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January 4, 2026

Cambridge Spy

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Cambridge From the Couch: Resolutions for the City

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To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, who visited our city in 1960, “Ask not what Cambridge can do for you, but what you can do for Cambridge.”

Most people know that Cambridge was once a thriving, important city, to which people flocked from all over the Eastern Shore and beyond. Honestly, it’s unlikely ever to be that way again, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make it the best it can be now. And its best could really be something, if we all put in the effort toward that goal.

So, what can we do for Cambridge this year? Well, I have some suggestions.

Patronize a downtown business

We lost too many businesses in 2025, including Laughing Lotus, Shorelife Home and Gifts, River Dogs Outfitters, and the venerable Choptank Bowling and Billiards. It’s vital that we not only stem that tide but also bring in many more vendors to fill our downtown. Supporting these businesses matters—for us, for our neighbors, and for the community as a whole. It helps keep the heart of the city alive by boosting the economy, enhancing quality of life, and celebrating what makes our hometown special. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, shopping for a gift, or enjoying a meal with friends, every dollar you spend downtown helps support a thriving, vibrant Cambridge.

Visit the Dorchester Center for the Arts or Main Street Gallery

As a central part of Cambridge’s creative community, DCA offers high-quality, engaging programming in the visual, literary, and performing arts through exhibits, events, and workshops. By visiting regularly, getting involved, and maybe even making a purchase in the gift shop, you help strengthen the connection between Cambridge and the arts. At the same time, Main Street Gallery is also part of the town’s Arts and Entertainment District. As a privately operated cooperative gallery, it relies on people buying the work of its artists, who work in all mediums. Cambridge needs a vibrant arts scene to be able to stand with the likes of Easton.

Attend City Council meetings or watch remotely

The City Council meets in the Council Chambers at 305 Gay Street at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Attending these meetings is one of the most direct ways we can stay informed, engaged, and influential in how our city is governed. You can see how decisions are made, ensure transparency and accountability, make your voice heard, understand issues before they affect you, be a more informed voter, and help strengthen the community. If you can’t attend in person, you can still watch live or by recording via Town Hall Streams, a website that offers broadcast and archive services. Even if you watch the recording later, you still stay informed and can follow long-term issues over multiple meetings. It’s a practical way to stay engaged on your own schedule. City Council meetings are where local democracy happens. Staying engaged helps ensure Cambridge’s decisions reflect the needs, values, and voices of the people who live here.

Attend CWDI meetings

The mission of Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. is to develop the Cambridge Waterfront in partnership with the community to create and sustainably maintain Cambridge Harbor as an inviting and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. Attending the open portions of CWDI Board meetings and public sessions gives you information, influence, and insight into a major project that will shape Cambridge’s waterfront for decades. It’s a way to be informed, to contribute to community decisions, and to understand how public resources and development efforts are being directed.

Contact the City Manager with concerns or ideas

The City Manager, the chief executive officer and head of the administrative branch of Cambridge, is responsible for the proper administration of all affairs of the city. Our current City Manager, Glenn Steckman, maintains an open door policy and has Saturday office hours twice a month. Communicating with him is a good idea because the City Manager is at the center of how the city operates, makes decisions, and delivers services that affect your daily life. This relationship will help you stay informed, share your views, and contribute to the continual improvement of Cambridge’s government and services. It’s a key way to be an active, engaged resident and help shape the future of your community.

Join the Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods

CAN is a community-based organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting everyone in Cambridge to be good neighbors. Its mission is to strengthen neighborhoods by improving safety, enhancing quality of life, and promoting the overall well-being of residents. CAN advocates for safe streets, well-maintained and code-compliant housing, inclusive cultural and social events, and active civic engagement throughout the city. Membership is open to both renters and homeowners (and is free). Becoming a member of CAN is a smart way to have a voice in the future of your neighborhood and your city. Members stay informed about local issues, connect with neighbors from across Cambridge, and help shape solutions that make communities safer, more welcoming, and more vibrant. By joining CAN, you’re not just supporting an organization—you’re investing in stronger neighborhoods and a healthier, more connected Cambridge.

