Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Since May, we have conducted a series of community walks in neighborhoods across the County to talk with residents and see firsthand what needs to be done to address their concerns. Throughout the spring and summer, I’ve been joined by our new Chief of Police Malik Aziz, our Office of Community Relations (OCR), various government agencies, elected officials and members of the community. We have used these community walks to address crime, litter and other quality of life issues that impact our residents. Our goals for these community walks are:
- Introduce our new Chief of Police Malik Aziz to the community
- Provide community members with solutions to their concerns through our County agencies
- Positively impact the community and build trust with the local government
So far, we’ve visited and heard from Capitol Heights community members, Lewisdale community members, residents from the Suitland Citizens Association and Dupont Village Civic Association, pastors, and many more. As we continue our community walks, Our Office of Community Relations and 311 On the Go! team members are prepared to work with County agencies to follow up on the issues and concerns we’ve heard from our residents. OCR Staff will be available to document any concerns that require follow-up. In addition, agency representatives will be available to answer any specific inquiries OCR staff are unable to answer.
I want you to know that we are taking steps to ensure greatness grows in Prince George’s County. We are gathering concerns from the community not to highlight our weaknesses, but to take steps to picture the kind of community we want to build for the future. Every Prince Georgian deserves quality services. By taking the time to hear from our residents, I am confident that we will meet their concerns with decisive action, because when we work together, there is absolutely nothing that we cannot accomplish.
Finally, Prince Georgians know that “greatness grows here,” and with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, I want to invite you to join us at a pep rally at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park to show your Prince George’s Pride! The pep rally will be held today, July 23, at 4:00 PM, and celebrate our three hometown TEAM USA athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics: Frances Tiafoe, Kevin Durant, and Jerami Grant.
Wanda Durant, mom of Kevin Durant and “The Real MVP,” will serve as emcee. Today’s event will feature music, food, and prizes. Former NFL player Kyle Arrington and other prominent athletes and their families will also be in attendance. We hope you will join us!
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
  
Help Fight the Spread of COVID-19
Our COVID-19 vaccine rollout is going well, with over 435,000 Prince Georgians fully vaccinated. Help us fight the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and encouraging friends and family to do the same. Visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine to learn more.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program - Landlord Application Video Tutorial
 The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) offers relief to landlords, on behalf of renters, and tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords interested in applying for emergency rental assistance can click here to watch a brief video tutorial on how to submit a successful application.
For more information, please visit the Emergency Rental Assistance Program webpage. Also, stay tuned for a Tenant Emergency Rental Assistance Application Video Tutorial coming soon
Keep Our County Clean and Beautiful
 Be part of the solution, not the problem. Dispose of your litter properly, so it doesn't damage our ecosystem and community. We want every Prince Georgian to be "Part of It, Proud of It, and to Keep Our County Clean and Beautiful." County Executive Alsobrooks and the Department of the Environment are committed to making our communities greener and cleaner for residents, business owners, and visitors.
Food Scraps Composting Begins Phase 1 of Countywide Expansion
The Food Scraps Composting Program began Phase 1 of its Countywide expansion on July 12, 2021. Approximately 800 households received collection materials, including a 32-gallon wheeled cart, a 2-gallon kitchen mini bin, a How-To Guide, a refrigerator magnet, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Residents who opted in the program can now mix their food scraps with their yard trim for the weekly Monday yard trim curbside collection. The food scraps must be placed inside the Organics cart. Only residents who opted-in and received the appropriate program materials may put food scraps curbside for collection. Plastic bags are not accepted.
The County is planning to broaden the program through additional expansions in fiscal year 2022. For more information about food scraps composting, visit mypgc.us/compost or email us at pgccomposts@co.pg.md.us.
Curbside Bulky Trash Collection
 Items too big to fit in your trash bin won't be hauled away in your regular curbside trash collection. Schedule your curbside bulky trash appointment today by calling PGC311 or visiting bulkytrash.princegeorgescountymd.gov.
