Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
It’s been 17 days since the start of the new year and Prince George’s County is taking off in so many exciting directions.
The new year also brought the first snow event of this winter season for our Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T). Local meteorologists have forecasted a wintry mix of snow and rain that will create slick roads for this upcoming Saturday, our second potential snow event of the season.
While we plan to treat our roads as necessary, we encourage everyone to minimize travel and be careful. You can find more information about preparing for the upcoming weather by visiting DPW&T’s website. We have also included additional information and helpful tips on snow events from our County agencies below.
Just in case you missed it, the SYEP application was posted last week. Please consider this great opportunity that allows our young people to receive job training and exposure to the workforce. For our young people who may be looking for a job right now, apply today and we may be able to place you in a position now or in the coming weeks.
As this month comes to an end, please take a moment on Monday, January 20 to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by giving back to our community. Our Office of Community Relations is hosting several service projects throughout the County, so if you are looking to give back, we encourage you to join our team for a day of service.
In parting and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., remember that “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
FY21 Budget Public Hearing
 Join County Executive Alsobrooks and the County’s Office of Management and Budget for the FY21 Budget Public Hearing. The hearing will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Prince George’s Community College, Rennie Forum Auditorium. Doors will open at 5:30 PM.
This hearing will give County residents an opportunity to express their thoughts on how County funds should be allocated in the FY21 budget. Residents do not need to RSVP to attend. If you would like to sign up to testify, please RSVP online or call 301-952-4547. We look forward to seeing you there!
MLK Day of Service
 Even though Monday, January 20, 2020 will be a holiday for County Government employees, our Office of Community Relations is bringing employees and residents together for a day of service. The goal is to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy on his birthday by giving back to our community.
In South County, our team will host an employment seminar for youth ages 14-18. In Central County, our team will host a donation drive for baby items such as diapers/wipes, strollers, car seats and more. In North County, our team will join with the Latin American Youth Center to host free health screenings, workshops and more.
To learn more about any of these opportunities, as well as to register to either volunteer or attend an event, please click here.
County Executive Alsobrooks and Complete Count Committee Chair Elizabeth Hewlett Host Census Solutions Workshop
County Executive Alsobrooks stresses the importance of the Census to residents in New Carrollton.
On Thursday, January 9, 2020, County Executive Alsobrooks and Census Complete Count Committee Chair Elizabeth Hewlett hosted the first Census Solutions Workshop of the new year. These workshops are designed by our County’s Census team to provide residents with more information about the Census and to train residents to be Census advocates within their communities.
The County Executive stressed the importance of the 2020 Census, reiterating our commitment to count every single resident, while Chair Hewlett provided updates on the efforts of our County’s Census team. If you would like to learn more about the 2020 Census, or if you would like to attend one of our Census events in the future, please visit our website.
Become a Census Hub in Prince George’s County
 Our 2020 Census team is working on creating "Census Hubs" throughout the County, places where residents can use laptops or other devices to complete their Census online. We need businesses, nonprofits and other organizations to assist us in this effort. Once we have our list of Census Hubs compiled, we will build a map to let residents know where they can complete their Census online if Internet access at home is a barrier to participation.
If you'd like to register your organization to be a Census Hub, please fill out a quick form online and our team will be in touch with you.
Prince George’s County Hosts Resource Fair for Shoppers Employees Affected by Closures
The Office of Community Relations worked with UFCW Local 400 to support Shoppers employees.
When Prince George’s County Government learned about the upcoming closures of Shoppers grocery stores throughout our region, we immediately began taking action. We are working hard to prevent food deserts by ensuring other grocery brands take over the Shoppers stores closing in our County. At the same time, we are supporting Shoppers employees that will be impacted by the closures.
Our Office of Community Relations joined with UFCW Local 400, the union that represents many of our Shoppers employees, to host a Resource & Job Fair for these employees. Our goal is to ensure these employees have job security and good paying jobs to continue supporting their families. We will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the impact that the upcoming Shoppers closures will have on our residents.
