Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Last week, we hosted members of our Latino Affairs Advisory Board (LAB) and African Diaspora Advisory Board (ADAB) Investiture Ceremony to formally welcome and induct our new board members. We are extremely proud of each of these individuals for answering the call to serve because our advisory boards are of great importance to this County, and if we want to make Prince George’s County stronger than ever before, we need to make sure all of our residents have an opportunity to be heard and feel like this is their home.
Our advisory boards are also important to me personally. When I first ran for County Executive, I made it my mission to reach out to our diverse communities and hear what they need from County Government. From my first day as County Executive, I got to work trying to deliver them real results. In fact, engaging the diverse parts of our community was one of our Proud Priorities. We gathered County Government leaders, agency personnel, and community leaders to develop our Proud Priorities and Promises Portfolio, representing our commitment to building and maintaining a 21st century County Government infrastructure that improves the quality of life for Prince Georgians.
Throughout this administration, we have taken many steps to better engage our residents, including establishing our Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), which has been instrumental in reaching out to make sure all of our residents, no matter their background, feel connected and at home here in Prince George’s County. We are working to ensure that everyone in this County knows that there’s a place for them here. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated team helping us to achieve that mission.
We believe that as we continue moving forward in Prince George’s County, we must do so together. That is why our advisory boards exist, so that every Prince Georgian can have their voice heard and every advisory board induction ceremony is special because it represents a continuation of our pledge. It serves as proof of our ongoing work to make sure every resident has a stake in their County.
Both the LAB and the ADAB have already done exceptional work advocating for resident bases who have done so much for this County, and we are proud of the work they have done so far. We are excited about the work they will continue to do, and I know our residents look forward to our combined efforts to make sure our County Government works for all Prince Georgians. Please join us in celebrating our appointees.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
Proud to be Around Prince George's
CIAA 2024 Tip Off Reception
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time at the CIAA Tip Off Reception on Thursday, January 25. For decades, the CIAA has elevated sports across our region and beyond, and we are honored that our very own Bowie State University remains the host institution for the event. We are wishing all of the student athletes much success as they prepare to compete in the tournament next month and look forward to another year successful year of community building around collegiate basketball.
Prince George’s and Montgomery County Commission for Women Fireside Chat
 On Sunday, January 28, County Executive Alsobrooks had the pleasure of participating in the Prince George’s and Montgomery County Commission for Women Fireside Chat alongside Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.
Spring 2024 Growing Green With Pride
 Mark your calendars, Prince Georgians! Join our Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) this spring for the biannual countywide community cleanup event, “Growing Green With Pride!” Let's gear up with gloves and reusable bags as we unite to tackle litter and maintain the beauty of our County. Together, let's keep Prince George’s Proud!
PGC Composts Expansion Completed!
 The Department of the Environment (DoE) has delivered green wheeled carts, kitchen bins, and educational materials to all residents receiving County-provided services. You can begin to compost yard trim and food scraps “Every meal, every scrap, every Monday!”
Be sure to look inside the green cart for educational materials to help you prepare food scrap and yard trim, including a How-To guide, acceptable compost bag/liners, acceptable materials magnet, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Not only can food and food-related items be placed in the bin, but also grass clippings, branches, brush, and other yard trim. Composting is easy! Place your food scraps and yard trim in your new green cart for Monday pickup by 6:00 AM. Learn more on the PGC Composts website here.
Programs and Education for Our Residents
 Prince George’s County is committed to our future. Learn how to adopt behaviors that will lead to a zero-waste future and help meet the State of Maryland’s goal of 85% waste diversion by 2040. Learn more on the Part of It, Proud of It website here.
Prince George’s County Housing Assistance Pilot Program Will Help Seniors Address Housing Affordability
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Seniors in Prince George’s County are a top priority for the Alsobrooks Administration. The County is excited to announce the all-new Senior Housing Assistance Pilot Program, which will help eligible seniors with temporary financial assistance to help them stay in their homes. Essentially, seniors who qualify for the new pilot program will receive funds that they can use to pay their rent. Check out County Executive Alsobrooks’ blog post to learn more about this new program and how it will benefit our seniors. |
Boards and Commissions Appointments
 The Office of the County Executive is currently seeking eager residents to join multiple Boards and Commissions. These volunteer positions allow residents to actively participate in civic engagement and help shape the County. We currently have openings for the following positions:
Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board
Art in Public Places Panel
Board of Registration for Building Contractors
Board of Registration for Master Electricians
Commission for Animal Control
Historical and Cultural Trust
Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Licensing Board
Taxicab Board
Email your letter of interest, resume, and position interest to pgcboardsvacancy@co.pg.md.us by Tuesday, February 6. Learn more about specific Boards and Commissions on the County’s website here.
C3 Empowerment Series
 The Office of Strategic Partnerships is excited to announce the C3 (Connect, Collaborate and Cultivate Relationships) Empowerment Series! The C3 Empowerment Series is a series of virtual and in-person empowerment and networking events where nonprofit organizations will have the opportunity to discover information, resources, and networking opportunities. The first session, entitled “How to Operate and Grow Your NonProfit,” will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, February 21, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and will feature guest speaker Heather lliff, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits. Register to attend here.
No Changes to Waste Collection Services Due to Presidents Day
 County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of the holiday.
Curbside collection of yard trim, food scraps, trash, and recycling will remain on regular schedule for residents receiving County-provided services. There are no changes due to the holiday. Learn more about waste collection services on the Department of the Environment website here and about County services here.
Waste Collection Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, residents are advised that bulky trash, trash, recycling, and yard trim/food scrap collections may be delayed or suspended due to road or weather-related conditions.
For example, Monday collections of food scraps and yard trim may be suspended during one-day inclement weather events on Monday and will be collected the following Monday. Compost collections on Monday may also be suspended if collecting missed Friday collections from a two-or-more consecutive day weather event.
Remember that all collections can occur anytime from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Be sure to stay informed of ongoing updates regarding collections when ice or snow hits. The County will post information regarding delayed or suspended collections on the County's website here or the Department of the Environment (DoE) website here. Residents may also contact PGC311.
The inclement weather policy can also be viewed on the DoE website here.
Solar Panels and Snow
 Solar panels can still generate energy while covered with light snow and ice. However, their productivity can be affected if obstructions aren’t removed. Make the most out of your solar array during the winter months.
- Don’t worry - small amounts of snow and ice will melt away on their own.
- Use a soft foamed-head broom to remove leftover snow and any dust build-up.
- Contact a professional to remove large amounts of snow and ice on panels.
- Find more information on the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website here.
County Animal Shelter Reopens Facility
 The Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) has reopened to the public during regular hours. Veterinary medical professional expertise continues to drive operations and best practices at ASFAC in reducing the spread of bacterial respiratory infections while providing much-needed pet services to the community.
The rooms the public can access will be symptom-free from Strep Zoo. In-person adopters will only be able to interact with up to 2 dogs from those rooms. Any animal on medical treatment will be sent home with the appropriate treatment. Should any dog adopted from the facility exhibit any symptoms of illness within seven days of adoption, they may be brought to the facility for treatment. Adopters may also choose to take the dog to the vet of their choice at their own expense.
Cat and small animal adoptions have also resumed on Saturdays per normal policies and without restriction. Same-day adoptions are only permitted if the animal has been spayed or neutered and received all necessary shots. All adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis, and adopters can view available pets from the ASFAC here.
Pet Fostering is For Everyone
 The Department of the Environment’s Animal Services Division (ASD) Foster Program allows people and families who are 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 process of becoming a foster parent is easy! Complete, sign, and return the Foster Care Application and Agreement found online here. Once your application has been reviewed by ASD staff, you will be sent online orientation information. Please be prepared with animals you're interested in fostering within 72 hours of passing the orientation.
Email a completed application to our foster program at: fosterPGCpets@co.pg.md.us or contact adoption staff at 301-780-7200.
Finding Light in Darkness Interfaith Discussion
 The Office of Human Rights (OHR) invites residents to an interfaith conversation on Thursday, February 22, at 7:00 PM co-hosted with Hyattsville Mennonite Church. Join OHR as they hear from panelists of different faiths reflecting on how their faith offers them light in the darkness, how it leads them to hope even when times are difficult, and how it calls them to be sources of light to others in dark times. How are we similar, despite or because of our different faith journeys? How do we diverge? Feauturing Rahmah Abdulaleem, Pastor Cynthia Lapp, and Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, Finding Light in the Darkness offers a time of community, of building understanding, and of learning how others find hope in difficult times. Space is limited! Register to attend here.
