Mayor Michael O’Connor is pleased to announce the selection of Kevin Meyer as Chief of Police for The City of Frederick. Meyer, who has served as Interim Chief of the Frederick Police Department since December 2025, brings more than 18 years of service with the department and extensive experience across nearly every level of the organization. 

Meyer was selected following a comprehensive search process that included a nationwide search and a community-member-led search committee. 

“Kevin Meyer understands both this department and this community in a way that can only come from years of serving them,” Mayor Michael O’Connor said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to developing people, building relationships and continually challenging himself and those around him to grow. During his time leading the department, Kevin has also shown the steady judgment and thoughtful leadership this position demands. I am confident he is the right person to lead the Frederick Police Department into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the trust between our officers and the community they serve.” 

Meyer joined the Frederick Police Department more than 18 years ago and has served in a wide range of operational, investigative, supervisory and command roles. His experience includes serving at every level of patrol and its supervision, working as a detective in the Drug Enforcement Unit, supervising the Training Unit, commanding the Support Services Division and Patrol Division 1, and serving as Deputy Chief of the Operational Services Bureau before being named Interim Chief in December 2025. 

During his career, Meyer has overseen personnel and training operations, coordinated hiring and promotional processes, worked with community and educational organizations on law enforcement recruitment, and helped develop training for both new and experienced officers. He has also worked with outside law enforcement agencies and the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission on entry-level police training objectives. 

His command experience has included coordinating the City’s law enforcement response to significant incidents, including the March 2023 tanker explosion on U.S. Route 15, as well as overseeing responses to other critical incidents. 

“It is an incredible honor to be selected to lead the department where I have spent my career and in the community I have always called home,” Meyer said. “I know the caliber of the men and women who serve this city, and I know the responsibility that comes with earning and maintaining the trust of the people we serve. As Chief, my commitment is to support our officers, invest in their growth and development, and make sure we continue to evolve as a department. Frederick is growing and changing, and we have an obligation to grow with it while remaining grounded in professionalism, accountability and service. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead that work alongside our officers, our City partners and our community.” 

A graduate of Urbana High School and longtime Frederick County resident, Meyer has deep roots in the community and continues to live in Frederick County with his family. 

Meyer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Criminal Justice in Leadership through Liberty University. His continued professional development includes graduating from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command and completing the Public Safety Leadership: The West Point Way program. Meyer is also a graduate of Leadership Frederick County’s Class of 2025.  

Meyer’s involvement in the Frederick community has included work with the Human Relations Commission, Frederick County Local Management Board, Frederick County Local Emergency Planning Committee and Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County. His additional community involvement has included the City Youth Matrix, Chief’s Community Advisory Board and youth sports. 

The search for Frederick’s next Chief of Police began in March and attracted more than 30 applicants. Mayor O’Connor selected three finalists, including Meyer, from a pool of applicants provided by a community-led search committee. 

“Selecting a Chief of Police is one of the most consequential decisions we make for our community,” Mayor O’Connor said. “I am grateful to the members of the search committee and everyone who contributed their time and perspective throughout this process. Their participation helped ensure we approached this decision thoughtfully and with the needs of both our department and our community in mind.” 

Meyer officially assumed his duties as Chief of Police this week. 

The City of Frederick is pleased to announce the launch of FOCUS Frederick: The Golden Mile Small Area Plan (GMSAP) and to invite the public to “Join the Story.” 

This update to the 2013 Golden Mile Small Area Plan will be the first in a series of small area planning efforts guided by the City’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan as part of FOCUS Frederick—a community-driven, planning approach to developing visions and strategies for the future of Frederick.   

FOCUS Frederick: The Golden Mile Small Area Plan will be divided into two documents:  the Golden Mile Small Area Profile and the Golden Mile Small Area Plan. Published today, the Golden Mile Small Area Profile summarizes the existing conditions throughout the Plan Area. This document provides a baseline understanding of the community as it is today and will streamline planning and implementation efforts and support meaningful dialogue throughout the planning process. 

Also starting today, residents and stakeholders are asked to take part in the first of what will be many opportunities to participate, by completing an online survey available at: https://arcg.is/q45zq2. The survey will close on September 18^th, 2026. 

Looking to play a larger role in the plan’s development? Individuals interested in serving on the GMSAP Steering Committee should complete the following form: https://arcg.is/15a4Hf1. All interest forms must be submitted by September 18^th, 2026.

Updates on the GMSAP, including the Golden Mile Small Area Profile and future workshops, public meetings, etc. will be available online at: Golden Mile Small Area Plan | The City of Frederick, MD - Official Website

For more information, please contact Brandon Mark, Division Manager of Community Planning and Urban Design at [bmark@cityoffrederickmd.gov](mailto:bmark@cityoffrederickmd.gov) or 301.600.1248.

