Why rent is up more in Anne Arundel than anywhere in Maryland
The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones

Why rent is up more in Anne Arundel than anywhere in Maryland

Hummer and Councilwoman Allison Pickard, a Glen Burnie Democrat, highlighted three measures:

  • a law that requires developments over 10 units to designate 10% of units as “moderately priced."

  • a law that allows developers to build more than zoning allows if they include residences for the county’s essential workforce.

  • a law that encourages redeveloping run-down commercial properties with housing.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount since 2018 compared to the decades before,” Pickard said. “We have persevered over the last seven years in some ways in representing that silent voice that aren't in the chambers banging their fists on the table giving their two minutes of testimony: 'Not in our backyard.'"

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Anne Arundel voters could expand binding arbitration for county workers
Capital Gazette Leah Jones Capital Gazette Leah Jones

Anne Arundel voters could expand binding arbitration for county workers

Resolution 30-25 is sponsored by Councilmember Allison Pickard, a Millersville Democrat.

“Binding arbitration is a proven tool that promotes fairness, stability, and accountability in labor negotiations,” Pickard said in a news release. “By extending this right to all bargaining units, we are leveling the playing field, strengthening our workforce, and ultimately enhancing the delivery of services to Anne Arundel County residents.”

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Bill to slow affordable housing in Anne Arundel rejected by County Council
The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones

Bill to slow affordable housing in Anne Arundel rejected by County Council

But on the other side was Councilwoman Allison Pickard, a Glen Burnie Democrat and proponent of bolstering the county’s housing stock. She expressed frustration that residents seem to push back every time a housing project is proposed in or near their communities.

“When does it stop? Why do we, the stably housed and financially secured, get to stop the next generation from owning homes?” Pickard asked. “And that’s what we’re doing. We do it at every turn.”

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In Anne Arundel, a split over housing and neighbors who want less of it
The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones The Baltimore Banner Leah Jones

In Anne Arundel, a split over housing and neighbors who want less of it

“County Councilwoman Allison Pickard, a Glen Burnie Democrat, said rolling back the workforce housing incentive could alter the county’s future irrevocably. She called on her council colleagues to reject Volke’s measure. 

“We are denying an entire generation homeownership and the American dream,” said Pickard, an Anne Arundel County executive hopeful, about the bill’s potential. “We just need the political courage to change the narrative around this issue.”

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