Buy books at the Friends of the Library’s monthly book sale

The Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library is organized to bring together those who value their public library. They help the library achieve its operational goals, encourage giving for the benefit of the library, and work to enhance the community through library programs. The Friends hold a used book sale on the Second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering lots of books of many genres for all ages. By supporting this endeavor, you help ensure our city’s library remains healthy and useful.

Visit the Cambridge Farmers Market

Operating on Thursdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from April through November, the Long Wharf Farmers Market is a local favorite where approximately 18 vendors can be found throughout the season, including many local Dorchester and Eastern Shore regional farmers, crafters, and specialty food vendors. Shopping at Cambridge’s farmers market matters because it strengthens the community in very real, local ways. It keeps money local, supports local farmers and food security, builds community connections, improves public health, activates public spaces, and reflects our identity. The market showcases the region’s agricultural heritage and local creativity, reinforcing what makes Cambridge unique rather than generic.

Tour the Richardson Maritime Museum or Dorchester Historical Society’s campus

Celebrating and chronicling Cambridge’s 300 years of maritime history, the Richardson Maritime Museum offers an introduction to the area’s culture and the craftsmen who created it. The main museum is currently open upon request while the Ruark Boatworks is open three days a week and for special events. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and vital to the survival of this amazing destination. Meanwhile, the Dorchester County Historical Society preserves and displays the area’s history in detail. You can explore exhibits on the local original Native Americans, colonial history, famous Dorchester residents, and more. Check out the impressive library or attend workshops throughout the year. The membership fee and modest admission fees help sustain this important gem in our community.

Participate in our local events

Cambridge offers regular events like the monthly Second Saturdays with music and art downtown, but there are also larger annual festivals such as the Ice & Oyster Festival (January), Eagleman Triathlon (June), and Groove City Culture Fest (August). Participating in Cambridge’s local events strengthens the community in ways that directly benefit residents, businesses, and the city as a whole. They build community pride and connection, support the economy, showcase our culture and history, and encourage civic engagement.

Donate to Downtown Cambridge (or volunteer)

Downtown Cambridge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown Main Street District and is supported solely by charitable donations from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. It’s community driven, fostering economic vitality and preserving and promoting our historic downtown while enhancing a dynamic and inclusive city center. The organization seeks to connect the community, visitors, and businesses. A great way to help this happen is to donate or even volunteer.

Subscribe to The Cambridge Spy!

Not to brag (OK, maybe a little), but The Cambridge Spy can strengthen both your civic awareness and your community. Subscribing helps you stay informed about the news that matters to you locally, supports quality journalism, strengthens civic engagement, promotes accountability, and keeps you connected to the decisions and stories shaping Cambridge’s present and future.

So, are you ready to make these New Year’s resolutions a reality? What other things can we do for Cambridge? Leave a comment!

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Cambridge Rotary Club Announces Event Updates for Choptank Chill & Cheer Polar Plunge

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The Cambridge Rotary Club has released new details for its first-ever Choptank Chill & Cheer event, a polar plunge fundraiser set for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina.

Presented by the Hyatt Regency, the afternoon event invites participants to “chill or cheer” as brave plungers take a dip into the chilly Choptank River from the resort’s private beach.

All proceeds will benefit the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (MSCFV), a nonprofit that has provided critical support to domestic violence survivors across five Eastern Shore counties for over 40 years.

The event kicks off at 2 p.m. inside the scenic Water’s Edge Grill, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the river, resort pool, and outdoor fireplace.

Highlights include live music by local performers Anna Burgess and Jayme Dingler, an energizing warm-up led by the MSCFV Polar Bears, and a post-plunge party with awards for top fundraisers (including a plush Polar Plunge robe) and best costumes.

Attendees can enjoy complimentary all-you-can-drink hot chocolate, warm chili, soft pretzels, cookies, and light snacks. A cash bar will offer adult beverages (valid ID required), with sodas available for purchase.

Plungers will have access to hot tubs, complimentary towels, and on-site locker rooms to warm up afterwards.

Admission is $25 per person (approximately $28.52 including fees via Eventbrite), with everyone welcome to attend—whether plunging or cheering from the sidelines. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Event merchandise, including T-shirts ($30) and sweatshirts ($55), will be available for purchase on-site.