Join County Executive Alsobrooks at the Annual Black History Month Exhibition Opening Reception
 The County’s Annual Black History Month Exhibition, presented by the M-NCPPC Black History Program, will host its Opening Reception on Sunday, January 26, 2020. This year’s theme for the exhibition will be “Black Women & Politics: To the Ballot and Beyond,” exploring the multiple ways that black women have engaged in electoral politics before and after gaining the right to vote.
The program will feature the unveiling of the 2020 Black History Month poster, which was created by Prince George’s County student artists. County Executive Alsobrooks will serve as the program’s keynote speaker. For more information about the event, visit the Black History Program website. To RSVP, call 240-264-3415 or email blackhistory@pgparks.com. We hope to see you there!
County Executive Alsobrooks Serves as Guest Speaker at Social Justice Sunday Service
County Executive Alsobrooks was invited to deliver a sermon for Social Justice Sunday at Hemingway Memorial AME Church.
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, County Executive Alsobrooks joined members of Hemingway Memorial AME Church for Social Justice Sunday. Pastor Gerald Folsom invited the County Executive to deliver a sermon centered around social justice in our community. We are thankful for our many partners in the faith-based community who work together with us to fight for justice and equity in our County and State.
Listening Sessions with County Government Employees
County Executive Alsobrooks toured 3 County Government agencies to start the new year.
After the holiday break, County Executive Alsobrooks began a tour of several County Government agencies. In early January 2020, she visited 3 different agencies: the Department of Public Works & Transportation, the Department of Permitting, Inspections & Enforcement, and the Office of Central Services.
The County Executive used these agency tours as an opportunity to thank County Government employees for their hard work during the first year of her administration. She also held a listening session with employees to learn more about improvements that can be made in each agency. The County Executive looks forward to touring more agencies over the coming weeks.
Advocating for the Kirwan Commission Recommendations
County Executive Alsobrooks pictured with House Speaker Jones and the Prince George’s County House Delegation.
A little over a week into the Maryland General Assembly’s 2020 Legislative Session, County Executive Alsobrooks continues to discuss the Kirwan Commission with State Delegates and Senators. On Friday, January 10, 2020, the County Executive spoke about Kirwan with the Prince George’s County House Delegation.
While there, she stressed the County’s commitment to funding education reforms and building a more equitable education system in our County and State. She applauded the education recommendations of the Kirwan Commission and reiterated her commitment to ensuring they are implemented. In addition, she discussed how the County has already begun implementing the Commission's recommendations, by using the Kirwan funding we received from the State last year to expand Pre-K offerings and increase teacher salaries.
That same day, the County Executive had a productive meeting with House Speaker Adrienne Jones discussing Kirwan and education reform. We look forward to working with all of our State Delegates and Senators to pass transformative education reform that is equitable, sustainable and responsible, ensuring that every child in the State of Maryland has access to a high-quality education.
Prince George’s County Delegation Reception
County Executive Alsobrooks pictured with Delegate Wanika Fisher and Acting Fire Chief Tiffany Green.
Our County’s Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as the Commission for Women, hosted a reception for the Prince George’s County State Delegation in Annapolis. The reception served as an opportunity for our Delegation to meet Commission and Task Force members, as well as discuss how we can all partner together on a number of issues in Prince George’s County.
Some of these issues include our commitment to ending human and labor trafficking, reducing incidents of domestic violence, and initiatives to improve the quality of life for women and girls. We are excited about several upcoming initiatives from our Commission for Women and Human Trafficking Task Force, and we look forward to seeing how they will partner with our State Delegation to benefit Prince George’s County.
IN THE NEWS: Prince George’s County/NAACP Census Lawsuit Upheld in Court
 We're not taking any chances to make sure all of our residents are counted, devoting a significant amount of County resources to the Census. At the same time, we're asking the federal government to do its part by allocating the appropriate resources to ensure a complete count in hard-to-count jurisdictions like Prince George's County. Learn more about our efforts to secure the resources that Prince George’s County needs and deserves in a story from NBC4.
IN THE NEWS: City of Laurel Celebrates 150th Anniversary
 We are Prince George’s Proud to join the City of Laurel in celebrating its 150th Anniversary as an incorporated town. Laurel will be hosting events throughout the year to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the city. Learn more about the City of Laurel’s celebrations in a story from ABC7.
