Jared Littmann
Candidate in Nov. 4 general election Democratic Hunt Meadow
Age: 53 on day of General Election (Nov. 4)
Occupation: Co-owner, K&B Ace Hardware (2004-present); Board of Directors for Fortune 500 Company (True Value Company/Cooperative, Member, 2013-2024, Chair, 2018-2023); Trial Board of the Police Accountability Board for Anne Arundel County, Member, (2023-present); Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Board Member and Former Treasurer (2022-present)
Education: Juris Doctor (1997), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Concentration in Environmental Law; Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Public Policy (1994), Washington University, St. Louis. Minors: Environmental Engineering Science, Political Science
Previous political experience: Alderman for Ward 5 (2013-2017); Ward Boundary and Redistricting Task Force, Chair, City of Annapolis (2021-2022); Public Works Relocation Task Force, Chair, City of Annapolis (2019); Audit Committee, City of Annapolis, Citizen Member (2018-2020)
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for mayor because I love Annapolis and believe our city needs steady, proven leadership. This is a pivotal moment. We face major challenges, including a lawsuit that could cost the city millions, a public housing system in crisis, and large projects like City Dock that require funding, implementation, and coordination. We need more than good intentions. We need someone with experience managing complex projects, the courage to disrupt the status quo, the judgment to lead through uncertainty, and the ability to support staff while solving tough problems. I will bring a business-driven approach, paired with detailed plans and innovative policy ideas, to foster partnerships. This campaign is not about me. It is about you and a future where every resident has a voice, every neighborhood thrives, and the city government earns the public’s trust.
Gun violence has been on a downward trend since 2023. What is your plan to keep that trend?
As a proud recipient of the 2025 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction, I will invest in data-backed strategies proven to reduce gun violence. Annapolis has the No Harm VIP program, and Moms Demand Action promotes responsible gun storage through the Be SMART program; I support both. I will also explore successful youth guidance programs like “Becoming A Man,” which teaches boys to manage emotions and de-escalate conflict; participants were 50 percent less likely to be arrested for a violent offense.
These approaches work, but they take time. We need commitment from residents, HACA, schools, faith leaders, mentors, and nonprofits, all working together. As mayor, I will lead by bringing people together, investing in prevention, supporting police and outreach workers, and restoring trust and safety in every neighborhood. Every child in Annapolis deserves to grow up without fear.
The spending plan for the city has increased its operating expenses by roughly $17.2 million since fiscal year 2024. Do you believe the city is spending too much? Why or why not?
That increase is about 4.7% annually, compared to 2.8% national inflation, suggesting overspending. Yet, the better question is whether any spending should have been avoided, reduced, postponed, or better aligned across City government departments.
Keeping city spending under control is one of the mayor’s key responsibilities, especially with uncertain outside funding. A performance-based budget that maps directly to a strategic plan will be a cornerstone of my time in office, enabling the City to optimize its operations and increase accountability around how dollars are spent.
As a business owner, I have experience finding efficiencies, such as combining roles when appropriate and streamlining systems to reduce redundancy. I’ve made tough choices, particularly managing a business through a recession and a pandemic. If elected mayor, I look forward to shaping a budget that responsibly reflects your values and needs, as well as the hard work done by City staff.
Many Annapolis residents are concerned about the affordability of living in Annapolis and several city council candidates want to improve affordable housing in the city. What do you plan to do to address this? What are your thoughts on the city’s current property tax rates?
I want more people to live and thrive in the city they love. I will take a proactive approach to planning that supports the kind of development Annapolis needs and residents want. I’ll improve permitting and encourage walkable, mixed-use, and mixed-income projects with housing above retail. We need more “middle housing” like duplexes and townhomes near jobs and transit, and the reuse of vacant offices and spaces for housing. I’ll support neighborhoods that allow modest growth and focus on workforce housing so first responders, teachers, hospitality workers, and even our own children can afford to live here.
Property tax rates haven’t changed since 2018, but rising home values have raised bills and strained household budgets. The best way to protect taxpayers is to control spending and deliver value, as noted in the previous response. These steps will make the government more responsive and efficient.
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