Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Electric-Hybrid Ferry Proposal
Five operators responded to the ferry RFI, suggesting weekend-first service with possible deficits in year one. The committee discussed funding it partly through the sustainable mobility services fund and using the boat for events and charters; RFPs for the vessel and landing sites are ready to advertise.
Resilience Authority membership and director appointment changes
The bill updates membership rules and director appointments for the joint city-county Resilience Authority, which has secured over $80 million for local projects. The committee recommended it but flagged a legal question — whether the city can add council confirmation of appointments without matching county action — and asked the law office to resolve it before the council votes.
State of Spa Creek 2025 data
The Spa Road site was a landfill and incinerator and later a public works yard, leaving metals and organic compounds in the soil and groundwater. A $4 million federal Brownfields grant will fund cleanup, and officials say the project could be the best thing to happen to Spa Creek in a century.
City Dock flood protection
The mayor reported City Dock is on budget and ahead of schedule: Naval Academy gate reopens by December, boardwalk by March, grand opening July 2027, with phase two running through spring 2028.
Forest conservation rules updated to match state law
O-16-26, sponsored by Alderman Savidge, would bring Annapolis's forest clearing and reforestation rules in line with Maryland's updated Forest Conservation Act, with several amendments filed. Developers and tree advocates on both sides had a hearing scheduled.
Street lighting and smart traffic signals
The city was set to accept $408,500 in Maryland Energy Administration grant funding to convert 628 outdoor lights to LED and conduct an energy-efficiency audit, including a BEPS Action Plan for the Pip Moyer Rec Center. Lower-energy LED lighting can trim the city's electricity bills over time, and no local match was required.
Resilience & Sustainability Program Update
The city's Resilience & Sustainability office shared its monthly reports through March 2026, covering its ongoing climate and environmental work.
Forest Conservation Program Overhaul (O-16-26)
Amendment five would require newspaper and website notice when a forest conservation plan is approved, on top of the state's new requirement to mail adjacent owners 20 days before approval. Members debated whether the burden should fall on applicants or neighbors, and whether print newspaper notice is still worthwhile.
Mooring requirements in City waters
The ordinance would measure the 75-foot spacing between moorings from the mooring itself instead of the moored boat, confirm all transient mooring balls are city-owned, and give the Harbormaster authority over vessel types and lengths. It affects boaters using Spa, Back, and Weems Creek mooring areas.