VIDEO: County Executive Alsobrooks Announces Opening of 2020 SYEP Applications
 County Executive Alsobrooks was Prince George’s Proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2020 Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP). Applications for this nationally-recognized program are being accepted until February 28, 2020. Learn more about the program from County Executive Alsobrooks by clicking here. To apply, please visit the SYEP website.
Bryan Swann Sworn into Office as District 4 Board of Education Member
Board of Education Member Bryan Swann takes the oath of office.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, Mr. Bryan Swann was sworn into office as a Member of our Board of Education for District 4. Mr. Swann was nominated by County Executive Alsobrooks to fill the vacant seat for District 4, and he took the oath of office after a public hearing held by the County Council.
The County Executive nominated Mr. Swann because, after an extensive interview process, she knew his background, knowledge and commitment to our students would be an asset to the Board. Once he became the nominee for the vacant seat, Mr. Swann began visiting PTA and HOA meetings to listen to the constituents he will represent. Mr. Swann says he is ready to get to work as a new Board of Education Member.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mr. Swann to our Board of Education!
Snow/Ice Reminders from the Department of the Environment
In the event of inclement weather, residents are advised that bulky trash, trash, recycling, and yard trim collections may be delayed or suspended due to road or weather-related conditions.
If collection services are postponed, every effort will be made to pick up the missed collections on the following day after that day’s regular collections. Residents are reminded to leave their collection containers at the curbside as pickups can occur from 6 AM to 8 PM. If collections are suspended for two consecutive days, collections for the missed days will resume the following week on the regularly scheduled collection days.
Sign up for email alerts, which are sent out if collection services are postponed or canceled, via the Department of the Environment at bit.ly/doeemailsignup and subscribe to "Environmental, Engineering & Permitting."
During a weather event, residents can also find this information on the County's website, where alerts are displayed at the top of the page. For more information contact CountyClick 311, or visit bit.ly/pgccollectionweatherpolicy.
Waste Collection Tips During the Winter Months
Winter residential trash and recycling collection creates a unique set of challenges for sanitation truck drivers - routes can be obstructed by snow, vehicles can block roadways and driving conditions may be poor or, even worse, treacherous.
Here are a few safety reminders to help residents and County Waste truck drivers have an uneventful winter on the roadways this season.
- When sharing the road with a garbage truck, do not treat it like any other vehicle - take special precautions around collection vehicles – the trucks are big, stop frequently, and may have blind spots.
- A garbage truck weighs between 20 and 32 tons and takes about twice as long to come to a stop as compared to the average family vehicle, so do not quickly change lanes in front of a truck as you might with another car.
- Slow down around garbage trucks and use extra caution. An extra minute or two safely navigating around a truck could prevent an accident or injury.
- Winter roads make turning and stopping more difficult, so allow adequate cushion between your vehicle and a garbage truck so, if necessary, you and the truck driver have time to react.
Parents, please share these safety reminders with your children:
- Large vehicles have blind spots – children should never assume a driver can see them. Always stay a safe distance away from a garbage truck.
- Do not play on or around garbage trucks. Trucks are interesting, but there are many moving parts, so children need to keep a distance.
- Listen for beeping – beeping means the truck is reversing – and stay clear.
- Garbage trucks stop frequently. Children should never follow a truck on a bike or any other vehicle for any reason.
- In the winter, never build snow huts or play in the snow near garbage trucks or near collection containers.
Winter collection reminders:
- Ashes, hot or cold, are not allowed in any County waste containers.
- Please shovel snow around your collection containers as necessary so your drivers can safely and efficiently collect your trash and recycling at your residence.
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DPIE Announces Winter 2019/2020 Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Inspection Program
The Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) wants to remind residents and businesses that owners, tenants, and managers of residential and commercial properties with paved sidewalks adjacent to their properties are responsible for ensuring that the sidewalk area is cleared of snow and ice. Failing to clear snow and ice may result in a fine.
Ensuring that public sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice is an important safety and accessibility consideration for pedestrians. It is especially important for young children, students who walk to school, senior citizens, and people with ambulatory disabilities. Prince George’s County Code Section 23-150 mandates that responsible parties remove accumulated snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 48 hours after snow has fallen or ice has accumulated to a depth of two or more inches.
