Jared Littmann was sworn in as the next mayor of Annapolis in a ceremony Monday, where the Democrat hammered home his governing focus: making sure Annapolis works for everyone.
“Let us begin this new chapter of a shared government for the city we all love, a future that we build together, because when we work together, Annapolis works,” Littmann said during his inaugural address in a tent at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
He was voted in to lead the city for the next four years alongside an all-Democratic City Council, the second consecutive four years in Annapolis when the mayor and all aldermen are Democrats. Littmann had 73% of votes against Republican candidate Robert O’Shea.
Littmann served as a Ward 5 alderman from 2013 through 2017. He is a co-owner of K&B Ace Hardware in Annapolis, formerly called K&B True Value. He is a former board chair of the True Value Co.
The now-mayor focused much of his campaign, which began in January 2024, on improving city services and continuing the work of outgoing Mayor Gavin Buckley.
Littmann has promised an initiative to streamline the city permit process and to improve the city’s parking systems, both of which he mentioned during his Monday address.
“My goal is a city government that delivers high-quality services in a genuine customer service culture,” Littmann said.
He also emphasized a commitment to improving public safety and communication with city residents. During his campaign, Littmann told the Capital Gazette that he plans to post responses to public testimony following council meetings.
While much of his speech focused on local issues, Littmann also addressed the federal and state leaders in attendance, who he said will assist in his “Annapolis works” vision. Speakers included U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth, Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and state Sen. Shaneka Henson.
Elfreth, in her speech, welcomed Littmann and the new City Council to “Team Maryland.” She listed issues the council will be tasked with addressing, including nuisance flooding, affordable housing and gun violence, but urged the politicians to “confront those challenges together.”
“We are collectively responsible to continuing to earn the trust and the faith of the people that have sent you to this council to represent their interest in our communities, and we are behind you every step of the way.” Elfreth said.
The inauguration will lead to at least a $10,000 donation to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, Littmann said, through reception tickets and private sponsors.
Following his oath of office, Littmann swore in the members of the City Council, who will have their first meeting on Dec. 8. There are four returning aldermen — Ward 1’s Harry Huntley, Ward 2’s Karma O’Neill, Ward 5’s Brooks Schandelmeier and Ward 7’s Robert Savidge — and four new aldermen: Ward 3’s Keanuú Smith-Brown, Ward 4’s Janice Allsup-Johnson, Ward 6’s Diesha Contee and Ward 8’s Frank Thorp.
In the crowd were former Annapolis Mayors Buckley, Michael Pantelides, Josh Cohen and Ellen Moyer.
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