Behind the Spires

Behind the Spires: City Update for 05.13.2026

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- SECURE - frederickmd.gov/secure - Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Mayor's Give a Day in May - frederickmd.gov/giveaday- Parking - frederickmd.gov/parking- Weinberg Center for the Arts - weinbergcenter.org- Fair Housing Commission - cityoffrederickmd.gov/131/Fair-Housing-Commission- Volunteering - hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/161/1737/Volunteering- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Episode 36: Sustainability, Jenny Willoughby & Lauren Paulet

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation! Join us with Jenny Willoughby and Lauren Paulette from the City of Frederick Sustainability Department as they break down what sustainability really means, from pollinator protection, Bee City USA Frederick, and native plant gardening to the city’s expanding composting program, clean water initiatives, and climate resilience work. Learn how Frederick’s new Climate & Energy Action Plan supports environmental equity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens vulnerable communities. Jenny and Lauren also share practical tips on native plants, supporting pollinators, bird habitat, and simple actions residents can take to make their homes and neighborhoods more sustainable. Whether you're interested in composting in Frederick, creating a pollinator-friendly yard, or getting involved in local sustainability events and outreach, this episode is packed with ways to protect the environment and build a greener Frederick. 👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov 👉 Check out Sustainability: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/891/SustainabilityStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 35 - LIVE | Mayor Give a Day in May

Join us Behind the Spires for a special LIVE episode at Frederick's City Hall as we kick off the Mayor’s Give a Day in May community service initiative. City employees, volunteers, and Blessings in a Backpack Frederick come together to pack weekend meal bags for students facing childhood hunger and food insecurity in Frederick. Join Ed and Molly as they talk with organizer Shana Knight about volunteer opportunities, Mayor Michael O’Connor about the importance of community service and civic engagement, and Dr. Ashley Waters about how Blessings in a Backpack supports local families, weekend meals for kids, and the growing need in our community. 👉Learn how to get involved, make an impact, and support volunteering in Frederick throughout May at FrederickMD.gov/giveaday. Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 34 - City of Frederick Council Member, Sarah Hempel Irani

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us for a conversation with Council Member Sarah Hempel Irani, artist, sculptor, and representative of Frederick’s District 5. She shares her journey from moving to Frederick as a young sculptor to creating the iconic Claire McCardell statue on Carroll Creek and ultimately running for the City of Frederick Council. She talks about the creative community, neighborhood identity, street safety, affordable and “price‑appropriate” housing, and the importance of supporting artists through studio space and cultural investment. Sarah also highlights the unique neighborhoods of District 5, ongoing discussions about zoning, density, and housing needs, and how residents can stay engaged through NAC meetings, City Minutes updates, and direct communication with Council Members.This episode offers an inspiring look at public service, community connection, and the role of the arts in shaping Frederick’s future.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 33: Water Quality, Erin Signorella & Cullen McAskill

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us on the latest episode of Behind the Spires as we chat with Erin Signorella and Cullen McAskill from the City of Frederick's Water Quality Department about how our drinking water stays clean and safe every day! Erin and Cullen break down how water is tested throughout the city, how wastewater and drinking water are monitored, what causes taste and odor changes, how PFAS (forever chemicals) and lead service lines are handled, and why Frederick’s tap water consistently meets strict state and federal standards. They also share tips for residents, explain the annual Consumer Confidence Report, and give a preview of their Earth Day activities! Whether you’re curious about water testing, treatment, compliance, or Frederick’s infrastructure, this episode highlights the team working behind the scenes to protect our most important resource: clean water!👉 Learn more about Frederick's Water Quality: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1719/Water-Quality-DepartmentStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory