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Friday, March 19, 2021

Prince George's Proud:

An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks

Dear Prince Georgians:

Last week, I presented my proposed fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget, which provides key investments in a number of areas to reimagine Prince George’s County and ensure we recover from the pandemic stronger than ever before. The proposed budget has been transmitted to the Prince George’s County Council, which will begin the process to finalize and approve the FY 2022 budget.

Despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented for state and local government budgets nationwide, we are making critical and historic investments through our FY 2022 proposed budget. As we move forward, we must continue to invest our resources with discipline in the face of uncertainty.

Our proposed FY 2022 budget includes $4.5 billion in operating funds, an increase of $56.7 million or 1.3% over the FY 2021 budget. The General Fund totals $3.78 billion, an increase of $63.6 million or 1.7% over the FY 2021 budget. The proposed budget includes $3.78 billion in revenues, the largest portion of which comes from outside aid to support the Board of Education.

This year’s budget was constrained due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we have not seen any declines in revenues, we have also not seen typical growth. Due to these constraints, the overall growth in the budget only totaled 1.3%, to ensure we would be better positioned to emerge from the pandemic. We expect to see revenue grow again towards the end of FY 2022, with more normal growth in FY 2023.

Despite the constraints on this budget, we are still proposing critical and historic investments in a number of areas. Highlights of the proposed budget include:

Health Response & Recovery:

  • Continued pandemic response - $1.1 million
  • Behavioral Health Center - $20 million
  • Regional Health & Human Services Center - $57.3 million
  • Beautification Initiative - $107.5 million
  • Health Department - $30.1 million
    • Will support ten new positions in the Prince George’s County Health Department
    • Funding also supports the Early Childhood Consultant for the Child-Friendly County Campaign

 Education:

  • Board of Education - $2.34 billion
    • An increase of $64.4 million or 2.8% over the FY 2021 budget
    • County contribution is $816.3 million, exceeding maintenance of effort
    • $15 million in continued funding for the Alternative Construction Finance Program for school construction
  • Prince George’s Community College - $119.1 million
  • Memorial Library System - $32.9 million
    • Supports technology upgrades that will provide Internet in library parking lots
    • Capital budget includes $14.5 million to complete Surratts-Clinton Branch renovation, construction of the Bladensburg Library replacement and other projects

 Economic Development & Recovery:

  • County economic development agencies - $7.8 million
  • Workforce Housing Gap Financing Program - $4.2 million
    • Expands mixed-income communities by providing gap financing for workforce housing
  • Grant funding will support expansion of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  • Continued funding for Commercial Property Improvement Program to revitalize shopping centers
  • Provides funding for home improvements to maintain single-family homes around both the Suitland/Naylor Road and Central Avenue Blue Line Corridor areas

 Law Enforcement & Social Justice:

  • Police Department - $335.5 million
    • Funds approved Police Reform Work Group recommendations, including a Director of Race & Equity and two psychologists
    • Supports two new recruitment classes to help mitigate attrition
  • Citizen Complaint Oversight Panel will fund stipends for participants of the Police Department’s disciplinary investigations

 Protecting Our Environment:

  • Stormwater Management Fund - $87.4 million
    • An increase of $4.7 million, or 5.7% over the FY 2021 budget
    • Supports water quality programs and flood and drainage mitigation throughout the County

 Government Operations & Information Technology:

  • IT investments - $1 million
    • Supports new tax bill and collection system through the Office of Finance
    • Supports increased cybersecurity protections
    • Supports new, comprehensive electronic Permitting and Licensing System, reducing some of the regulatory burden for new permits

 Strengthening Our Communities:

  • Immigrant Affairs Division - $401,200
    • Created in the Office of Community Relations to intentionally serve this segment of County residents
  • Summer Youth Enrichment Program - $1 million
  • Department of Family Services - $6.4 million
    • An increase of $118,300 or 1.9% over the FY 2021 budget
    • Increases access to intervention programs and services for at-risk youth and families
    • Supports domestic violence/human trafficking awareness and prevention efforts
  • Department of Social Services - $6.1 million
    • An increase of $170,300 or 2.9% over the FY 2021 budget
    • Supports the Food Equity and Food Insecurity Task Force
    • Supports the Maryland Market Money Double Value Coupon Program
  • Community organization grants - $6.7 million