Accepted items and more information can be found at bit.ly/PGCbulkyacceptable.
Prince George's County Wins Tree City USA Award
For the 37th consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation named Prince George's County a Tree City USA award winner. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
The County gained Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
In 1985, Prince George's County began the tradition of involving an entire elementary school in celebrating Arbor Day. This year with COVID-19 restrictions still underway, the County partnered with the City of Hyattsville and the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation to plant 42 native trees and shrubs at the 38th Avenue Neighborhood Park.
To procure trees for your community, contact the Department of Public Works and Transportation’s (DPW&T) Right Tree, Right Place Program at trees@ndc-md.org. If you're interested in securing trees for your community, contact Carole Barth, DoE Tree Conservation Program Manager, at cabarth@co.pg.md.us. To learn more about how you can join the fight to keep our County clean and beautiful, the Beautification Initiative, and other litter reduction efforts, visit www.pgcproud.com.
Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience
Drone Workshop
 The Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience is underway and on Thursday, July 15, 2021, we captured one of the summer program’s workshops in action. The Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience partnered with Minority Tech Foundation in collaboration with Building Momentum to host a Mass Media & Cybersecurity Workshop where students conduct drone simulations. Students used 3D-printed drones and learned about the engineering aspects of drone technology. The goal of the two-week workshop is to build workforce development skills and career paths for Prince George’s County youth.
The Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience was launched on June 28, 2021, providing young people ages 12-18 throughout the County a variety of safe and fun activities to choose from this summer. Activities offered are based on the 3 E’s: Education, Entrepreneurship and Entertainment.
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
 The 2021-2022 school year will begin for thousands of students on Monday, September 8, 2021, and the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) would like to help families prepare by collecting school supplies that will be distributed to students throughout Prince George’s County. DPW&T will be accepting school supply donations at two locations during the annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive now through Monday, August 16, 2021.
Supplies will be collected weekly, Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, Maryland, 20774, and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Oxon Hill Park and Ride.
Your donations are important as we continue to support one another through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please contact Paulette L. Jones at pljones@co.pg.md.us or Tiffany Minor at taminor1@co.pg.md.us
Newest Board and Commission Members
 County Executive Alsobrooks is proud to announce the following individuals took the oath of office for four (4) boards and commissions on July 13th after being confirmed by the Prince George’s County Council.
Natalie L. Stephenson, Regina C. Gilmore, and Abraham I. Garcia are the newest appointments to the Citizens Complaint Oversight Panel (CCOP). The Citizens Complaint Oversight Panel monitors and evaluates investigations of police misconduct. It is part of a police accountability process designed to ensure that citizens with complaints about the conduct of an officer of the Prince George’s County Police Department are able to complain formally, that their complaints are treated and investigated professionally and swiftly, and that there is independent oversight of the investigative process.
The Commission for Individuals with Disabilities is tasked with bringing together businesses, citizens, and the government of Prince George's County to discuss and resolve disability issues in the County. The Commission works with County and State agencies and other Commissions to jointly address and promote the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities. The newly appointed Commissioners are Dahlia M. Shaewitz, Melissa Scales Hamilton, and Katrina Dixon Patterson.
The Commission on Common Ownership Communities ensures proper establishment and operation of homeowners’ associations, condominium associations and cooperative housing operations. The Commission also promotes education, public awareness and association membership’s understanding of the rights and obligations of living in a common ownership community, as well as providing guidance on how to maintain property values and quality of life in Common Ownership Communities. The Commissioners are Patricia J. Fletcher, Robert E. Nicholson, Linda Hunt (Reappointed), Nicole A. Williams (Reappointed), Chair Timothy L. Smith (Reappointed), Marvin E. Holmes, Jr., Danielle L. Grey, and Daniel Hall (Reappointed).