The Cambridge Rotary Club extends thanks to presenting sponsor Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina; Ice Breaker Sponsor Morgan Stanley; and Frosty Friend Sponsor Shorely Beautiful.

For more information or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.

“We’re freezin’ for a reason,” organizers say, encouraging the community to come out for this fun, impactful event supporting a vital local cause.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Portside’s Oyster Ball Set for January 10 with Bird Dog & the Road Kings

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The 11th Annual Oyster Ball returns to Portside Seafood Restaurant on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6 pm. The event is held every year to raise funds for Dorchester County Watermen (Dorchester Seafood Heritage Association). Eastern Shore legends Bird Dog & the Road Kings once again headline the event.

“We are so excited to host the Oyster Ball and show our support for the Watermen,” said Marcia Christopher, owner of Portside. Event Co-Founder, Keith Graffius, agrees. “What started 11 years ago as a little party has turned into a major event raising tens of thousands of dollars for our watermen over the years.”

There will also be a “Toast To Tracie” at the Ball in memory of Tracie Whiteley, who passed away earlier this year. She was Portside’s “mom” and a lifetime supporter of our watermen.

There is no charge to attend the Oyster Ball, but raffle tickets are available to purchase at Portside. Winner-take-all raffle tickets are $20 and contain over $3,000 in prizes including Staycations at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake and a night at one of Fagers Island Hotels in Ocean City.

Portside Seafood Restaurant is located at 201 Trenton St., Cambridge, Maryland and is open daily serving a traditional Eastern Shore menu.  For more information, call (410) 228-9007 or click here.

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Kids’ Christmas Wishes Open New YMCA Family Center

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Flanked by YMCA staff and local officials, past Dorchester County Family YMCA board member and Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development and Facility Management Chris Hauge cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the new Family Engagement Center.

With a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon, the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA officially opened a newly renovated space for Cambridge families, before the focus shifted to holiday cheer as children lined up to tell Santa what they hoped to find under the tree.

The opening of the Bob Brannock Family Engagement Center at the Robbins Y was followed by an evening of holiday activities that drew dozens of families from all over Dorchester into the building. Photos with Santa, cookies and cocoa, crafts, and book displays filled the new multi-purpose space as parents and children lingered into the evening.

Santa, portrayed by Jeffrey Hill, listened patiently as youngsters shared their Christmas lists. Nathan Jackson, 6, of Hurlock, said he was hoping for a computer to play video games and an electric dirt bike. Nairobi Murray, 5, asked for a nail kit and a bracelet, while her brother Brandon, 6, had video games at the top of his list.

Friends Amira Greene and Alani Johnson, both 7, arrived with ambitious requests. Alani asked for skincare products, a vanity set, and an electric motorbike. Amira, a Lilo & Stitch enthusiast, requested plane tickets to Maui for her family – including their dog – along with a cosmetics kit and an electric motorbike to roll through town with Alania. Isla Weglarz, 6, of Woolford, who attended with her mother, Lauren, and asked Santa for a Gabby’s Dollhouse toy and a puzzle.

Cambridge friends Amira Greene and Alani Johnson, both 7, had big requests for Santa: plane tickets, motorbikes, and cosmetic kits.

As children waited for their turn with Santa, families circulated through the bright, newly finished space. The Family Engagement Center was created by combining and renovating two former racquetball courts and adjacent storage areas, transforming several rooms into a single, open space for programming and community gatherings. The project took nearly a year to complete and cost approximately $500,000.

Robbins YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Lehn told The Spy that the new center will allow the Y to expand programs previously limited by space and temperature concerns, including senior fitness classes and Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact fitness program designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“We’re really looking forward to filling the space with programs,” Lehn said, noting the center will also support large senior classes that were previously affected by extreme heat or cold in the gym.

The room will be used for important children’s programming, including birth-to-five activities and early literacy efforts connected to the Dorchester County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, as well as educational programs and meetings with community partners.

Nathan Jackson, 6, of Hurlock, after negotiating a new computer to play video games and an electric dirt bike with Santa.

The investment comes as YMCA leaders continue to weigh the long-term needs of the Cambridge facility, which is housed in a nearly 100-year-old former high school building that faces ongoing structural challenges.

Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, said the improvements were necessary but do not diminish the organization’s belief that Dorchester County ultimately needs a new YMCA.

“The project is a substantial investment,” Gill said. “As the backbone organization for the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, [the YMCA] is committed to working with our partners and the community to expand programs and services for young children.”

Gill said the YMCA remains focused on ensuring students are reading on grade level by third grade, even as conversations about a future relocation continue.

“We still deeply believe a new Y is needed in Dorchester County,” he said. “But not at the expense of those that need our support, programs, and services today and tomorrow.”

A proposal to relocate the facility to the Cambridge waterfront previously drew public opposition, which discouraged donor interest, Gill said.   Meanwhile, the organization is encouraged by the progress being made at the existing site and sees the new center as critical to meet immediate community needs while longer-term solutions remain under consideration.

Isla Weglarz, 6, of Woolford, asked Santa for a Gabby’s Dollhouse toy and a puzzle for Christmas.

The new center is named in honor of Charles Robert “Bob” Brannock, a longtime YMCA supporter who volunteered thousands of hours at the YMCA of Dorchester County, repairing equipment and improving the facility.  

A lifelong advocate for physical fitness, Brannock attended the Y daily and remained active as a sailor, cyclist, and rower until declining health from Parkinson’s forced him to give it up. The introduction of Rock Steady Boxing, therapeutic for Parkinson’s, is a further tribute to Brannock. 

As families celebrated the season, YMCA leaders said the new Brannock Family Engagement Center honors its namesake while helping the organization make the most of its aging home as plans for the future continue.

Here is a video preview of the new  Rock Steady Boxing program that will start shortly in the new center.

And the new Enhanced Fitness program.

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Spy Longform Interview: A Case Study in Affordable Housing with Fello’s Ross Benincasa

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If there has been any progress over the last few years on the Mid-Shore in terms of affordable housing, much of the credit must go to Fello. The organization, formerly known as The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, has made significant strides in Easton and plans to expand to other communities on the Eastern Shore.

Housing has become one of the most pressing and complicated issues facing the Shore, and few organizations are as close to both the problem and the solutions as Fello. For this interview, the Spy spoke with Ross Benincasa, Senior Vice President of Community Development, about how the organization is tackling housing through a mix of affordability, inclusivity, and long-term commitment to the communities it serves.

Fello’s work spans group homes, supported living, and large-scale mixed-income development across the Eastern Shore and throughout Maryland. Ross walks through projects like Port Street Commons, Easton Crossing, Silo Court, and the Laura House, explaining why mixed-income and mixed-ability housing is central to Fello’s approach. He also discusses the importance of speed, quality design, and two- and three-bedroom units in creating stable homes for families.

With rent growth here having outpaced nearly every county in Maryland, it is placing real pressure on working families, seniors, and those on the edge of homelessness. Ross speaks candidly about what Fello is seeing on the ground, why infill housing matters, and how consistency and long-term ownership can help address a housing market under strain.

This video is approximately 18 minutes in length. For more information about Fello, please go to their website here.

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Cambridge Seminar Explains Living Shorelines as Flood-Protection Project Inches Forward

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Scientists and engineers used a public seminar this week to explain how living shorelines work and how decades of local research are informing a proposed flood-protection project along Cambridge’s waterfront.

As part of the Make Cambridge Resilient initiative, the December 10 Virtual Living Shoreline Public Education Session summarized some of the thinking behind the ambitious flood-mitigation effort on the Choptank shore that would combine shoreline restoration with a raised embankment to protect low-lying parts of the city from storm surge and rising sea levels.

The session gave participants access to the science and engineering behind living shorelines and time to review data, models, and design concepts before final decisions are made. Much of the presentation drew on research conducted locally by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in Cambridge (UMCES).

Research Shapes Living Shoreline Design

Presenters Cindy Palinkas, an associate professor at UMCES, and Laura Exar, a NOAA Coastal Management Fellow working with the state Department of Natural Resources, described how living shorelines, which typically use sand, marsh plantings, and sometimes stone structures, are designed to reduce erosion while supporting habitat.

