The Annapolis Environmental Commission met virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, with Mayor Jared Littmann attending to discuss city environmental priorities and the commission’s role. The meeting, called to order at 7:04 p.m., highlighted the commission’s current staffing shortage amid a citywide review of its boards and commissions.
Mayor Littmann, who took office in December 2025 and previously chaired the City Council’s Environmental Matters Committee, expressed gratitude for the volunteers and outlined his goals for the meeting: understanding the commission’s accomplishments, its future intentions, identifying areas for greatest impact, and exploring how his administration can support their success. He emphasized a preference for dialogue over prepared remarks.
Five Members, Four Vacancies
The commission currently has five members, with four vacancies, according to commissioners. The meeting included the chair and vice chair, both of whom have reapplied and are serving past their terms. Mayor Littmann noted that the administration is reviewing the city’s boards and commissions, a process that has slowed new appointments. He stated that the Arts and Public Places Commission was the first to undergo revision, a process that took longer and proved more contentious than anticipated. Legislation to revise boards and commissions is under consideration.
A city staff member explained that the review includes evaluating potential consolidations of boards and commissions. Staff said the Conservancy and Environmental commissions had been looked at as possible candidates to combine and did not know whether that conversation had ended. Commissioners said the Environmental Commission is defined in city code and has a very different charge from the Conservancy Board. Littmann said he would follow up with the city manager’s office regarding the consolidation status.
Ward Balance and Residency
The city’s practice allows council members 90 days to nominate candidates from other wards, after which seats can be filled even if it results in multiple members from the same ward, though this practice is not codified in city law. Littmann mentioned his past support for non-resident nominees with strong ties to Annapolis, but noted “this council has no appetite for it” and prefers residents from different wards. He indicated a preference to fill the four vacancies before considering renewals, a sentiment met with an objection from commissioners who noted this would leave six open seats. One commissioner stated, “let’s get those vacancies filled first.”
Trees, Climate Plan and Field Work
Commissioners raised concerns about the city losing trees to infill development. One commissioner stated the fee in lieu of replanting is approximately $375 per tree, with three replacement trees typically required for a large tree. Schools were identified as prime locations for planting, but maintenance staff have reportedly resisted. Commissioners requested assistance in clearing invasive ivy from school fields and city parks. Littmann pledged to contact the school board regarding ivy and leaf-blower use on school property. City staff said they would discuss ivy removal with parks crews and the Naval Academy.
The city’s climate action plan was released the week of the meeting, and commissioners said they were brought in “very late in the game.” A city staff member reported that a stream restoration project at Providence Point was expected to conclude at the end of October, and a living shoreline project at St. Mary’s was projected to finish Oct. 19. Commissioners requested site visits for these projects.
What’s Next
The commission approved its September minutes and will hold a combined in-person meeting on Dec. 2. Members plan to recruit new volunteers at Green Drinks on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Graduate Hotel. Residents interested in serving on the commission can see the board listings in the Maryland Manual’s Annapolis entry. No decision on the consolidation of boards and commissions has been reported.
