Harford County officials are asking residents to provide input on how the county should spend its share of state cannabis tax revenue, about $2.4 million.

The county’s share of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund stems from state legislation passed in 2022 that legalized the sale, and recreational adult-use of cannabis. Per the legislation, the funds must be used for “community-based organizations that serve communities most impacted by disproportionate enforcement of the cannabis prohibition before July 1, 2022.”

Funds may not be used for law enforcement agencies or activities and must only add to existing funding for programs or initiatives — not replace the existing funding.

The Harford County Department of Housing and Community Services will administer the county’s funds through a competitive grant process beginning in late February.

Other counties in the state have created Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund commissions tasked with making recommendations on how the county allocates its funds. Baltimore County’s commission is composed of nine voting-members — seven of which are representatives from each of the county’s councilmanic districts. The commission also has six nonvoting ex-officio members representing a variety of public service agencies. Anne Arundel County’s commission is made up of 13 members — nine of which are nominated by the county executive, two from the County Council, one from the mayor of Annapolis and one from the Annapolis City Council.

Harford County does not have a commission and instead hosted four community input sessions to allow community members to share thoughts on what they’d like to see the funds used for. The next session is scheduled for Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Edgewood Library Meeting Room, 629 Edgewood Road. Residents may also provide their input via an online survey at www.harfordcountymd.gov/CRRFInput.

So far, the Harford County Department of Housing and Community Services has received more than 130 responses regarding potential uses of funds. A ranked list of community priorities from the Department of Housing and Community Services includes:

  • Education and after school programs
  • Mental health and substance use services
  • Youth engagement and mentorship programs
  • Housing and homelessness prevention
  • Healthcare access and services
  • Job training and workforce development
  • Criminal justice reforms
  • Small business grants and entrepreneurship
  • Parks and recreation

Newly appointed County Council member Nolanda Robert said she would like to make it a priority to use the funds to help address mental health and well-being in underserved neighborhoods where “transportation barriers are prevalent.”

“By directing these resources toward expanding substance abuse and mental health services, we can make a significant impact on individuals and families facing challenges accessing care,” Robert said. “By investing in these initiatives, Harford County would foster healthier communities, reduce the strain on emergency services and empower individuals to rebuild their lives.”

Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@baltsun.com, 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X.