Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Last week, we attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) new regional headquarters in New Carrollton. WMATA has been a valued partner to Prince George’s County for many years. Not only do they provide our residents with transportation to move through the region, but a large percentage of their workforce also call our County home. We are thrilled with their decision to place their regional headquarters here.
WMATA’s presence in the County is already a critical part of our plans for transit-oriented development, as we grow our County in a smart way that does not encourage sprawl or stress our critical public services and infrastructure. In addition, this ribbon cutting aligns with our vision for New Carrollton to become the premiere transit hub for the eastern seaboard.
The arrival of WMATA’s headquarters adds to the upgraded landscape for our residents as New Carrollton becomes a walkable, bikeable, park-filled downtown to enjoy. This exciting new downtown will include more than parks, shops, and other amenities, because we are also focused on the critical need to build more housing opportunities to accommodate current residents and our growing population. Those projects are already underway with developments like the Margaux, which will provide workforce housing to residents in that area. New Carrollton’s future is bright, and we want to thank WMATA for choosing this neighborhood as their new home and investing in this optimistic future.
We understand that as we grow and develop, there is a critical urgency to build affordable housing so we do not price out our residents. To continue addressing this issue, this week we announced the launch of the Faith-Based Development Initiative, a partnership between the Office of the County Executive, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Enterprise Community Partners, Bank of America, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation that will support faith-based institutions that want to build affordable housing on their undeveloped or underdeveloped land in the County.
As you know, housing affordability has been a serious concern, both here in Prince George’s County and across the nation. That’s why addressing affordable housing has been our priority from the beginning of this administration. So far, we have created or preserved nearly 4,000 affordable housing units through investments made by this administration, but we know there is still more work to do. We will continue to do everything we can to meet our affordable housing goals.
We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with our faith community and launch this important initiative. They have consistently been such a valued partner in so much of what we do as a County, and we want to thank them, DHCD, and all of our community partners for their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for all Prince Georgians.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
38th Annual Women’s History Month Luncheon
 Yesterday, County Executive Alsobrooks had an amazing time celebrating women in County Government at the 38th Annual Women’s History Month Luncheon at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. We want to thank our mistress of ceremonies, Jeannette Reyes, and the more than 1,000 women who attended the event. We want to congratulate PGCPS CEO Dr. Monica Goldson on winning the Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award. We also want to congratulate our Legacy Builder award winners, Zoey Briscoe, Mary Kucharski, Wanda Durant, Mirna (Lupi) Quinteros-Grady, Dorothy Troutman, and Mary Lou Williamson, as well as our scholarship award winners, Simone Warren, Hope Petsonho Tiwang, and Ka’Brie Bryanka Coe.
Prince George’s Proud Ceremonial Recognition
 On Monday, March 27, County Executive Alsobrooks hosted a Prince George’s Proud ceremony to recognize several outstanding Prince Georgians. This month, in recognition of Women’s History Month, we were proud to honor eight women veterans who valiantly served our nation and continue to serve our community in various ways. We want to thank Ms. Bianca Langford, Ms. Georgia Eaves, Ms. Alfreda Alexander, Major Odell M. Dean, Ms. Bernadette Fobbs, Ms. Blonethea Vann, Ms. Linda Foreman, and Ms. Lynda Jackson for all you have given to Prince George’s and our country. To recognize these amazing women, we were proud to present each of them with a proclamation.
We were also proud to honor Steven Green, Jr., a 10-year-old Prince Georgian who is a youth motor cross champion. He was named the Maryland State Champion in his age category and has won awards in races across the country. We presented Steven with an official proclamation to congratulate him on all he has accomplished so far.
Please join us in congratulating our women veterans and Steven on their amazing accomplishments.
Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting
 County Executive Alsobrooks was proud to join the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union for their annual meeting on Wednesday, March 29. Credit unions are built on the foundations of the communities where they operate, and we want to congratulate them on 55 years of serving our residents and our small businesses.
District 1 Town Hall
 On Wednesday, March 29, County Executive Alsobrooks joined Council Chair Tom Dernoga and the residents of Council District 1 for an engaging District 1 Town Hall. The County Executive had an opportunity to talk about our FY 2024 proposed budget, smart economic growth across the County, and more.
