Shelley L. Heller

The meeting included a presentation on the 2024 Real Estate Market Review, which highlighted strong demand for newer homes under $350,000, potential slowing of price increases due to increasing inventory, and higher construction costs compared to existing homes. The department is updating the 2024 Strategic Plan Scorecard. Spring tourism advertisements are complete and will be broadcast on television and iHeart Radio. A web page has been developed for the Maryland 250 initiative in Kent County. Thirteen Micro Ag grant applications were received, and the Museums of Kent's Driving Tour Passport has gone to the printer. Business attraction efforts were discussed, including the new website rollout, implementation of ReSimplfi for commercial property listings, collaboration with MEDCO for the Maryland Business Ready Sites Program, and participation in the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund. The annual awards for Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, and Promising Educator of the Year Awards will be coming up. The Kent County Middle School project is moving forward.

The Kent County Disaster Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive, all-hazard framework for managing recovery efforts, assigning roles and responsibilities to county departments and agencies. Its vision is to ensure rapid and efficient mobilization of response efforts through inter-agency coordination and information sharing. The plan's main goals include effective command, maximizing funding, clear communication, promoting resilient redevelopment, enhancing the economic base, sustaining social and health services, providing quality housing, and restoring critical infrastructure. It is structured around seven Recovery Support Functions, prioritizing public safety, critical infrastructure, community services, economic stability, government services, social well-being, and natural and cultural resource protection.

This document is the 2025 Nuisance Flood Plan for Kent County, Maryland, developed in compliance with Maryland Senate Bill 1006 to address nuisance flooding. The plan outlines strategies for preparing for and responding to nuisance flooding, identifies flood-prone roadways and vulnerable community resources, and provides action items and recommendations. Key focus areas include plan development, flood categories and thresholds, documented flooding, and future impact projections. The plan aims to mitigate the impacts of nuisance flooding, enhance public safety, improve community resilience, and inform future planning documents and capital investments through strong partnerships, public education, and continuous monitoring.

The meeting included discussions on 2025 priorities, updates on local businesses including the opening of El Rancho Mexican restaurant and a potential Asian Noodle restaurant, and a review of the Delmarva Index. The commission discussed Open Meetings Act (OMA) training, proposed legislation, and the FY2026 budget request. Updates were provided on the new website, the Visitor's Guide, the 2025 Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow, and the Museums of Kent brochures. Strategies to enhance the Commission's engagement and support its impact on the Department's initiatives were explored. The BRE initial summary report was shared, and Cindy Genther was confirmed as the speaker at the March meeting. Discussions also covered regulatory limits on growth due to water and sewer capacity allocations, and an update was given on the Village of Kennedyville.

The meeting included discussion and updates on COVID-19 rental assistance, with MRDC enrolling clients and Mid Shore Pro Bono providing legal support to prevent evictions. Partner alerts, asks, and offers included Minary's Dream Alliance partnering with WAC for a Hip Hop Time Capsule and launching a Teen Clubhouse, Washington College expressing interest in expanding community engagement through partnerships, and KCPS announcing the return to 4-day-a-week in-person learning. Additional topics included Heartland Artist fellowships, summer reading programs, vaccine options, and budget updates from the County.