The FY 2022 Proposed Budget in Brief is available on the County Office of Management and Budget’s website. In addition, to promote transparency the proposed budget will be posted in our new online budget dashboard in the near future. I am confident this budget will help us reimagine Prince George’s County and further position us for a strong recovery once we put this pandemic behind us.  

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks

Prince George’s County Executive


County News For You

Applications Open for Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP)

SYEP

Our award-winning Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) is back. The 2021 SYEP will provide an opportunity for young people, ages 14-22, across the County to receive career development, job readiness skills and employment. In addition, temporary or full-time opportunities may become available sooner for those 18-22. To learn more and apply, visit syep.mypgc.us. The application period closes March 31, 2021.


MOMENTUM Conference Set for
Saturday, March 20th

Momentum

The Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division is thrilled to announce its continuation of the MoMENtum Men and Boys conference series, “MoMENtum: A Conversation with Men about Mental Health and Wellness.” This years’ conference will emphasize the importance of men’s mental health in creating healthy relationships. The conference will be held live on KYSDC.com, MyMajicDC.com, PraiseDC.com and each station's Facebook page on Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Conference Details:

  • Inspirational Speaker - Mr. Ken Harvey, Former Linebacker, Washington Football Team
  • Panel Discussion - Dr. Bent-Goodley, Professor Emerita, Howard University and Dr. Robert J. Wingfield, Licensed Psychologist
  • Survivor Testimony - Mr. Troy Jones, Author and Executive Director of 108 Community Organization
  • Men’s Conference Challenge – Maryland State Delegate Ronald L. Watson, Ph.D.
  • Students are eligible to earn Community Service Hours (Age: Middle School and older)

No registration is required. For more information, click here or call the Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division at 301-265-8423.


PGCMLS & Human Relations Commission Upcoming Events

PGCMLS Upcoming Events

The Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System are partnering to bring you meaningful virtual programming. On March 25, join author W. Ralph Eubanks in conversation about his new book A Place Like Mississippi. On March 30, there will be a special Women’s History Month “Elephant We Don’t See Diversity Dialogue” featuring Lee Maracle’s I Am Woman. In addition, two more “Voting: Democracy in Action” events will also take place. To learn more about the Human Relation Commission’s upcoming virtual programming, click here.

If you have questions about civil rights protections in Prince George’s County or would like to know more about the Human Relations Commission, call 301-883-6170 or email hrcstaff@co.pg.md.us.


Cultural Arts Study to Host Teen Forum on March 25th

Cultural Arts Study

The Prince George’s County Cultural Arts Study wants to hear from teenagers. Young people in Prince George’s are essential to our County’s vitality. Please join the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission for a virtual, youth community forum on Thursday, March 25, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Teens will be asked to share and provide input on:

  • How to make the County more creative and vibrant?
  • How to use arts and culture to energize neighborhoods?
  • How does teen involvement in arts and culture impact the County’s future?

Participants will earn service-learning hours and a chance to win door prizes. To participate, register here. Log-in information will be provided the evening prior to the meeting to all who register. Registration will close at noon on Thursday, March 25, 2021. For more information, click here.


Employ Prince George’s Programs

Construction Trades

Construction Trades Hiring Event

Employ Prince George's and the Prince George's County Public Schools Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE) invite your company to participate in the first Annual (Virtual) Hiring Event for students entering the workforce from the CTE Construction Trades Programs. The event will be held on April 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To register, please visit mwe.jobs.maryland.gov, click sign-in, scroll down and click on "Employers and Agents" to begin your registration.