Honoring Daphne Turpin Forbes
 On Tuesday, March 28, County Executive Alsobrooks joined our Board of License Commissioners in honoring Daphne Turpin Forbes, who is stepping down as Chair of the Board of License Commissioners after four years. She created multiple new programs during her tenure and led the Board through the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank Ms. Turpin Forbes for all she has done to serve Prince Georgians and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors!
The Residences at Victory Promenade Community Meeting
 The County Executive enjoyed joining the residents of The Residences at Victory Promenade in Landover for a community meeting on Monday, March 27. County Executive Alsobrooks discussed the FY 2024 proposed budget, the Blue Line Corridor Project, and other important community issues.
Delta Sigma Theta’s 47th Annual Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show and Luncheon
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a blast at Delta Sigma Theta’s 47th Annual Scholarship Benefit Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday, March 19. The Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter helped raise $90,000 for scholarships given out at this year’s fashion show. Attendees were excited to be joined by a very special guest, Governor Wes Moore, who even walked the runway!
Black Family Wellness Expo
 On Saturday, March 18, the County Executive stopped by the Black Family Wellness Expo hosted by The Links Incorporated. We appreciate everything that local Links chapters do to tackle health disparities among Black communities in Prince George’s County and across our region.
The La Reine Science and Innovation Center at Bishop McNamara High School Grand Opening
 County Executive Alsobrooks attended the grand opening of The La Reine Science and Innovation Center at Bishop McNamara High School on Saturday, March 18. With science labs, a cybersecurity lab, multimedia studio, entrepreneurship space, and innovation lab, this new facility will ensure students are prepared for a variety of careers in our region.
Black Women’s Roundtable Women of Power National Summit’s “Boss Lady Panel”
 On Friday, March 17, County Executive Alsobrooks had an excellent time participating in the “Boss Lady Panel” at the Black Women’s Roundtable Women of Power National Summit. From Hollywood, to business, to government and public safety, we want to thank all the amazing women who took time to share their stories and how they are leading in their respective industries.
Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience Registration Opening Soon
 Registration for the Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience begins on Monday, April 3! The Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience gives County youth the opportunity to develop skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more with the overall goal of providing meaningful opportunities for our youth that will keep them engaged. We’re bringing back all the fun of last summer, and this year, participants will be able to select a “themed” week of specialty activity programming.
HIP 100th Home
 On Thursday, March 9, Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) hosted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their milestone 100th “HIP Home” renovation in Prince George’s County. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of their HIP Homes program. The first renovation, a HUD foreclosure, was completed in 1998 in the Palmer Park neighborhood.
HOME funds, Community Development Block Grants and National Capital Strategic Economic Development (NED) funds are used to purchase and renovate HIP’s affordable houses, which they sell to low-moderate income first-time home buyers.
HIP has two renovated homes, one located at 7209 Greeley Avenue in the Kentland neighborhood and the other home at 7910 Allendale Drive in Palmer Park. Currently, four HIP Homes are under development and are expected to be renovated and ready for sale in 2023.
2nd Annual Greatest of All Time Youth Mental Health Expo
 Are you ready for the 2nd Annual Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Youth Mental Health Expo?! The Prince George’s County Health Department (PGCHD), in partnership with the Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas Chapter (VOACC), System of Care STEP Forward, and the Bowie State University Graduate Student Association, are excited to kick off their celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month with this amazing experience on Saturday, April 29, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Bowie State University’s Student Center.
The G.O.A.T. Youth Mental Health Expo is the only expo dedicated to youth mental health and wellbeing in Prince George's County. It will include a variety of interactive activities and workshops for youth ages 16 to 24 and their families. These workshops and activities will engage participants with techniques and education to help them manage their mental health effectively and address substance abuse. The expo will also feature health and wellness exhibitions, health screenings and demonstrations, live entertainment, an open mic session, dance contest, food and more!
Residents can register for free here. To learn more about the expo and how to register, exhibit, sponsor, or volunteer, visit the G.O.A.T. Youth Mental Health Expo website here.
Momentum 2023
 On Saturday, March 18, over 300 participants attended the “Momentum: Men Realigning and Reconnecting with Our Community Conference” at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. Session topics included Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence, Effective Communication Styles, and a youth led panel discussion about Finding Your Purpose Through Facing Your Fears. Author and Assistant Professor John G. Taylor, PhD, M.Ed. served as guest speaker and was joined by several County and State officials to speak about the red flags of domestic violence, making good choices, and supporting one another. For more information about the red flags of domestic violence, visit the Department of Family Services website here. View photos from the event here.