OHR Presents to the Metropolitan Washington Lawyers Association
 The Office of Human Rights (OHR) had the pleasure of participating in the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association’s (MWELA) webinar titled “PG Tips: Navigating the Prince George’s County OHR and Circuit Court” on Thursday, January 18. OHR was represented by Executive Director Renée Battle-Brooks, Esq., and Jose Villegas, OHR’s Assistant Director and Manager of the Investigation Division. During the webinar, Director Battle-Brooks identified each of OHR’s divisions: Investigation, Human Trafficking, Language Access, and Public Outreach and Engagement. Additionally, OHR described the intake process and other tips related to the investigation of employment discrimination complaints in the County.
If you have been a victim or know of a person who has been discriminated against in employment, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement, and commercial real estate, or are aware of any incidents of human trafficking (labor or sex) in your community or any violation of the County language access requirement, please contact OHR at: OHRStaff@co.pg.md.us or 301-883-6170. For more information, or if you are interested in joining OHR’s outreach events, visit the OHR website here.
OHR and PGCMLS to Welcome Khoi Young
 The Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will welcome gymnast Khoi Young for a virtual event on Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 PM. Khoi Young is a Prince George’s County native who has taken his gymnastic skills to Stanford University and has represented Team USA at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championship. Learn more about his journey, accomplishments, and barriers that he has overcome to get to where he is now! Tune in to the discussion here.
OCR’s Comfy Corner
 On Friday, January 26, the Office of Community Relations (OCR) was Prince George’s Proud to unveil its first "Class Act: Comfy Corner” at Beacon Heights Elementary School in Riverdale. Affectionately named the "Turtle Cove," this area will serve as a calming space for students to support mental health and emotional regulation. We want to thank the OCR team, Principal Walker, as well as our community partners for making this initiative a huge success!
ADAB International Women's Day 2024
 The African Diaspora Advisory Board (ADAB) is hosting its International Women’s Day (IWD) event on Friday, March 8, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, at the Hampton Center. The ADABIWD2024 event is a networking event for those who want to connect with the African Diaspora community in Prince George’s County and in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The event will feature stellar activities such as the “Let’s Talk Women to Women” panel discussion session, a highly coveted awards presentation to recognize women who are making great impact in the society national and internationally, and an African cultural exhibition. Learn more information and purchase tickets here.
Día de los Reyes - Three Kings Day
 The Latino Advisory Board (LAB) kicked off the new year and their new term by hosting the Inaugural Three Kings Day toy distribution event, bringing joy to 500 children in the community! This celebration, known as "Día de los Reyes," holds immense cultural significance in the Hispanic/Latino community. On this day families unite, exchange gifts, and share a special meal, reinforcing faith, community, and generosity. The LAB was excited to host this event, not only to distribute toys to youth, but also to preserve and celebrate these cherished cultural traditions in the Hispanic/Latino community.
Spanish Language Naloxone Training Empowered our Community Health Workers
 Our Latino Affairs Liaison, in partnership with the County Health Department, Prince George's Community College University Town Center, and Coaching Salud Holistica, brought crucial Naloxone training directly to the Latino community in Spanish! Empowering bilingual Maryland Latinos Unidos community health workers and leaders by expanding public health preparedness to combat the opioid crisis that is affecting our communities. After this bilingual training, our goal is to aim for a “train the trainer” approach in Spanish in an effort to reach more Spanish-speaking residents!
DPIE Introduces Application Tracker
 Do you want to know the status of your permit application? The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement's (DPIE) Application Tracker is a tool that gives users a snapshot of where a permit application is in the plan review process. Momentum applications in the plan review process can be found here.
To use the DPIE Application Tracker:
- Go to the DPIE Application Tracker.
- Enter your Application Number and click “search.”
- Review your plan review progress.
- Each review has a status listed at the bottom of the page (Pending, Under Review, Completed, Hold for Corrections, Out to Applicant).
Transit Equity Day
 In celebration of Transit Equity Day, the Department of Public Works and Transportation’s (DPW&T) Office of Transportation will be hosting a screening of the "The Pathway to Progress," a short film commemorating Transit Equity Day and the contributions of Rosa Parks. Join DPW&T on Monday, February 5, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for an afternoon of empowerment, education, and transit history. This event will be held virtually and in-person. To attend virtually, RSVP here or to attend in person, RSVP here.
Dr. Mark Winston Takes the Helm as CEO for PGCMLS
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The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is pleased to announce Dr. Mark Winston as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), becoming the first Black CEO in PGCMLS’ 78-year history. Dr. Winston joined PGCMLS on Monday, January 29 and will be meeting members of the community during the grand opening of the Baden Branch Library on Tuesday, February 6. Most recently, Dr. Winston was the Executive Director of the J. Lewis Crozer Library in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he also worked as a Development Officer and Head of Adult Services. An author, columnist, and book reviewer with an extensive background in grant writing, Dr. Winston’s career also includes library management, university faculty, and consulting experience. He has a Doctorate in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Master of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Hampton University.