Free Certified CNA/GNA Training Program

Employ Prince George’s, Inc. has announced a free Certified and Geriatric Nursing Assistant Training program for English Language Learners residing in the Riverdale area. The program, offered by the Capital Area Healthcare Alliance, will provide eligible Prince George’s County residents with free training to gain employment in the CNA and GNA career field. Participants must attend one information session, held every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, before joining the program. For more information, call 301-618-8425 or email WSD@co.pg.md.us. To register for the training program, click here.

KEYS Program – Employers Partner with Us

The Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS) Program serves young adults ages 18-24 who are disconnected from educational and employment opportunities. Employ Prince George’s partners with local organizations to provide career opportunities for young adults who face significant barriers to employment. To learn more about how your organization can invest in the County’s youth, contact Denise Higgs at DMHiggs@co.pg.md.us or call 301-618-8422.  

Virtual Veterans Kiosk  

Take advantage of this unique service of the Veterans Employment Program. Join the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) every Monday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM to speak to a veteran who can connect you with information about registering into MWE employment opportunities, resume and application help, benefits, trainings and more. Click here to join the meeting.

Inquire Within Coaching Services

The Inquire Within Coaching Services is a series of virtual workshops, launched by the American Job Center, that help attendees build confidence and identify skills to help them navigate through changes. Attendees will learn to adjust their mindsets and reframe their circumstances in efforts to build confidence in their potential for achievement. Workshops are held on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM, Thursdays at 8:00 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 AM. For more information, click here.

Dealer School Training Program

The Hospitality and Accommodation Institute is offering a Dealer School Training Program through Prince George’s Community College for eligible County residents to receive free training to gain employment in the gaming and casino industry. MGM National Harbor will guarantee interviews or auditions to participants who complete the program. Information sessions are held on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Click here to join the meeting.

Navigate the Federal Hiring Process

Learn how to navigate the federal hiring process, find and apply for federal jobs and create a federal resume. Participants will also learn how to utilize USAJobs.gov and view vacancy announcements during this free workshop. Hear from Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, Shirley Garner and Timothy Walter, every fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To join the Zoom meeting, click here

Career Readiness Workshops

The following is a list of Employ Prince George’s Education, Training and Assessments Department Career Readiness Workshops:

  • Resumes That Represent – Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Interviews That Impress – Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Soft Skills That Sell – Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

To register, visit www.employpgedge.com, create an account and click “Live Meetings.”

55+ Workshop 

Our 55+ Older Work Program Coordinator is here to support you! The American Jobs Center Largo is launching direct services to support the unique needs and interests of 55+ Job Seekers. Information sessions are held every Tuesday from 1:00 PM – 3:00PM. Register at mwe.jobs.maryland.gov to attend an information session.


Register for the NBC4/Telemundo44 Health & Fitness Expo

Fitness Expo

The County Health Department will help sponsor the 2021 NBC4/Telemundo44 Virtual Health & Fitness Expo on March 19 and 20! Visit the Health Department’s virtual booth featuring important COVID-19 information as well as other resources to help Prince Georgians live healthier and happier lives. Learn how to save a life by taking a free class on using a Narcan kit to reverse an opioid overdose, or get the information you need to obtain health insurance. Register today. Registration and attendance (online only) are free.


Spotlight On Prince George's

Washington Business Journal’s 2021 Diversity in Business Awards Recipients

Biz Journal Awards

Congratulations to Brandon Bellamy, CEO of Velocity Companies, and Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State University, for being recognized in the Washington Business Journal’s 2021 Diversity in Business Awards! The Diversity in Business Awards honor the entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and success of inspiring leaders in the region. Honorees were judged based on professional accomplishments, community leadership and philanthropy, as well as awards and milestones.


Amor Wilson Wins Prince George’s Spelling Bee

Wilson

Congratulations to Amor Wilson, who won the 2021 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee and will represent Prince George’s County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The Bradbury Heights Elementary School sixth grader battled through 15 rounds before spelling the word “solenoid” to become winner of the 2021 Spelling Bee. We wish you the best of luck later this year in Orlando, Amor! Click here to read the article.