Responsible parties who fail to clear the abutting sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a major snow event will be issued a reminder notice by a DPIE inspector. After another 24-hour period, the DPIE inspector will conduct a second inspection. If the responsible parties have failed to clear their sidewalks within the designated 48 hours following the end of a major snow event, the inspector will issue a citation that carries a fine of $100 per day. Additional citations will be issued for subsequent 24-hour periods until the accumulated snow and ice are cleared. Fines will continue to accumulate with each successive citation.
If the snow and ice are not removed in a timely manner, the County has the authority to hire a contractor to clear it and add the costs to the fines.
Areas of primary focus include sidewalks that are:
- Adjacent to commercial establishments and apartment complexes
- Along roadways within 1.5 miles of a school
- Along State designated highways
- Along County primary roadways
- Abutting major public gathering places, such as churches, assembly halls, etc.
- Reported through public complaints (CountyClick311)
For more information, please visit our website.
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DPIE's Administrative Hearing Unit Reduces Adjudication Time for Code Violations
In August 2018, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) began an initiative to reduce the time it takes for citations for code violations to be adjudicated. The Administrative Hearing Unit (AHU), which was created in response to legislation passed by the County Council in 2017, allows hearing officers to adjudicate cases for code violations, instead of the cases being heard in court.
The process starts with the issuing of citations by DPIE’s Enforcement Division. Citizens with complaints about code violations call 311 to make their initial report. The calls are forwarded to DPIE and inspectors are sent out to investigate. If code violations are found, citations are issued to the property owners, who have 30 days to request a hearing. The hearings are held within 30 days of a request.
The hearings officers are trained attorneys who have the power to issue summonses, notices and default orders for noncompliance. They handle complaints about unlicensed vehicles, debris, tall grass and weeds, commercial vehicles on residential property, and other property standards issues.
Testimony and evidence are presented. The hearing officers issue their decisions within five days. Respondents held liable can be assessed civil and monetary fines and ordered to abate the violations. In 2019, 1,209 citations were issued under the program. Hearings were requested in 388 cases.
“DPIE is pleased with the initial results of the AHU and case adjudication,” said DPIE Director Melinda Bolling. “Accordingly, the agency is examining options to have additional types of agency cases heard by the AHU to increase efficiency with adjudication and resolution of property violations.”
The hearings take place at DPIE headquarters, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 500, in Largo.
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Office of Veterans Affairs Heeds A Call of Service
Dr. James Dula, Veterans Affairs Officer, is Prince George's Proud to drop off donations of socks for veterans and their families.
The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) is "Marching Forward" to meet the 2020 vision of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks by expanding outreach and support efforts.
"We were extremely pleased to provide hundreds of comfort items to various VA and support organizations in 2019 and early 2020," said Dr. James Dula, Veterans Affairs Officer.
The OVA also works closely with nonprofit organizations, Gold Star Wives of America Capitol View Chapter, government agencies, and other community-based organizations to address quality of life issues. In 2020, the OVA is looking forward to connecting in a greater way with the interfaith community, JROTC units, The Vet Center, and Veterans Service Officers to further assist men and women veterans.
2019 was a great year as the OVA connected with more than 3,000 veterans through interaction with the Commission for Veterans, NABVETS, VFW, American Legion, DV, and other military veteran community-based organizations. For further information or to volunteer to serve on one of the many OVA committees, call 301-952-3904.
Clean Water Partnership Celebrates Third Cohort of Mentor Protégé Program Graduates
Graduates of the Clean Water Partnership’s Mentor Protégé Program.
On Thursday, December 19, Clean Water Partnership (CWP) celebrated its third cohort of graduates from its Mentor Protégé Program (MPP). The event highlighted the Clean Water Partnership’s success in meeting and exceeding their goals of mentoring local businesses; and, more importantly, the growth and success of the Mentor Protégé Program graduates who have, between cohorts 1-3, been awarded over $19 million in contracts completing green infrastructure projects in various scopes of work across Prince George’s County. To date, 25 firms have participated in the Mentor Protégé Program and the CWP has contracted with over 70 local, Prince George’s County-based companies, making significant improvements to green infrastructure and contributing to the economic impact in Prince George’s County.