Baden Branch Library Grand Opening
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Baden Branch Library in Brandywine on Tuesday, February 6. A grand opening ceremony, which will begin at 11:00 AM, will include remarks from top PGCMLS, County, and State Library leadership. The newly opened facility is 4,864 square feet, nearly double the size of the original that opened next door in 1970. Inspired by the Friends of Baden Library's notable garden, the interior includes treehouse reading nooks, decorative nods to different kinds of plants and trees throughout the space, a comfort room, and soft seating for parents and children. The branch now includes a meeting room, cafe with vending machines, public restrooms, and more seating with electrical outlets at every seat, as well as 10 public computers, a printer, a scanner and digitizer, and digital signage. Funding for the new Baden Branch Library was provided by Prince George's County and the County Library Capital Grant Program and the Maryland State Library Agency.
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Participate in the Survey and Make Your Voice Heard!
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department is exploring strategies to achieve increased variety of attainable, market-rate housing options to meet the needs of Prince George's County's growing and diverse population. The Planning Department has launched the Missing Middle Housing Initiative to explore how more diverse housing types in the County can meet community needs and align with the County’s long-term goals. Missing middle housing is defined as “a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units—compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes—located in a walkable neighborhood.” The Missing Middle Initiative aims to bridge the information gap and amplify the voices of individuals who often go unheard in discussions about community development. Take the survey and share your input.
New Retail Revitalization Online Guide to Encourage Redevelopment of Retail Corridors
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department recently released a new online Retail Revitalization Guide and supporting Retail Revitalization Report 2023, identifying market opportunities for retail and residential development within Prince George’s County to meet the demands of consumer shopping trends and encouraging reinvestment into surplus older retail properties unable to meet current and future market demand. Explore the online guide, discover County resources, and download a free digital file of the Retail Revitalization Report 2023 publication on the Planning Department’s website here.
Developed in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and Redevelopment Authority, the Retail Revitalization Guide uses the Branch Avenue Corridor to assess the performance of existing retail and identifies five pilot sites across the County to offer inspiration on what potential revitalization to the existing shopping corridors would look like.
Men’s Transitional Center Project Community Engagement Meeting
 Residents are invited to attend a presentation of the conceptual vision for the new Men's Transitional Center (MTC), a space designed to provide a care-conducive, supportive, and transformative environment with temporary accommodations for individuals in transition to permanent housing. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 7, at 6:30 PM at Seat Pleasant Activity Center and will conclude with an opportunity to engage with the design team and provide valuable feedback. Register to attend here. For more information, contact Jam Kendrick, MTC Project Community Engagement Manager at jam@tbaconnects.com.
The Men’s Challenge
 The Department of Family Services is virtually hosting the Winter Edition of the Men’s Challenge — Living Together Without Violence Initiative on Tuesday, February 6, at 6:00 PM. The presenters are Mr. Prince Hamn and Mr. Chris Thomas, both of whom are at the forefront of leadership in the DMV on violence intervention. The presentation is titled: Eliminating Violence Using Violence De-escalation and Reactionary Masculinity Behavior. This informative power session is designed to teach young men how to deescalate violence using perception, awareness, de-escalation techniques, and by understanding the 6 causes of violence in young men of color. They will discuss:
- Ways to anticipate your situation and the players
- How to apply techniques that can diffuse violent behavior
- How to redirect violent behavior
Join the meeting here.
For more information, contact Elio Wade at 301-265-8423 or EMWade@co.pg.md.us, or Jackie Rhone at JMRhone@co.pg.md.us.
Prince George’s County’s 89ers Hockey Team Wins 1st Place in Charity Tournament
 Photo Courtesy of Patch
We are Prince George’s Proud of the 89ers, a hockey team of firefighters and police officers from our County, who recently won 1st place at the Orlando Firefighter Hockey Club's annual charity hockey tournament, the Battle of the Badges. Join us in congratulating the 89ers and check out this article to learn more about their win.
Prince Georgian Headed to the Super Bowl
Photo Courtesy of Fox 5 DC and DeMatha Catholic High School
We are Prince George’s Proud of our very own Chase Young, who will be playing in the Super Bowl! Join us in congratulating Chase and wish him luck in the big game! Read this article to learn more about Chase.
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