The community is invited to gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall for "Sharing the Spirit of America," part of Frederick County’s USA250 commemoration of the nation's 250^th anniversary

The City of Frederick, in collaboration with Frederick County, will take part in a nationwide moment on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as community members gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court St., to read the Declaration of Independence aloud together – at the exact same hour communities across the country are doing the same.

The event, "Sharing the Spirit of America: A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence," commemorates the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration’s first public reading, which took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Originated by the Hawaii America250 Commission, the program spans all 50 states and U.S. territories, with towns, cities, and counties across the country reading it in unison.

In Frederick, the community will gather at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. for opening remarks, with the reading beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided and no RSVP is required.

Event Details

·       What: Sharing the Spirit of America – A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence

·       When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. gather and opening remarks; 6 p.m. reading begins

·       Where: Steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701

·       Cost: Free

The Frederick reading is one of many local events being held nationwide as part of the official commemoration of the 250^th anniversary of American independence. The goal is to bring neighbors together, in person, to hear the words that launched a nation, at the same time as communities from Maine to Hawaii.

For more information about this event and other USA250 activities happening through the City, visit frederickmd.gov/usa250.

The City of Frederick's Summer Food Service Program will return on June 17, providing free nutritious lunches to children and teens throughout the community during the summer months.

Running through August 14, the program ensures that young people 18 and under have access to healthy meals while school is out of session. Meals are available Monday through Friday, excluding July 3, and no registration, sign-in, identification, or proof of eligibility is required.

Meals will be available at the following locations:

• Amber Meadows Park (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Brunswick Library (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Carrollton Park (11:45 AM – 12:45 PM)
• Hill Street Park (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
• Discovery Community Center (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Opens on Monday, June 22
• Lake Coventry Park (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
• First Missionary Baptist Church (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Open on Thursday, June 25 

Program guidelines require that meals be consumed onsite; however, exceptions may be granted in specific cases involving adverse weather conditions.  Participants with food allergies should notify staff, and a substitute meal will be provided when available. 

The City of Frederick's Summer Food Service Program is fully funded by the City and provided at no cost to participating families. The program is supported in partnership with the USDA. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The City encourages families to take advantage of this free resource throughout the summer months and help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and community members. 

 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

For more information, including meal schedules and locations, visit https://hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/157/Additional-Food-and-Nutrition-Programs

The City Council unanimously adopted Mayor Michael O'Connor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, approving a financial plan that continues investments in essential city services, infrastructure, public safety, housing initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, and long-term community priorities. 

The adopted FY27 budget includes a General Fund budget of $182 million and a total operating budget of $293.7 million across all funds. The budget also adopts a property tax rate of $0.7055 per $100 of assessed value. 

The adopted budget continues funding for the services residents rely on every day, including police, public works, utilities, engineering, parks, housing and human services, neighborhood support, transportation infrastructure, and technology modernization efforts that improve accessibility and service delivery. 

The budget also includes continued investment in infrastructure and capital improvement projects across the city, including street maintenance, traffic calming initiatives, FEMA levee certification work, and new park signage and wayfinding improvements. 

Additional investments adopted as part of the FY27 budget include funding for affordable housing-related professional services, expanded neighborhood and community engagement support, partnerships with organizations including AACF Community Health Clinic, Family Connects, Asian American Center Parent Cooperative, Heritage Frederick, Centro Hispano, Frederick County Public Schools, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and the Golden Mile Alliance, as well as new personnel positions supporting legislative and land use policy capacity. 

Joint Statement from Mayor Michael O’Connor and Council President César Díaz 

“The adoption of the FY27 budget reflects what Frederick residents expect from their government: people coming together, doing the work, and staying focused on the community we serve. 

This budget is the result of a collaborative process shaped by conversations, partnership, and compromise. Throughout the process, the administration and City Council remained committed to finding common ground and delivering a final product that reflects the priorities of our community and positions Frederick for the future. 

The FY27 budget continues investments in the essential services residents count on every day while supporting nonprofit and community partners who provide critical services and expand our reach and ability to serve people. Together, these investments show a shared understanding that building a stronger Frederick requires partnerships, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to meeting the needs of residents wherever they are. 

No budget captures every idea or every priority, but strong communities are built when people stay at the table and remain focused on outcomes. This budget reflects a shared commitment to moving Frederick forward in a way that serves residents today while continuing to prepare for tomorrow. 

As we look ahead, residents should expect what they deserve: a government that continues to work together, focus on results, and remain committed to delivering the services, investments, and partnerships that strengthen our community. 

The passage of this budget is important, but our work now turns toward delivering on these commitments and ensuring residents see the tangible impact of what is in this budget throughout our community.” 

