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Policy Focus and Legislative Action Highlights

Environmental & Sustainability Leadership

  • Founded and institutionalized the City’s Green Team as a permanent Sustainability Committee.

  • Helped Frederick achieve Sustainable Maryland Certification (2013).

  • Appointed to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change (2014); contributed to state emissions strategy.

  • Advocated for renewable energy investments (e.g., solar canopies at police HQ).

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Transportation & Active Mobility

  • Established Bicycle Advisory Committee; transitioned to Active Mobility Advisory Committee.

  • Sponsored Complete Streets Policy resolution (2017).

  • Advocated for Rails-with-Trails project; supported city-state infrastructure matching funds for trails.

  • Chaired the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (2020) — first City of Frederick official in this position.

  • Advanced regional transportation goals, including road safety and multi-modal access.

  • Championed the City’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

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Public Safety & Policing Policy

  • Sponsored 2019 “Safety in the Parks” Ordinance allowing police to exclude repeat offenders.

  • Advocated and voted to fund new Frederick Police Headquarters (opening 2025).

  • Championed FPD’s adoption of the 30×30 Pledge, which supports more women in policing.

  • Backed crisis response pilot with mental health professionals (2021).

  • Voted for funding of body-worn cameras and police diversity training.

 

Housing & Development

  • Supported annexations with conditions for parks, infrastructure, and school sites (e.g., Keller & Crum Farms).

  • Voted to fund $2M toward “The Junction” affordable housing project (2023).

  • Opposed 2023 MPDU ordinance amendment, citing concern that costs would be passed on to residents.

  • Sponsored tax credit expansions for seniors and veterans (2024).

  • Supported infrastructure-linked economic development (e.g., hotel/conference center, Butterfly Lane realignment).

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Equity & Inclusion

  • Authored and sponsored 2020 “Equity as a Fundamental Value” resolution, integrating equity into all aspects of city governance.

  • Promoted inclusive language in city codes and policies, including expansion of protections in the city’s Fair Housing laws.

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Governance & Voting Policy

  • Opposed the 2024 Charter Amendment to allow non-citizen municipal voting, citing her immigrant father’s journey to naturalization.

  • Served as President Pro Tem for two consecutive terms, creating the system for joint meetings of the councils of the city and county.

 

Select Sponsored & Co-Sponsored Legislation

  • Sustainability Committee Ordinance

  • Active Mobility Advisory Committee Ordinance

  • Equity & Anti-Racism Resolutions

  • Police Affirmative Action Plan

  • Complete Streets Policy Resolution

  • Expanded Tax Credits for Elderly & Uniformed Services

  • Ban on Synthetic Cannabis (e.g., Spice, Bath Salts)

  • Historic Preservation Code Revisions

  • Fair Housing Ordinance Protections

Kelly's Supporters

301 College Ave

Frederick, MD

21701

©2025 by Councilmember Kelly Russell. By authority of Kelly's Supporters, Carol Baker, Treasurer

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