Bowie · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowie public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior services business partnership
A local business owner wants to connect Bowie seniors with laundry pickup and chore services, and asked the city for help finding the right programs. The Mayor offered a follow-up meeting.
Old Bowie Arts and Entertainment District
Inncuvate's two-year effort to turn Old Town Bowie into a craft-manufacturing 'maker district' is gaining traction, with a $100,000 state TEDCO award, a planned lease of the old firehouse, and proposals for a commercial community land trust. Councilmembers debated how to connect the effort to surrounding development and draw Bowie residents in.
Private economic development corporation for Bowie
Consultant Frank Nero recommended creating a 501(c)(3) public-private economic development corporation, costing at least $2.4 million a year, to finally implement the city's many stalled economic development plans. Councilmembers debated whether the investment pays off, how to fund it amid a structural deficit, and whether Bowie State University should be a central partner.
Thrive Small Business Grant Program criteria
Business owner Joanne Marshall Hobbs challenged her denial from the city's Thrive Small Business Grant Program, arguing the criteria favor brick-and-mortar expansion over consulting and technology firms. She asked the council to review the evaluation criteria.
Paris Baguette incentive grant for Bowie Town Center revitalization
The city is spending $150,000 to lure Paris Baguette to replace Panera at Bowie Town Center, betting it kickstarts revitalization and forces the new owner to fix up landscaping, sidewalks, and facades.
Small business support partnerships (MWBC and Bowie BIC)
Two business-support nonprofits reported their FY26 results — MWBC served 67 Bowie businesses; the BIC worked with 98 — and Councilmembers pressed for clearer ROI data on the city's roughly $150,000 annual investment in the BIC.