Palinkas pointed to long-term baywide data showing that submerged aquatic vegetation naturally fluctuates over time. Using aerial imagery and field verification from a Virginia Institute of Marine Science database dating back to the mid-1980s, researchers examined seagrass trends before and after the installation of living shorelines. Offshore of the shoreline footprint, Palinkas said, seagrass levels generally track regional patterns rather than showing clear changes tied to construction.

She emphasized that the analysis did not examine the direct conversion of shallow-water habitat to marsh, an issue researchers continue to study.

Palinkas also described how living shorelines mature over time. Early installations often begin with clean sand and sparse vegetation, she said, but plants gradually trap finer sediments and produce organic material as they grow. Data from multiple sites showed that mud content increased for several years before stabilizing at levels similar to those in natural marshes. Researchers estimate that the process takes roughly eight to 10 years, though Palinkas noted gaps in available data.

Exar focused on habitat research and how scientists assess tradeoffs among shoreline designs. She described habitat suitability modeling, a method used in large restoration programs to evaluate how environmental conditions support various species across seasons and locations. Exar said combining that approach with concepts such as habitat connectivity and resilience can help planners compare design options and better understand ecological gains and losses.

From Habitat Science to Shoreline Engineering

Anna Johnson, a coastal engineer with the ecological restoration firm BayLand Consultants, explained how that science is applied in design. She said most living shoreline projects include sand placement, either as beach nourishment or as a planting base, and may also include protective features depending on site conditions such as wave energy and water depth.

Those features can include stone sills, temporary fiber logs that break down as vegetation becomes established, and manufactured structures designed to dissipate wave energy while also providing habitat. Johnson said segmented stone sills with gaps are now standard because they allow tides and wildlife to move between land and water.

Research presented during the seminar showed that while erosion can occur near those gaps, overall shoreline performance is similar to continuous structures. Johnson said that finding supports designs that preserve ecological connections without sacrificing erosion control.

Johnson said costs vary, but a typical living shoreline with marsh plantings and protective features can cost about $500 per linear foot, with more complex projects costing more.

Sam Eckert of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources addressed permitting and funding questions, including when hard shoreline structures may still be allowed. He said property owners can request waivers for structural approaches, usually in areas with high wave energy or deep water, but grant programs focused on habitat restoration generally do not fund projects that rely solely on hard structures.

Public Concerns and Project Funding

During public comment, questions turned to how the living shoreline would connect to a proposed embankment along parts of the Cambridge waterfront. Project representatives said the embankment is intended to reduce damage from severe storms and is being designed with sea-level rise and storm-surge projections.

Seminar participant James Linthicum, a waterfront resident, said he was concerned that the embankment could block the water views that drew him to his home in the first place and, in turn, diminish his property’s value.

“Taking my water view away will also take part of my property value away,” Linthicum said. “These are certainties to me. They’re not guesstimates. Once we lose our water view, it takes value away from our properties.”

Officials responded that the project’s primary funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is tied to disaster mitigation, not routine flooding. They pointed residents to tide gauge data from Cambridge and to state and university sea level rise projections.

A to-scale model of the proposed berm has been installed near Long Wharf Park to give residents a clearer sense of its height and appearance, and it will remain in place for several weeks.

The project’s first phase is funded through a $1.7 million Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award, and design is roughly 30 percent complete, including preliminary alignment and surveys with public review underway. 

FEMA has also reserved about $16 million toward construction pending approval of the final design, but hopes that the agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program could help fund implementation were dashed when the program was canceled. Estimates for the overall implementation cost range from $30 million to $60 million, including construction, habitat features, and stormwater work.

Project leaders encouraged residents to review the information, submit comments through the project website, and attend additional outreach meetings planned for early 2026 as design work continues.

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Cambridge Gets Clean Audit; City Reserves Continue to Grow

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The City of Cambridge’s finances earned the highest possible rating this year, with independent auditors reporting that the city’s budgets, grants and financial practices are in strong shape, according to a recently-completed audit. 

At the Dec. 8 meeting of the City Commissioners, Audit Manager Ryan Taylor of the PKS accounting firm walked officials through the results. He said Cambridge received a clean, or unmodified, opinion on its fiscal 2025 financial statements, essentially confirming that the city’s books are accurate and well managed.

