Commissioners Meeting Highlights - July 21, 2026

News Release # 2026-080

Thursday, July 23, 2026

On Tuesday, July 21, the Charles County Commissioners reached consensus not to move forward with a proposed Zoning Text Amendment that would establish zoning regulations for data centers in Charles County. Instead, Commissioners directed staff to return with a framework for the next phase of the initiative, including establishing a task force, engaging a consultant to facilitate public outreach and technical analysis, and monitoring additional state guidance related to data center development. The direction followed a staff briefing on revisions to the draft bill based on public input and Planning Commission review. Any future legislation would require the introduction of a new bill after these efforts are complete.

Briefings and Updates

Commissioners discussed the Affordable Housing PILOT Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Fiscal Year 2027 and reached consensus to move forward with development of a draft proposal. The Affordable Housing Workgroup will continue refining the proposal and seek additional input from staff and housing stakeholders on affordable housing priorities before returning to the Board this fall. Commissioners also plan to consider the funding term during that discussion.

Commissioners received an update on the Mixtape Concert Series, including lessons learned from the inaugural 2025 season and plans to strengthen future events through earlier planning, enhanced marketing, formalized partnerships, and improved event operations. Staff also presented a proposed 2026-27 concert schedule featuring a country concert in October 2026 and an R&B concert in June 2027, along with long-term resource needs to support the series' continued growth.

The Office of Equity & Access provided a quarterly update on its recent community and employee engagement activities and the work of several internal and external workgroups, including the Community Reinvestment & Repair Fund (CRRF) Workgroup. Staff also outlined FY2027 priorities, including expanding workforce training, strengthening CRRF implementation, and developing a public webpage and dashboard to share progress with employees and the community.

Staff presented an update on the Charles County Government Collaborative Community Improvement Project (CCIP), which has engaged Bryans Road residents through community meetings, surveys, and internal and external working groups to identify priority projects for the area. Based on community feedback and staff recommendations, Commissioners approved the request to expand the CCIP boundaries to include Village Green Park and move forward with the next phase of planning, which includes proposed improvements to pedestrian access, transit amenities, signage, placemaking, and community gathering spaces.

Public Hearings Held on July 21

Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment to align the land use designation for 351 acres surrounding Maryland Airport with the property's existing Watershed Conservation District zoning. The amendment would correct an inconsistency created after a partial rezoning approved in 2024 and would not change the property's current zoning. Commissioners voted 4-0 to pass the bill. Commissioner Thomasina O. Coates (District 2) abstained.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on a proposed bill that would establish collective bargaining rights for eligible Charles County merit system employees.Commissioners voted 3-2 to keep the record open on the bill for 60 days.

Public Hearings Set for Sept. 1

Commissioners introduced a proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 26-190) that would revise zoning regulations for retail establishments exceeding 100,000 square feet. The proposal would allow this use in the Acton Urban Center (AUC) zoning district, while maintaining existing design standards. The amendment would also eliminate the requirement for the use to be within a two-story building and would reduce parking requirements by 20 percent in all zoning categories. A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026.

A public hearing for the 2026 Bond Issue was scheduled for Sept. 1, 2026. The proposed $100 million bond sale would fund a series of projects ranging from water and sewer projects to school construction, government facilities, parks, roads, and environmental projects.

For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more,visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select "Available Archives."

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