David Brosch, Barbara T. Sollner-Webb, and Charles L. Renninger (Reappointed) were confirmed as members of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. This Commission provides community input, guidance and advice to the County Executive and County Council on matters relating to solid waste management within the County. Members of the Commission review and offer recommendations on the ten-year solid waste management plan, as well as investigate and prepare fiscal impact statements and make recommendations on systematic programs and alternative methods, both public and private, for storage, collection, transportation, processing, disposal and resource recovery of solid waste, including sludge.
Prince George’s County Wins the 2021 Digital Counties Award
 Prince George’s County has been named the #1 Digital County in the United States in the 19th annual Digital Counties Survey, in the large population category. The survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG), identifies best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage open data, collaboration and shared services, enhance cybersecurity, and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts.
The County stood out from other jurisdictions based on its best practices for comprehensive cyber strategy, including investing in a new Cyber Security practice with a countywide Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a virtual Security Operations Center, and a “Security ScoreCard” risk management tool supporting the County’s 27-partner jurisdictional network. Technology efforts with a fast turnaround supported several of the County Executive’s COVID-19 initiatives including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Child Care assistance, Food distribution, small business support, the Ambassador Compliance Program, hotel support, meal assistance, vaccine pre-registration, and more. The County also implemented other virtual strategies, such as developing a Virtual Permit Center, accelerating digitization of documents across County agencies and integrating agency communications.
Department of the Environment Earns Special Achievement Award for Stormwater Management
The Department of Environment (DoE) Stormwater Management Division (SMD) received a 2021 Special Achievement Award in Geographic Information System (GIS) from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) during its Annual Virtual User Conference held in early July.
DoE was awarded the prestigious award in GIS (a system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data) for its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Stormwater GIS Enterprise System. The system maintains information (in a workflow system) that streamlines data collection and reports generation from multiple agencies and various regulatory and non-regulatory programs. In addition, the system was also created to enhance the Maryland Department of Environment's (MDE) geodatabase and build applications to create the MS4 report and to meet other Prince George's County needs.
Esri is an international supplier of GIS software and leader in web GIS and geodatabase management applications. The Esri User Conference is one of the largest of its kind. It recognizes organizations and government agencies throughout the world for ground-breaking and cutting-edge applications of GIS systems.
Next Public Climate Action Plan Meeting
August 19
 Have you noticed more stormy events? Maybe you've just felt that it was hotter earlier this year? Whether it's climbing temperatures, extreme storms, heatwaves, droughts, or more, climate change is not a future problem - it is a NOW problem. Prince George's County is ready to act, but we need participation from every resident!
Save the date for the next virtual community meeting on Thursday, August 19, 2021. The Department of the Environment is providing members of our community with an opportunity to give input and influence the focus of the County's Climate Action Plan. RSVP details are coming soon.
To view recorded sessions from the first two public meetings, including breakout sessions, click here. You can also visit the Climate Partners web page to learn about general climate actions, some of the key focus areas, and submit input online on the Climate Action Plan Virtual Open House.
Together we can implement community-wide actions to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enriching our local economy. Learn more at mypgc.us/climateactionplan.
Animal Fostering – A Win For All
 The Prince George's Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) animal fostering program provides persons unable to commit to a long-term adoption the opportunity to care for an animal on a short-term basis. This program helps save an animal's life!
The dates for the summer fostering orientations are:
Wednesday, August 4 at 4:00 PM and Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 AM
If you are interested, please reach out to our foster coordinator Marilyn Perez at 301-780-7202 or mpperez@co.pg.md.us or contact the Adoption Staff at 301-780-7201.
Free Online Training for Boards and Residents of Common Ownership Communities
 The Office of Community Relations’ Common Ownership Communities Unit launched the virtual EDvantage Online Training Program in January 2021 to ensure individuals who reside in common ownership communities are connected to the resources they need. The seven (7) module course was designed to equip constituents with the knowledge and skills needed to govern and be a functional member of their common ownership community. Here are some of the benefits offered by the free, EDvantage Online Training Program:
- No experience is needed
- Individuals can complete at their own pace
- The course is offered in English and Spanish with optional voiceovers
- Individuals complete quizzes to earn a certificate
Follow these steps to start training today:
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Click this link for access to the EDVantage Online Training Program
- Then click the orange “User Registration” button and complete your information
- Use the link emailed to you to complete your registration
- Get started!