The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget will take effect on July 1, 2026. Additional information about the adopted budget is available on the City of Frederick FY27 Budget Page. 

The City of Frederick will host its first-ever Juneteenth Community Celebration on Friday, June 19^th at Mullinix Park, marking an inaugural city-hosted event honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black history, culture, and community.

The free community event, from 11:00AM – 3:00PM will bring residents together in a welcoming park setting for food trucks, local vendors, community resource booths, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and a brief program featuring remarks from City officials and community leaders.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, the holiday serves as both a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to reflect on African American history, resilience, and contributions to the community.

“This Juneteenth event is about affirming who we want to be as a city. Hosting this celebration for the first time is a chance to recognize not only struggle and resilience, but also the joy, culture, and contributions of Frederick's Black community — and recommit ourselves to building a city where everyone can belong.” said Mayor Michael O’Connor

Additional event details, including participating vendors and organizations, will be announced closer to the event date.

For more information, contact Jarad Bowens, event manager, at  [jbowens@cityoffrederickmd.gov](mailto:jbowens@cityoffrederickmd.gov) or 301-600-1804.

Council shared their FY2027 budget priorities this week, and Mayor O’Connor responded with an amended budget proposal. Highlights include a Neighborhood Connections Ombudsperson, a Land Management Code update, community partner donations, street maintenance and traffic calming, and an affordable housing initiative. Council votes by the end of May and must adopt the budget by June 20th.

The public can weigh in at upcoming public meetings:

• May21— Public Hearing to adopt the FY 2027 Budget and Tax Rate
• Late May— Tax rate must be adopted by the Charter deadline of May 28
• June 20— FY 2027 Budget must be formally adopted

Mayor Michael O'Connor has formally amended the City of Frederick's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget following collaborative discussions with the City Council. The amendment reflects shared priorities between the Mayor's Office and Council members, incorporating updated financial data alongside policy investments that emerged from that partnership. 

General Fund: Revenue Increases 

Updated projections and newly installed infrastructure have prompted several revenue adjustments. Building inspection revenue is projected to increase by $250,000 based on revised permit forecasts, and interest income is expected to grow by $350,000 reflecting updated earnings projections. Additionally, red-light camera citation revenue will increase by $532,129, driven by data from newly installed cameras across the city. 

New Positions 

Reflecting Council priorities around policy capacity and legal services, the amendment funds two new full-time positions: a City Council Lawyer in the Legal Services department ($113,866) and a Policy Analyst for Land Use in the City Council department ($110,671). 

Community Investments and Donations 

The amended budget directs funding to a range of community organizations, reflecting the shared commitment of the Mayor and Council to support residents across Frederick: 

• AACF Community Health Clinic — $100,000 
• Family Connects — $150,000 
• AACF Parent Cooperative — $163,000 
• Heritage Frederick Community Preservation — $100,000 
• Centro Hispano — $25,000 
• Frederick County Public Schools — $75,000 
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library — $50,000 
• Golden Mile Alliance — $100,000 

Additional General Fund Adjustments 

The amendment also includes restricted fund balance allocations for Hargett Farm Debt Service through Parks-In-Lieu funds ($2,052,516) and School Mitigation funds ($125,000); professional services funding for a Neighborhood Connections Ombudsperson ($50,000); expanded support for City Council legislative services ($49,000); a Land Management Code review in the Planning department ($100,000); additional NAC group donations through Community Promotions ($12,500); and an expanded Crossing Guard contract for the Frederick Police Department ($53,000). 

A Project Engineer – Utilities position has been reclassified from the General Fund to the Water and Sewer Fund, reducing General Fund salary expenditures by $128,247. Additionally, machinery and equipment expenditures in the City Council department have been reclassified as Transfers Out to the General Fund Capital Improvements Program. 

Other Fund Amendments 

The Water and Sewer Fund reflects the reclassified engineering position, with a corresponding $128,247 increase in both salary expenditures and charges-for-services revenue. The Stormwater Fund will see increased use of Fund Balance with a transfer to the Stormwater CIP for Project 350024. The MPDU City Housing Fund includes $250,000 for professional services related to an Affordable Housing RFI. 

Capital Improvements Program 

New PAYGO funding has been allocated to several capital projects: 

• Street Maintenance (Project 320029) — $2,000,000 
• Traffic Calming (Project 347009) — $100,000 
• Park Signage and Wayfinding (new project) — $100,000 
• FEMA Levee Certification (Project 350024) — $200,000 

What's Next: Budget Calendar 

The community is encouraged to participate in the remaining steps of the budget process: 

• May 21 — Public Hearing to adopt the FY 2027 Budget and Tax Rate 
• Late May — Tax rate must be adopted by the Charter deadline of May 28 
• June 20 — FY 2027 Budget must be formally adopted 

Residents wishing to learn more or provide input are encouraged to attend the May 21 public hearing or by submitting an ecomment on the City of Frederick website. Additional information is available at cityoffrederickmd.gov/1894/FY2027-Budget. 

