Bowie · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowie public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.