Community Connections Newsletter

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Thursday, September 14, 2023

Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks

Dear Prince Georgians:

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2024 cohort of the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI). The AYLI is an intense immersion-learning program for youth interested in County Government and community service. Modeled after “mayor for a day” programs across the country, the AYLI gives youth a year-long experience where they learn about County Government and get opportunities to weigh in on important policies and legislation that help improve the lives of youth in our County.

We are extremely excited to begin the process of selecting our second cohort of the AYLI, which will consist of a diverse group of youth from throughout Prince George’s County. In addition to attending regular meetings and leadershiphosted by the County Government, AYLI program participants will attend community meetings with me and meet with County leadership to share concerns of our youth. They will also provide feedback on policies and legislation that impact youth, as well as develop and implement a service project that will help improve the lives of youth.

We are seeking a diverse group of youth from different backgrounds for the AYLI. Applicants should be forward-thinking and want to invest in their personal and professional growth while giving back and paying it forward. Youth interested in participating should have a desire to make a positive impact on not just Prince George’s County, but the world. In addition, AYLI participants should have:

  • A strong interest in community service and willingness to serve as a volunteer in their community and for County Government
  • Dedicated time to participate and be active in the program
  • A willingness to develop and share creative solutions for issues involving youth
  • A commitment to doing what is right for those in need
  • A willingness to learn about the County and its history, culture, and operations

The AYLI is open to all students attending Prince George’s County public, charter, private, and home schools. Applicants must be in grades nine through 11 as of the 2024 school year and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Program participants can also receive community service hours for school credit. The application is open now through October 13, 2023. The 2024 AYLI program will run from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

This program gives our youth a chance to actively participate in County Government and contribute positively to our community in a meaningful and positive way. We are proud to provide programs and resources that support our young people as they build their future paths. We want to thank our partner organizations who sponsor this program and share our commitment to supporting Prince George’s County youth. For more information about the program and to apply, visit the AYLI website here.

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive


AYLI 2023

Proud to Be Around Prince George's

Muslim Community Business Roundtable

Muslim Roundtable

County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time connecting with our Muslim business owners at the Muslim Community Business Roundtable on Tuesday, September 5. Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, this is the fourth business roundtable we have held to connect with business owners from our immigrant communities. We were proud to share County Government information and resources and also listen to their feedback and concerns. We want to thank our Office of Multicultural Affairs and our County agencies for putting together a great presentation, as well as the Prince George’s Muslim Council for your support in putting this event together.


County Executive’s First Day of School Visit Recap

CEX Back to School

County Executive Alsobrooks recently joined Superintendent Millard House to greet students, families, teachers, and staff on the first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year. We were excited to welcome our students back to the classroom and look forward to seeing what this school year brings for our students and staff. We know that they will work hard to accomplish great things and we wish them a wonderful and safe year. Check out the first day of school video recap here.


Fox 5 DC’s Zip Trip

Zip Trip

County Executive Alsobrooks had a great time at Fox 5 DC’s Zip Trip at the National Harbor on Friday, September 8! We were Prince George’s Proud to be joined by dozens of community members for a fun-filled morning. Check out the County Executive’s interview segment here.


Beautification Initiatives

Fall 2023 Growing Green with Pride

Fall GGWP

As the summer comes to an end, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is gearing up for the Fall 2023 Growing Green with Pride clean-up event which will be held on Saturday, October 21, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Learn more and register to participate here.


Let’s Break it Down

Let's Break It Down

Curbside composting is easy. Just place your food scraps and yard trim in your new wheeled green cart for Monday pickup by 6:00 AM. Learn more about composting here.


Reporting Illegal Dumping in Prince George's County 

Report Illegal Dumping

Roadside litter is a public health and safety issue that our state and local departments work together to manage. Check out our guide for reporting illegal dumping here.  


County News For You

LGBTQIA+ Affairs Community Meet and Greet

LGBTQIA+

The Office of the County Executive is hosting a Community Meet and Greet with the LGBTQIA+ Affairs Liaison on Monday, September 18, at 2:30 PM. Residents will have the opportunity to meet our new liaison, learn more about his plans to connect with our LGBTQIA+ community, and complete a Community Needs Survey to share feedback. Submit questions in advance of the forum by emailing CEXProudEvents@co.pg.md.us and put “Meet and Greet Question” in the subject line. Register to attend here.


African Heritage Business Roundtable

African Heritage Business Roundtable

Calling all African business owners! The Office of the County Executive is hosting an African Heritage Business Roundtable on Friday, September 29, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in Upper Marlboro. This roundtable will give business owners of the African Diaspora an opportunity to discuss their concerns and hear from leadership in our administration. Business owners are encouraged to join us for this important discussion!


50+ Older Workers and Veterans Job and Resource Fair

Job Fair and Prostate Health Event

The Office of the County Executive is hosting a 50+ Older Workers and Veterans Job and Resource Fair on Friday, September 29, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Cedar Heights Community Center. This free event is open to the public and specifically designed to connect seasoned professionals and veterans with leading employers in our area. In addition to networking and employment opportunities, complimentary general health and prostate cancer screenings will be offered on-site. Register for the job fair here or sign up for a free health screening here.


Virtual Public Kickoff Meeting for the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and SMA

MNCPPC Virtual Meeting

Join M-NCPPC’s Planning Department for the virtual kickoff meeting for the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment on Wednesday, September 27, at 6:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to be a part of the discussion and learn about the sector plan's benefits, current conditions, and next steps in the planning process that will help shape the future of the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector. Register in advance here. For more details on the plan, visit the M-NCPPC Planning Department website here or email the project team at CABL@ppd.mncppc.org. 