Because Cambridge spent more than $750,000 in federal funds last year, auditors also performed a separate review of how the city handled that money. Federal spending exceeded $6.1 million, including grants for pandemic recovery and flood protection. PKS found no compliance problems or weaknesses in how Cambridge tracked or reported those funds.

Strengthening the General Fund

The city’s main operating fund ended the year on solid footing. Revenue came in at just under $17 million, slightly above budget and about $400,000 higher than last year. Spending totaled about $17.1 million, and a planned $300,000 transfer from the special projects fund helped support operating costs.

The city’s financial cushion of reserve funds continued to grow, Taylor said. At the end of the fiscal year, the general fund held about $16.3 million, including money set aside for emergencies, debt payments, waterfront litigation, shoreline protection and routine budget support. The unassigned portion, essentially the city’s rainy day money, was about $8.4 million.

Altogether, Cambridge now has the equivalent of nearly 11 months of operating expenses in reserve. For comparison, national finance experts recommend having at least two months. The city’s overall fund balance has also risen significantly over time, increasing from about $5.7 million in 2020 to more than $14 million in 2025.

Grants Driving Major Projects

Much of the city’s capital improvement work is supported by state and federal grants, which are tracked in the special revenue fund. In 2025, Cambridge received about $8.6 million in outside funding. Major contributors included American Rescue Plan (ARPA) pandemic relief, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in Cannery Park and Pine Street, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mitigation assistance and grants for habitat restoration and stormwater upgrades.

Other grants supported downtown revitalization, demolition work, Boys and Girls Club improvements, Race Street property upgrades and shoreline and drainage projects. Many of these initiatives remain under construction and will later convert into long-term assets.

Cambridge originally received about $12 million in ARPA funds. The city spent just over $2 million last year and had roughly $2.5 million left at the June 30 deadline for obligating those dollars. All federal timelines were met.

How the Water, Sewer and Marina Funds Performed

The city’s water, sewer and marina operations function like stand-alone businesses funded by user fees. Auditors reviewed each one and noted that required accounting rules temporarily distorted salary numbers, though actual staffing costs were consistent with previous years.

Water Fund revenue held steady at about $2.5 million, supported by stable usage and newly reinstated impact fees. Operating income reached about $812,000.

The Sewer Fund generated about $5.8 million in revenue, helped in part by new development along River Marsh. Operating income came in just over $900,000.

After shifting to city-run operations last year, the marina posted an operating loss of about $536,000, largely due to increased staffing and accounting adjustments. However, state waterway improvement grants and interest income offset the loss and produced an overall gain.

Across all three enterprise funds, Cambridge holds about $48.4 million in long-term value, mostly tied to infrastructure. Each fund also met or exceeded recommended cash levels needed for daily operations.

New Accounting Rules and Next Steps

This year’s audit included a new requirement to track unused sick leave, which added about $967,000 in reported obligations across city departments.

Commissioners thanked the city’s finance staff for keeping up with daily demands while assisting auditors. Taylor also praised city employees for their cooperation. With the PKS audit contract expiring, City Manager Glenn Steckman said the city will soon review options for future auditing services.

 

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Cambridge Seeks New Lobbyist in Annapolis

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The city of Cambridge is seeking a new lobbyist for the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session, following the departure of its previous representative, Paul Ellington, who accepted a position in the Trump administration. 

City officials say the role is vital as Cambridge prepares for a year of complex funding needs and potential legislative challenges.

City Manager Glenn Steckman said the lobbyist is central to the city’s ability to secure state support for major projects. “It has always been an important position for securing funding or getting access to a secretary-level department,” he said.

Steckman said the city is not changing direction but simply replacing a function that has been in place for years. He noted that four lobbying firms have already expressed interest, and the city expects to make a selection by late December or early January so the lobbyist can begin work before the session opens.

A key issue the new lobbyist will monitor is the longstanding fight over the county tax differential. Cambridge hopes to see Dorchester County reclassified from a “may” county to a “shall” county so residents are not taxed twice for services the county does not provide within city limits.