311 Day of Action
On Saturday, March 11, the Office of Community Relations (OCR) hosted its annual 311 Day of Action, where they conducted a day of service in the community to allow residents to engage with their County Government. This year, OCR delivered services, information, and resources to the residents of the Shepherd’s Cove Emergency Shelter for Women and Children. OCR also partnered with the Health Department, Board of Elections, Catholic Charities Dental Services, and Employ Prince George’s to provide information that will help with building foundational steps to improve their quality of life.
Residents registered to vote, received information on health insurance for adults and children, received information on workforce opportunities, and went shopping in “OCR’s Shopping Center,” where they were able to shop for new spring clothing. In addition, the Department of Parks and Recreation provided arts and crafts activities via Arts on a Roll and Skate Mobile, and the Fairfax/Alexandria Branch of Kappa Alpha Psi catered lunch.
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DoE Celebrates Earth Month
 The Department of the Environment (DoE) celebrates "Earth Day Every Day" throughout the month of April in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22! DoE will showcase the various programs that help reduce waste and materials from entering the landfill, preparing pet parents for adoption, services that promote the protection of our homes and natural resources such as trees and public spaces, how we are working to combat climate change, and so much more.
The Office of the County Executive, in collaboration with DoE and its sister agencies, the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) and the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), will highlight the ways the County is working to keep our communities clean and beautiful during Preserve and Beautify our Environment Week, from Monday, April 17 through Saturday, April 22.
Get engaged with DoE and tag #PGCEarthDayEveryDay on social media. Stay tuned for upcoming events, and for ongoing updates visit the DoE website here.
Spring 2023 Community Partners’ Virtual Meeting
 Join the Department of the Environment (DoE), Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), and the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) at the virtual Community Partners’ Meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 9:00 AM to learn about agency updates and other important County information essential to your community. Advanced registration is required here.
PGCLitterTRAK Training Workshops For Growing Green with Pride
Information submitted through PGCLitterTRAK, including bags of litter removed, items collected, and litter pick-up locations will assist the Department of the Environment with meeting their trash reduction rate of 170,628 pounds per year within the Anacostia River Watershed. Residents participating in the upcoming Spring Growing Green with Pride Day are encouraged to attend one of the sessions below.
Tuesday, April 4, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, April 11, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, April 18, 6:00 PM
Register for the training workshops here
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Free Adoptions For Dogs and Cats
 The Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) is offering free dog and cat adoptions now through Sunday, April 30, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization. The community is invited to adopt your new best friend at the ASFAC (3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro) Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Standard adoption processes still apply and there is $10 license fee for residents. Learn more by visiting the ASFAC website here.
Mulch Madness is Back!
 Prince George’s County residents can pick up FREE mulch from the County Organics Composting Facility on Saturday, April 22, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, or while supplies last. Mulch for this source reduction event is derived from live holiday trees collected curbside and dropped off throughout January. A skid loader will be available to load mulch directly into pickup trucks (no commercial vehicles). Residents transporting mulch by car will need to bring their containers, shovels, or pitchforks. For more details, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
 The Department of the Environment (DoE) announces its third Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Day on Saturday, April 29, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Bowie Baysox Stadium. Non-commercial items collected at our acceptance sites will be collected during this disposal event. View the list of acceptable items on the DoE website here.
County Executive Alsobrooks and Governor Wes Moore Join Symone Sanders on MSNBC
 County Executive Alsobrooks and Governor Moore recently joined Symone Sanders on MSNBC to talk about the new FBI headquarters and why it should come to Prince George’s County. This is the biggest project in GSA history and locating the FBI in our County is a meaningful way for the Biden Administration to advance equity in federal government decisions, consistent with the administration’s executive orders on equity. In addition, the two sites in Prince George’s are ready to go now while the site in Springfield will cost hundreds of millions of dollars more, making Prince George’s the best deal for American taxpayers. Watch a piece of the segment featuring the County Executive and Governor here.
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
Photo courtesy of THEPALMER/Getty Images/USA Today 10Best
Prince George’s County is so proud to be the home of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award. Voting is open for the next two weeks, so please take a few seconds to vote and help them win this recognition. Learn more and vote here.
Latino Business Accelerator Program
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Prince George’s County has the second-largest number of Hispanic-owned businesses in the State. We are excited that the new Latino Business Accelerator Program through our Economic Development Corporation will help these businesses grow and thrive in the County. Check out this article to learn more. |
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