by Staff Writer
The Board of Carroll County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM, to gather community input on the county’s use of funds from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). The hearing, rescheduled from October 16, will take place at the County Office Building, Room 315, 225 North Center Street in Westminster.
The CRRF was created under Maryland’s Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, which legalized adult-use cannabis and earmarked a portion of tax revenue for local jurisdictions. The purpose of the fund is to support community-based programs that serve low-income households and address the legacy of disproportionate cannabis law enforcement, particularly in historically impacted communities.
State law strictly limits how CRRF funds can be used. Eligible initiatives must fall under one of the following categories:
- Housing and homelessness prevention
- Behavioral health crisis response
- Education and after-school programs
- Truancy and absenteeism intervention
- Job training and workforce development
- Childcare and recreational services
- Transportation improvements
- Programs for individuals and families impacted by incarceration
- Services specifically for residents in ZIP code 21157
All programs funded through the CRRF must serve low-income individuals or families. The county faces ongoing challenges related to housing insecurity, access to mental health services, and youth engagement, making these funds especially relevant. The ZIP code 21157, which includes parts of Westminster, was explicitly named in the legislation as an area eligible for targeted support.
Community members are encouraged to attend the hearing in person or participate remotely. Oral comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker, but written statements are also welcomed and may be submitted prior to or during the hearing. Remote participation is available by calling +1 (301) 715-8592 and entering Access Code 810-0463-8147 to give comment.