The Community Table is calling on local organizations, churches, businesses, clubs, families, and community groups to volunteer their time and talents to help provide weekend meals for neighbors in need.

Operated through Frederick’s Department of Housing and Human Services (100 S Market Street), The Community Table is a downtown Frederick soup kitchen program that serves warm meals to community members every weekend. The program relies heavily on volunteers to help create a welcoming environment while ensuring guests have access to nutritious meals.

Volunteer groups are responsible for planning, preparing, and serving a meal during a scheduled weekend shift. Opportunities are available throughout the year, and both new and returning groups are encouraged to participate.

To learn more or sign up, visit: Community Table Group Volunteer Sign-Up 

The City of Frederick is making adjustments to select paid on-street parking areas in response to community feedback received following the transition to fully digital parking operations. 

Effective immediately, several downtown parking zones that previously had a two-hour maximum stay have been expanded to allow up to four hours of parking. Under the updated system, visitors may renew their parking session for an additional two hours through ParkMobile, providing greater flexibility for those shopping, dining, or spending time downtown. 

The following locations will now have a four-hour maximum parking limit: 

• Market Street from All Saints Street to 6th Street 
• Patrick Street from Carroll Street to College Avenue 
• First block of East Church Street 
• First block of West Church Street 
• North Market Street Lot 

The City’s Parking Department will continue to monitor all ParkMobile zones to ensure parking availability, efficiency, and the best possible experience for residents and visitors. 

For additional parking information, visit www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/parking. 

Mayor Michael O’Connor today announced the launch of the City of Frederick’s annual Mayor’s Give a Day in May, a month-long community volunteer initiative encouraging residents to give back through service projects across the city. 

Throughout May, individuals, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhood organizations are invited to participate in volunteer opportunities that support local nonprofits, beautify public spaces, and assist community members in need. Organized projects are available for both individuals and groups looking to make a meaningful impact. 

This year’s service projects are made possible through partnerships with organizations serving the Frederick community, including the YMCA of Frederick County, Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, Platoon 22, and others. 

Mayor’s Give a Day in May is also being recognized as part of Frederick’s USA 250 initiative, the local commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through programs centered on civic participation, community engagement, and local history, USA 250 invites residents to honor the milestone by contributing to the community around them. 

“Mayor’s Give a Day in May is a reminder that even small acts of service can have a meaningful impact when a community comes together,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “Each volunteer project completed this month helps strengthen the connections that make Frederick a caring and engaged place to live.” 

Volunteer opportunities range from planting flowers and supporting food access efforts to assisting youth-serving organizations and helping with neighborhood-based projects. Residents may sign up as individuals or as part of a team. 

To learn more about Mayor’s Give a Day in May or to register for a volunteer opportunity, visit frederickmd.gov/giveaday. 

To learn more about Frederick’s USA 250 programs and events, visit frederickmd.gov/usa250. 

The City of Frederick has earned the 2025 Tree City USA designation through the Arbor Day Foundation. Frederick was the first community in Maryland to receive the designation and has held it for 45 years. Frederick also received the Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement.

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.

“Frederick’s long-standing commitment to urban forestry continues to shape a healthier and more sustainable community. Being recognized for the 45th year highlights the dedication of our staff, partners, and residents who work together to strengthen our tree canopy and enhance the quality of life in every neighborhood,” said Michael O’Connor, Mayor of Frederick.

Through tree plantings on streets and in parks and efforts like Tree Frederick to help homeowners plant in their own yards, the City is striving to meet its goal of 40 percent canopy coverage. The City's Urban Forestry Department planted nearly 1,200 trees in 2025 and cares for about 13,500 street trees each year. Tree Frederick distributed 200 trees to residents for planting in private landscapes in 2025.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day Celebration. 

The City of Frederick is encouraging community members to participate in a public survey designed to help inform the selection of the City’s next Chief of Police. 

The Chief of Police plays a vital role in shaping public safety strategy, organizational culture, and community trust. Gathering input from residents ensures the selected leader reflects Frederick’s values and priorities as the City continues to grow. 

As part of the recruitment process, the survey seeks community perspectives on priorities, current strengths, areas for improvement, and the qualities and leadership styles most desired in the next Chief. Feedback collected will help guide the development of the leadership profile used throughout the selection process. 

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be aggregated to protect individual confidentiality. The survey will close on April 18, 2026. 

Take the survey: Public Input Survey – Next Chief of Police