CWP’s Mentor Protégé Program helps to provide support to local, small and disadvantaged businesses while making stormwater infrastructure and construction an economic driver for County Government. This community-based public-private partnership between Corvias and Prince George’s County focuses on stormwater management and infrastructure improvements and has seen over 100 individual projects treating 2,235 acres of public and private land. Over $19 million in contracts have been awarded to 14 Mentor Protégé Firms – all of which are local, small and/or minority-owned firms who call Prince George’s County home. Additionally, of the $142 million awarded so far as part of the CWP, 76% has been received by County-based businesses.
“We are extremely proud of the commitment and growth of the firms in our Mentor Protégé Program,” said Keisha Brown, Corvias Partnership Liaison. “It is exciting to watch their expansion and see the awards they’ve received on opportunities not only on the CWP, but throughout the region. Our goals are exactly that - to support their growth and success and watch them flourish and build.”
Department of the Environment Director Joe Gill, Council Chair Todd Turner and Councilmember Sydney Harrison joined CWP at the event, praising the infrastructure improvements made by CWP and its MPP firms within the County’s green economy. The MPP’s local firms have been awarded projects ranging from landscaping, maintenance, excavation and asphalt installation to construction and general contractor contracts for stream restoration and habitat management.
2020 Senior Resource Guide Now Available
 The Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC), has partnered with the Prince George’s County Provider Network to announce the 2020 Senior Resource Guide – a comprehensive resource directory of information and referral services for older adults and individuals with disabilities living in Prince George’s County. The guide will serve as a reference tool, including a listing of services provided by County agencies, businesses and non-profits serving older adults.
20,000 copies of the Senior Resource Guide are being distributed by The Prince George’s Senior Provider Network to senior apartment complexes, hospitals, public libraries, senior activity centers, faith-based communities, and Prince George’s County Health and Human Service Agencies. Click here for your copy!
The County Executive's Youth Sports Initiative Continues Moving Forward
Volleyball skill development courses are among some of the new opportunities being announced this spring.
The Youth Countywide Sports Division, a new division in M-NCPPC created as part of the County Executive's Youth Sports Initiative, is hiring new staff and announcing new opportunities for County youth. The recruitment process for the Chief position for the Youth Countywide Sports Division is in progress, as well as the process to fill key positions. Youth Countywide Sports is also excited to introduce additional sports opportunities in Prince George’s County starting this spring which align with the youth sports programming vision of County Executive Alsobrooks. These new offerings include:
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Youth Volleyball Skill Development Courses and Clinics for beginners, intermediate, and advance players. This is a great instructional opportunity for participants who want to learn the game the correct way. Within these training sessions, participants will engage in the sport in a competitive and recreational manner. Courses are scheduled to kick off in early April and take place at area community centers which include: Berwyn Heights, Peppermill, and Kentland.
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The Stick-To-It Girls’ Lacrosse Program is for ages 5 to 14 years old of all skill levels to gain valuable knowledge and experience through lacrosse training. Participants will receive high-level instruction in small groups, master the fundamentals of scooping, throwing and catching, as well as learn specific offensive and defensive techniques. Game-like situations are incorporated into sessions during friendly recreational scrimmages. The program will take place at Woodmore Towne Centre Turf Field April 18th and through May 16th.
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Girls Shot Clock Basketball League starts mid-March. We welcome 5th thru 8th grade teams to join the spring basketball fun!
You can register for the above programs at www.pgparks.com via Parks Direct.
County Government Closings for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
 Please note there will be no schedule changes to your yard trim collection due to the holiday. Regular collections of trash and recycling will occur. However, all County offices are closed in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, except public safety agencies. Several County services are also suspended or closed. To view a full listing and when they will resume, visit the County calendar.
Congratulations to the Clerk of the Court for Winning the Stuff-A-Truck Competition
 Our 2019 Stuff-A-Truck initiative was a huge success, as we were able to feed more than 800 families during the holiday season. We want to give a special congratulations to the Clerk of the Circuit Court who won our County Government competition by donating the most items. Thank you again to everyone who donated, including our County Government agencies and residents throughout Prince George’s County!
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