Steckman said last year’s discussion about eliminating the differential heightened the city’s concern. “We were all a little shaken when the county discussed eliminating that tax differential,” he said.

The city plans to resume talks with Dorchester County after the new year to discuss a path forward. Steckman said the lobbyist will help ensure Cambridge is represented if legislation on county classifications emerges in Annapolis.

He also said the General Assembly session could present risks to municipal funding. “Hopefully existing programs or revenue streams are not cut back like they were during the Great Recession,” he said.

At the same time, Cambridge will push for additional assistance on several major infrastructure projects. Steckman cited the Trenton Street pump station, the wastewater interceptor, shoreline resiliency work, and a new heating and ventilation system for the public safety building.

“Cambridge has a lot of needs, and I could go through an entire list of projects that need to get addressed in the next five or ten years,” he said. He added that the city hopes to ease the financial load on local taxpayers while continuing to modernize core systems.

The city’s request for proposals outlines the duties of the selected lobbyist, including monitoring legislation, shaping strategy, and building relationships with lawmakers and agency leaders. Applicants must submit profiles, legislative histories, strategy outlines, and disclosures of conflicts of interest.

Proposal documents are available through the City Manager’s Office by contacting Executive Assistant Tyasia Johnson at [email protected] or 410 228 4020. The city advises vendors to check its website for addenda and warns against relying on third-party downloads.

Questions are due by noon on December 9. Proposals are due December 15 at 2:30 p.m., with a public opening immediately afterward at City Hall.

 

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Dorchester Council Pushes Back On New Conowingo Dam Agreement

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Dorchester County officials pressed state environmental leaders Tuesday over a new agreement involving Conowingo Dam, raising concerns about downstream water quality and limited plans for dredging behind the nearly 100-year-old structure.

Constellation Energy, the private utility that owns and operates the hydroelectric dam on the Susquehanna River, reached a $340 million settlement with the Maryland Department of the Environment this fall as part of its bid to secure a new federal license. 

Constellation generates and sells electricity from the dam, which has been filled with decades of sediment and nutrients flowing from Pennsylvania into the upper Chesapeake Bay.

The dam once trapped much of that material, but the reservoir is now nearly full. During major storms, large pulses of sediment and nutrients can rush past the dam and into the Bay, harming water quality and aquatic habitat. Council members said those downstream impacts fall heavily on Bay-dependent communities like Dorchester.

The settlement requires Constellation to fund a range of environmental projects over 50 years, including debris removal, fish and eel passage work, freshwater mussel restoration, invasive species control, and water-quality projects. 

About $19 million is set aside for sediment modeling, feasibility studies, and early permitting for dredging, though the agreement does not commit the company to large-scale sediment removal.

Several members said the dredging funds are insufficient and questioned why Constellation would receive a 50-year federal license. State officials said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission commonly issues 30- to 50-year licenses for major hydroelectric facilities but noted Maryland can petition for modifications under the Clean Water Act.

Officials also said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing a detailed sediment model, due in 2026, that will help determine whether major dredging is environmentally and economically viable. 

Council President George L. Pfeffer Jr. and Vice President Mike Detmer, both recently re-elected to their leadership posts, said Dorchester cannot support the settlement without firmer commitments on dredging and Bay protections. State officials said counties will have a role in shaping how mitigation funds are used.

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Check-in with CPD Chief Todd

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The Cambridge Spy’s P. Ryan Anthony and WHCP’s Jim Brady recently sat down with Chief of Police Justin Todd for their regular check-in, covering a wide range of topics shaping public safety and more in Cambridge.

Chief Todd updated residents on what officers are seeing during patrols and any emerging crime trends, explained how the department’s Drone Program is deployed in real-world situations, and shared how the city’s first police cadet, Evan Kozak, is progressing in his training. He also discussed the continued evolution of community policing, including outreach efforts like Capt. Patton’s October visit to the Dare Care Center, where children learned about the supportive role officers play.

The Chief offered insight into the daily realities faced by school resource officers, reflected on lessons gained from meeting with Anne Arundel County’s Crisis Intervention Team, and spoke candidly about the ongoing challenge of officer retention, and what strategies might help Cambridge keep the talent it trains.

This video is approximately 13 minutes long.

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