvestment fund; residents push for local control and education investments
Summary
County staff presented a draft ordinance establishing a local process to administer Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund money (about $1.54M currently), including local definitions and options on whether to use an advisory commission. Public commenters pressed for a community‑led decision process and proposals prioritizing literacy, housing repair and infrastructure in ZIP code 20653.
St. Mary’s County deputies presented a proposed ordinance to establish the county’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) procedures and eligibility rules and to set a process for soliciting grant applications.
Deputy County Attorney John Houser said the CRRF stems from the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act. He reported the county’s CRRF balance at $1,542,136.62, composed largely of one‑time license conversion fees plus the county’s 1.42% share of statewide allocations; recurring annual revenue is estimated at roughly $240,000 through 2033 but the one‑time conversion fees will not recur.
Houser explained the statutory constraints: CRRF money may be spent in disproportionately impacted or low‑income communities on ‘‘community‑based initiatives’’ that benefit those areas, and state law prohibits use for law‑enforcement activities, restricts administrative spending to 15%, and leaves room for local definitions on low‑income communities and eligible recipients. He noted new state guidance issued in late June uses a more generous 80% of area‑median income or qualified census tract approach; the county may adopt the state standard or keep a stricter local test.
Public commenters urged community control and education and repair priorities. Adrienne Mathis and several speakers identified ZIP code 20653 (Lexington Park) as the county’s designated disproportionately impacted area and recommended aligning local definitions with the state Office of Social Equity so funds target that area. Education advocates including Lisa Blottenberger and Linda Thomas urged prioritizing evidence‑based literacy programs and adult education. Community speakers from Longview Beach Club and Bushwood urged funding to repair roads and address emergency access and housing safety issues; several speakers asked that the county create an advisory commission with residents from impacted communities and people with lived experience to review and recommend awards rather than relying solely on the county administrator.
Houser said the draft directs the county administrator or designee to run an annual funding cycle, review applications for technical sufficiency, and present recommended awards for commissioner approval; he also said the board can create an advisory committee or reserve final decision authority. He outlined next steps: a staff report responding to public comments and a return to the commissioners for a final decision on July 28. The public comment period remains open through 07/21/2026 for written submissions.