Prince George’s County Planning Board to Host Annual Budget Forums 

MNCPPC Budget Forums

M-NCPPC’S Planning Board will host its 2023 Budget Forums to solicit comments on M-NCPPC’s budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2024. The virtual public forums will be held on Wednesday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 17, at 7:00 PM. Learn more details and register to speak on the Planning Board’s website here. Written comments will be accepted until November 1, 2023. View the budget forums here.


Free Accelerator Program for Eligible Businesses

M&T Bank and FSC First

FSC First, in partnership with M&T Bank and the Economic Development Corporation, is offering a free 8-week Accelerator Program for 30 eligible businesses. Participants will have the chance to showcase their innovative ideas and business plans in a cash prize pitch competition. We encourage dedicated and motivated entrepreneurs who are eager to grow their businesses to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 15. Interested businesses can apply here.


Festival of Cultures at Laurel Branch Library

Festival of Cultures

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host its third annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, September 30, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Laurel Branch Library. This festival is free and will feature a variety of storytime, dance, and musical performances from around the world. Registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more and register to attend here.


Celebrate Africa Festival

Celebrate Africa

The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting the Celebrate Africa Festival on Sunday, September 24, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Residents are encouraged to come out and celebrate the many vibrant and diverse cultures of the African continent! The festival will feature live performances, art, and more! Learn more here.


Office of Human Rights Embarks on Faith-Based Community Outreach

OHR Faith-Based

This fall, the Office of Human Rights (OHR) is embarking on outreach efforts within the County’s faith-based community. During the week of August 28 through September 1, OHR staff had the opportunity to meet with some members of the County’s faith-based community, including the Spirit of Elijah Kingdom Church in Fort Washington, the Diyanet Center in Lanham, Oseh-Shalom Synagogue in Laurel, Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glenn Dale, Temple Solel in Bowie, Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Lanham, and Judah Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Bowie. OHR is excited about the work being done across the County in the faith-based community, providing solace, spiritual sustenance, social justice, and community support. OHR is excited to collaborate with faith and lay leadership and share their mission to investigate complaints of discrimination, end human trafficking, ensure equitable language access to County Government resources, and engage in robust community outreach. If your faith community would like to connect with OHR, please email OHRstaff@co.pg.md.us or call 301-883-6170. 


Prince George's County Health Department at the Prince George's County Fair

HD County Fair

The County Health Department had a wonderful time connecting with the community at the Prince George's County Fair in Upper Marlboro last weekend! It was a great chance for the Health Department to share important information and inform residents about the many health programs and resources in the County. The Health Department wants to thank those who attended and looks forward to more opportunities to provide essential health services and education for County residents in an effort to create a healthier and better-informed community.


2023 Green Summit

GreenSummitSTD23 DoE

The Department of the Environment (DoE) will hold its 9th Annual Green Summit on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the David C. Driskell Community Park in Hyattsville. Don’t miss out on food trucks, pet adoptions, green vendors, tips, and much more. For more information, visit the DoE website here


American Rescue Plan Dollars at Work in Prince George’s County

ARPAproject-Eagle-Harbor DoE

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law. Under the Act, $350 billion was provided for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency through the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSFRF) and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF). 

Prince George’s County was awarded $176.6 million with $32.3 million allocated to support investments in stormwater management and flooding infrastructures. Learn more information about ARPA on the County’s website here.

One ARPA-funded project is the McCarthy Park Stream Restoration Project taking place at Ritchie Marlboro Road and the Capital Beltway on Southern Springs Lane in Upper Marlboro. This project involves a stream restoration of approximately 3,770 linear feet of stream channel. This water quality project is anticipated to yield 284.25 impervious acres treated. The delivery mechanism is engineering design through consultant services contracting and construction implementation via the County’s Capital Improvement Program. The project is currently in the construction phase, with completion anticipated in December 2024. 


Stuff “TheBus" Back to School Supply Drive

Stuff TheBus Summary

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) has officially ended their annual Stuff “TheBus" Back to School Supply Drive. DPW&T is extremely grateful for the support of those that contributed to this event, including the Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, General Members of Prince George's County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Prince George's County Office of Community Relations, the Prince George's County Realtors Association, and Maplewood Community Association. This year’s drive collected 1,200 backpacks and over 25,000 other school supplies that will support our youngest Prince Georgians and scholars. DPW&T is Prince George's Proud to have such amazing support from all over the County!


Spotlight On Prince George's

Alternative Construction Finance Program Helps County Build New Schools and Save Money

Hyattsville Middle School

At the start of this school year, Prince George’s County Public Schools opened five new schools and is set to open another later this year through the innovative Alternative Construction Finance (ACF) program. Check out this article to learn more about the ACF program and how its building new schools quickly and more cost effective in the County.


Blue Line Corridor Vision Continues to Move Forward

BLC

We are excited that our Blue Line Corridor  (BLC) vision is continuing to move forward. We already have over $1 billion in public and private investment that will bring new amenities, jobs, and affordable housing to this area, providing critical investments in communities from Capitol Heights and Seat Pleasant to Largo that have missed out on opportunity for far too long. Check out this article to learn more about the progress we are making along the BLC.


Prince George’s County ROFR Program Helps to Preserve Affordable Housing for Residents

ROFR Hamilton Manor

The Prince George’s County Right of First Refusal (ROFR) program helps to expand the availability of affordable rental housing in the County. Since 2021, the County has preserved more than 1,400 housing units utilizing the ROFR program. Check out this article to learn more about the program and how it helps to preserve affordable housing in the County.