As Maryland continues implementing the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), counties are seeking timely updates and answers to questions about the fund’s regulations, eligible uses, and how the resources can support local communities.
During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity,” Senator Antonio Hayes moderated a discussion on updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations, eligible uses, and ongoing efforts to educate local governments and community stakeholders about how counties can leverage resources from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) and related state initiatives to address local priorities.
As Maryland continues implementing its adult-use cannabis framework, counties are evaluating how these funds can support workforce development, affordable housing, public health initiatives, violence prevention efforts, and other community-based investments. The discussion also explored the evolving role of the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility and the Office of Social Equity in ensuring these resources reach communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement policies.
Happening now at #MACoCon “Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity.”
Today’s discussion explores how cannabis revenue is being invested back into communities through the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. pic.twitter.com/zphjTu7tu1
— Karrington Anderson (@Kanderson_MACo) August 14, 2026
Walter Simmons, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility, provided updates on the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund and clarified the Office of Social Equity’s (OSE) role in its administration. Secretary Simmons explained that OSE is responsible for implementing regulations, providing guidance to counties, and reviewing required reports, while funding decisions remain with the 24 jurisdictions and distributions are handled by the Comptroller.
Michael Bayrd, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Comptroller of Maryland, provided updates related to the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund and the evolving regulatory framework governing its distribution and use. He discussed ongoing efforts to provide guidance and information to local governments as counties evaluate opportunities to align CRRF resources with community needs.
Erin Shearman Karpewicz, Executive Director of Arundel Community Development Services, offered a local perspective on community investment strategies and the role of partnerships in delivering services and development opportunities. Her remarks focused on how community organizations can work alongside local governments to maximize the impact of available resources and address priority needs at the neighborhood level.
As CRRF funding and related programs continue to develop, counties will remain key partners in translating these investments into tangible community outcomes.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
