Our Priorities

Ensure Ocean City remains a premier family-friendly destination while balancing preservation, development, and sustainability.​

Good government

  • Advocating for more transparency in our local government and protecting Ocean City from special interests and financial conflicts. 

    • Ocean City deserves a government that is open, lawful, and accountable — without backroom deals or sudden votes that betray the public trust.

    • Integrity, transparency, and balance are fundamental. That means open books, open processes, and decision-making for residents — not for developers.

      Examples

      • September 25 “sneak re-vote” attempt on Wonderland highlighted everything wrong with the old way of doing business: secrecy, broken rules, and conflicts of interest.

      • The threat of an AirBNB lawsuit shows how poor leadership and backroom decision-making have cost taxpayers time, money, and trust.

  • Holding officials accountable, including legal action when necessary. 

    • City Hall should set clear goals, measure progress, and show residents results.

    • We need elected officials who put the interests of Ocean City residents first — not those who serve private agendas, cater to outside pressures, or pursue their own self-interested gain.

  • Ensuring community engagement & leadership so residents’ voices are heard in key policy decisions

    • Hosting public forums and community meetings to gather resident input.

    • Encouraging resident participation in local government.

    • Partnering with local organizations and leaders to advocate for shared priorities.

    • We represent the families, homeowners, businesses, and visitors who want Ocean City to remain vibrant, authentic, and family-friendly.

    • We are building a coalition for transparency, culture, and renewal — and preparing to help elect leaders in 2026 who will carry that vision forward.

    • Our coalition is growing: neighborhood representatives, seasonal homeowners, and civic groups — all coming together to protect Ocean City’s character and shape its future.

  • Ensuring government follows best practices in decision-making for the benefit of the community.

    • Engage independent professional experts with credibility and vision.

    • Ensure public participation to gather ideas and build trust.

    • Identify and communicate clear goals and vision before making decisions.

    • Establish clear design guidelines and enforceable limits to protect Ocean City’s character.

      • Example: Height restrictions along the Boardwalk

    • Integrate resilience planning — from flooding to storm surge — so that the Master Plan protects Ocean City not just for today, but for the next 50 years.

  • Involving appropriate expertise in a manner that builds public trust

    • OC2050 advocates for fact-based planning that balances responsible development, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability — ensuring Ocean City’s cultural identity is protected for generations.

    • City Council made the right choice in committing to a Master Plan for the Boardwalk and Wonderland site. Now, it must be carried through with discipline and credibility.

  • The upcoming 2026 election is about restoring trust, transparency, and balance in Ocean City

    • Change means:

      • Ending insider favoritism and financial mismanagement.

      • Opening government processes to residents and seasonal homeowners alike.

      • Protecting Ocean City’s heritage and family-first identity.

      • Pursuing growth that strengthens, not weakens, our character.

      • Ensuring affordability so that middle-class families, seniors, and young residents can continue to live here.

Responsible Growth

    • Ensuring that policy decisions prioritize long-term community well-being

    • With discipline, transparency, and vision, Ocean City can protect what makes it special while preparing for the challenges ahead.

    • The best way forward is a comprehensive Master Plan that balances zoning, height, density, and the mix between amusements, housing, hotels, and cultural/historical identity.

      • OC2050 is not “anti-hotel.” We are for smart, thoughtful development and are pro-community, pro-protection of our cultural identity, and pro-smart future planning.

    • Rehabilitation designations are distractions — they reward neglect, give away tax breaks, and waste staff time without solving zoning or planning challenges.

      • “Demolition by neglect” should be discouraged, not rewarded.

      • Moreover, rehab can’t be done on a piecemeal basis — what’s awarded to one parcel needs to be considered for all, as a matter of long-term planning and fairness to all landlords on the boardwalk.

    • Discipline matters: Shortcuts or giveaways may feel expedient, but they lead to Atlantic City–style failures. Staying the course delivers lasting success.

    I. Preserving Historic Character

    • Ocean City’s charm lies not just in its beaches or amusements, but in its sense of place — the blend of architecture, streetscapes, and traditions that tell the story of a century of seaside life. Preserving this heritage means more than saving a few old buildings; it means maintaining the human scale, walkability, and welcoming spirit that define our town.

    • OC2050 is committed to protecting this character through thoughtful planning, strong design standards, and investment in preservation that enhances both livability and economic vitality. 

    • By honoring Ocean City’s history — from its Victorian homes and boardwalk pavilions to its faith communities and civic landmarks — we ensure that future generations inherit not just a resort, but a living legacy.

    II. The OC Boardwalk 

    • The Boardwalk is Ocean City’s most important asset — a national model of family-friendly recreation. It is not for sale to the highest bidder.

    • The goal is not to transform the Boardwalk into something unrecognizable, but to welcome carefully chosen investment that strengthens its identity.

    • Preserving family focus doesn’t mean resisting change. With creativity, Ocean City can both protect its traditions and embrace innovation — from cultural events to new forms of entertainment that keep the Boardwalk vibrant year-round.
      Small-scale mixed-use on a handful of deep lots may be acceptable in certain locations, with strict height limits and clear design guidelines.

    • No upzoning giveaways. Any changes must be tied to enforceable community benefits: new entertainment, better design, improved parking, or a Boardwalk Improvement Fund.

    III. The Wonderland Pier 

    • Wonderland Pier is too important to be left to speculation or neglect. While change is necessary, it must retain a core focus on family entertainment, culture, and history.

    • It needs a community-centered vision that also considers the Boardwalk as a whole.

      • The Wonderland Commons is one example of a community-led plan that could work. OC2050 suggested this plan as one idea, but we’d support any plan with smart, thoughtful planning.

    • Any plan for Wonderland must balance culture, entertainment, and economics, ensuring the site serves year-round residents as well as summer visitors.

    IV. Revitalizing the North End

    • Residents and merchants can’t afford another summer of inaction. The Boardwalk’s north end must be activated now, while long-term plans develop.

    • Activation can happen quickly: seasonal programming, amusements, and cultural events to keep foot traffic flowing while permanent solutions take shape.

    • Activation should also include events and amenities that appeal to year-round residents, working families, and young people — not just tourists.

    • The Carousel can become a centerpiece of heritage and renewal — preserved, reactivated, and celebrated.

    • The 2026 Carousel Centennial is a once-in-a-century opportunity to spark renewal and draw visitors.

    • Exploring ways to enhance Ocean City's appeal as a premier family-friendly destination.

    • We are committed to exploring the future of entertainment that aligns with Ocean City’s family-first identity — new attractions and initiatives that strengthen, not dilute, our culture.

    • Supporting a strong year-round community and protecting the quality of life of Ocean City's permanent residents.

    • Promoting balanced tourism policies that support local businesses without disrupting neighborhoods.

    • Addressing rising costs that impact year-round and seasonal residents.

    • Ensuring affordability so that middle-class families, seniors, and young residents can continue to live here.

    • Promoting balanced tourism and economic policies that support local businesses without disrupting neighborhoods.

    • Small-scale mixed-use on a handful of deep lots may be acceptable in certain locations, with strict height limits and clear design guidelines.

    No upzoning giveaways — any changes must be tied to enforceable community benefits such as new entertainment, better design, improved parking, or a Boardwalk Improvement Fund.

Building A Future

together for Everyone

Ocean City, there’s no place else like it.