What are the CRRC and CRRF?
The Anne Arundel County Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission (CRRC) was formed in response to the Cannabis Reform Act, which was passed by the Maryland legislature in 2022. This act legalized adult-use recreational cannabis and led to the establishment of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). A portion of the sales tax from adult-use recreational cannabis sales is allocated to the CRRF. The purpose of the CRRC is to make recommendations for the use of the funds in the Anne Arundel County CRRF.
The Anne Arundel County CRRC and CRRF were established through a County Ordinance 57-23, which can be found here. The CRRC will be supported by Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS) who will be responsible for administering the grant funds from the CRRF, as recommended by the CRRC.
CRRC Members
The Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission is comprised of up to 13 members residing in Anne Arundel County, with members being nominated by the following:
- 9 members from the County Executive
- 2 members from the County Council
- 1 member from the Mayor of Annapolis
- 1 member from the Annapolis City Council
Eligibility
The revenue collected from the recreational cannabis sales tax is allocated to the CRRF. Grants will be available for “community-based initiatives intended to benefit low-income communities.” Priority will be given to organizations serving residents in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs). Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs) are defined as those that had a cannabis possession charge rate above 150% of Maryland’s 10-year average.
The Maryland Office of Social Equity has identified eight (8) zip codes in Anne Arundel County that have been designated as DIAs. A list of those zip codes can be found here and a map of those zip codes can be found here. The Office of Social Equity published a report on the community-identified priorities for this funding which can be found here.
The following strategic priorities were identified by the Anne Arundel County CRRC. Eligible projects and activities will address one or more of the following priorities:
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- Education, Youth Enrichment, and After School Activities
- Housing and Homelessness Prevention Services
- Workforce Development and Employment Training
Meetings
The second meeting of the CRRC was held on Monday, October 21. The meeting agenda can be found here and a recording of the meeting is available here. Presentation materials from the Maryland Office of Social Equity (OSE) and ACDS are available for download and approved meeting minutes can be found here.
The third meeting of the CRRC was held on Wednesday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Cabinet Room of the Arundel Center. The meeting agenda can be found here and a recording of the meeting is available here. Presentation materials from the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, the Community Action Agency, and Arundel House of Hope are available for download. Meeting minutes will be posted upon approval following the next meeting of the CRRC.
The CRRC will meet on the second Monday of each month in the Independence Room, 2664 Riva Rd, Annapolis. The link to join virtually can be found here. The next meeting of the CRRC will take place on Monday, December 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The agenda can be found here.
How To Apply
Applications for CRRC grants will be made available in mid-January of 2025 for the Fiscal Year 2026 funding cycle. Please check back here at that time for more information on how to apply.
Any questions or requests for additional information about the CRRC in general, funding opportunities, or meetings of the commission can be sent to Elisha Harig-Blaine, Assistant Planning Director, eharig-blaine@acdsinc.org
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