For more information and assistance, email COC@co.pg.md.us.
Step Forward Campaign Raising Awareness for Mental Health & Substance Use Services
 The Health Department has launched the latest round of its Step Forward media campaign to raise awareness about the free mental health and substance use services available in the County and region.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or dealing with another type of mental health or substance use concern, call 211 and press 1. 211 Maryland is a 24/7 hotline that connects people to call specialists who can assist you with a mental health, drug or alcohol concern. The service can also connect you to important community health services information. Text “MD” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line anytime about any type of crisis.
For more information about Step Forward and how to find additional resources, visit health.mypgc.us/StepForward.
M-NCPPC Announces New Tool to Help Find Park and Recreation Amenities in the County
 The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation is happy to offer a new ParkFinder resource tool to assist in locating park and recreational amenities.
ParkFinder is an interactive map tool developed to help users find local parks, community centers, museums, art centers, pools, and more. Residents can search facilities based on name, amenity types, and ADA-compliant features. To use the tool, go to pgparks.com/parkfinder.
Negro Leagues Legends Hall of Fame East/West Game and Car Show
 The Negro Leagues Legends Hall of Fame East/West Game and Car show will be held August 7, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This free event is a chance to salute the 88th anniversary of the Negro League East-West game and the Negro National League 100-year anniversary, one year later. To purchase tickets, go to pgparks.com.
Language Access Compliance Program
 The Office of Human Rights Language Access Compliance Program (LACP) initiated the implementation of its program in County government agencies, which seeks to ensure that no resident of the County is denied public services because of a language barrier. Under the Languages Access for Public Services Act of 2017, most County agencies are required to have an appointed Language Access Compliance Program Coordinator (LACPC). On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, the LACP began its Language Access Compliance Training for newly appointed LACPCs who are currently in the process of achieving compliance with law requirements and responsibilities. To learn more about the Language Access Compliance Program, contact Henry Jimenez at HRCStaff@co.pg.md.us or visit the Office of Human Rights Language Access Compliance web page.
Employ Prince George’s Programs
 In Development: The Prince George’s County Mobile American Job Center
Last week, the Employ Prince George’s team traveled to Columbus, Ohio to start the design and production process for Prince George’s County’s Mobile American Job Center. This mobile unit will travel throughout the County engaging our hardest to reach residents and communities most in need, while increasing the accessibility of workforce development services to job seekers and businesses. The mobile unit will offer a variety workforce development services, including: career and resume services, job fairs, and technological resources that bridge the digital divide and increase the accessibility of workforce development services in the County. Stay connected via social media and visit the PGCAJC.com website for updates regarding the Mobile American Job Center coming to a road near you in 2022.
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.
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.”
Bowie Native Jerami Grant to Represent USA Men’s Basketball at Tokyo Olympics
We are excited to see several highly talented Prince Georgians, including Bowie’s own Jerami Grant, compete in the Tokyo Olympics set to begin July 23. This will be the first Olympic games for the seven-year NBA veteran where he will be playing alongside NBA All-Star and Prince George’s County native, Kevin Durant. Grant attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville and is the son of Beverly and former NBA player Harvey Grant. To read more about Jerami Grant, click here.
Vaccine-hesitant Resident Encourages Everyone to Get the Vaccine
 Prince Georgian Linda Mercer, who at one time refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine is now encouraging people to get vaccinated after developing a severe case of the virus. Click here to watch this powerful story of a resident who changed her mind and has a new outlook on life.
Visit from Vice President Harris at NACo Conference
We were excited to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to Prince George’s County on July 9, 2021, as part of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference being hosted at National Harbor. This is the first major in-person conference for our County and for Vice President Harris since the start of the pandemic last year. Click here to read more about the Vice President’s address at NACo.
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