Hagerstown Mayor and Council to Discuss Downtown Plan, Federal Funding, and Zoning in January Work Session

Hagerstown, MD – The Hagerstown Mayor and City Council have a series of significant discussions and decisions on their agenda for January 13, 2026, covering urban development, federal financial partnerships, utility upgrades, and public safety. Residents can expect deliberations on a comprehensive 10-year downtown revitalization plan, potential federal grants, and the renewal of key city contracts.

The upcoming sessions will feature updates from various city departments. The Department of Planning & Economic Development will present the finalized 10-Year Downtown Plan, developed with input from Urban Partners and MKSK, which aims to guide downtown redevelopment and growth. This plan highlights numerous opportunities, including catalytic site developments, streetscape enhancements, and programmatic initiatives designed to invigorate Hagerstown’s urban core. The city is seeking formal adoption of this plan.

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In parallel, the city is exploring a substantial federal grant opportunity through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Hagerstown Housing Authority and the City are proposing to jointly apply for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which could provide up to $26 million to enact a previously developed Transformation Plan. This initiative focuses on revitalizing distressed public housing and improving the surrounding neighborhood, with the City playing a co-applicant role.

The Utilities Department will also present a proposal for the Meter Transceiver Units (MXUs) Trade-In Program with LB Water. This program aims to transition the city’s water meters to newer M-series radio units, offering a discount on the upgrade. The initiative is designed to address the aging R-series equipment, which is nearing the end of its support life and has a limited remaining battery life. The proposed trade-in program aims to modernize the city’s metering infrastructure.

Further discussions will include a review of the lease holdover for the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at the Elizabeth Hager Center, a potential amendment to the contract for speed cameras on Marshall Street School and North High, and an update on the Hamilton Run Stream Restoration project. The Council will also consider the renewal of The Ferguson Group contract for federal advocacy services, which has been instrumental in securing federal funding for critical infrastructure projects like bridge repair and stormwater upgrades. A recap of the city’s 2025 crime statistics and a discussion on the anti-camping sunset provision are also on the agenda.

The Mayor and Council will also hold an Executive Session to discuss matters permitted by the Open Meetings Act before moving into their Work Session. The detailed agendas and supporting documents for these meetings are available on the City of Hagerstown’s official website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown.

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