The vote was unanimous.
Frederick, Md (KM) In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Frederick County Council passed a bill that’s expected to encourage the creation of more child care centers.
The measure would provide up to a $10,000 tax credit if property owners improve the properties to allow day care centers. It would also allow child care centers on business properties which have at least 25 employees. That business would also receive a property tax credit.
The legislation was sponsored by Councilwoman Renee Knapp. “With the passage of this bill, this Council will build on our previous action to address the critical shortage of child care in Frederick County, including allowing child care businesses to operate in the ORI zone and original day care providers tax credit,” she says.
ORI is office, research and industrial.
The Maryland General Assembly in 2025 changed the tax credit for property owners to convert their properties into child care centers from $3,000 to $10,000.
Council President Brad Young expressed his support for the legislation. “Day care is such an important need for so many of our residents as we have so many folks that work outside the home and commute. By providing more opportunities to more people to provide day care is certainly a good thing so I fully support,” he said.
While supporting the legislation. Councilman Jerry Donald raised this concern. “I don’t think we’re going to solve the day care crisis with one big swoop. I think it’s going to be a whole lot of small steps. And I thank you for the work you put in to help us along this path,” he said.
Councilwoman MC Keegan-Ayer thanked the bill’s sponsor. “You were able to incorporate a tax incentive for businesses to establish a day care center on site which is where parents, particularly parents of younger children, would really like to have their child’s day care. So thank you very much for doing that. Appreciate it,”: she said.
The county says finding available child care is a “significant challenge” in Frederick County which impacts workforce participation and economic advancement for many families.
By Kevin McManus