Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
The Prince George’s County Local Development Council (PGCLDC) recently announced the release of the FY 2024 Local Impact Grant application. The Local Impact Grant Program supports non-profits that serve Prince George’s County in the defined impact area around MGM National Harbor.
Local, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that will assist them in providing community-based programs and services within the six-mile radius around the MGM National Harbor gaming facility. Working with non-profits, the PGCLDC hopes to positively impact residents and communities in the affected area.
The PGCLDC was created by State law as a mechanism for ensuring the public is engaged and has input into how the government mitigates any negative impacts a new gaming facility may have on the surrounding area. According to State law, each jurisdiction where a gaming license is in operation must establish a local development council. The Prince George’s County Local Development Council also consults with the County on the following:
- The development of a multi-year plan for the expenditure of local impact grant funds.
- The development of a comprehensive transportation plan for the gaming facility.
Organizations interested in being considered for funding must submit their application via the online application portal by Friday, March 22 at 5:00 PM. Any application submitted after the deadline will be disqualified from competitive review.
The PGCLDC, in consultation with the Prince George’s County Office of the County Executive and the Prince George’s County Office of Management and Budget, will offer an optional Public Grant Preparation Workshop on Thursday, February 22, at 7:00 PM. This workshop will help non-profits that are interested in applying but are seeking assistance with the application process. Register to attend the workshop here.
We strongly encourage non-profit organizations located or providing services within the defined six-mile radius surrounding the MGM National Harbor gaming facility to apply for this funding. For more information, visit the Local Impact Grant website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
Proud to be Around Prince George's
UMD vs Iowa Basketball Game
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a blast at the University of Maryland vs. Iowa basketball game on Saturday, February 3! It’s always a pleasure spending time with our young adults who will be our next generation of leaders. We want to thank President Pines for hosting us and wish all of the athletes good luck as they continue the season!
American Heart Month Grocery Distribution in District Heights
 On Monday, February 5, Dr. Sanmi Areola, the DCAO for Health, Human Services, and Education, and the Office of Stakeholder Engagement and Affairs celebrated American Heart Month with the residents of the Marlborough Towne community. Reliable access to safe, healthy food is critical for any growing community and that’s why we have focused on enhancing food security and making sure our residents have access to safe nutritious foods. A healthy diet can make a tremendous difference in our lives, which is why we are working all month and beyond to raise awareness for heart healthy eating. Over the long term, we want to ensure that every Prince Georgian has access to safe, healthy, fresh foods that are easy to access and always within reach.
Baden Branch Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
 On Tuesday, February 6, Dr. Sanmi Areola, the DCAO for Health, Human Services, and Education, joined Prince George’s Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) leadership and staff, local elected officials and the Brandywine community to cut the ribbon on the new Baden Branch Library, a new accessible library in Brandywine. We have long believed in the importance of investing in our libraries and maintaining them, because they are so critical to the growth and development of our communities. They offer programs, services, and outreach activities that serve children, seniors, families, veterans, job seekers, and more. We want to thank all those who supported this project and hope the Baden community enjoys this library for many years to come.
Valentine’s Day with OVA
 Our Veterans Affairs Officer, Dr. Dula, visited with students at Walker Mill Middle School on Monday, February 12. This is the second year that these students have made beautiful Valentine’s Day cards for our senior and disabled veterans. We appreciate the students and staff at WMMS for their efforts to uplift our veterans on this special day!
AYLI February Meeting
 On Tuesday, February 13, our Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) members hosted their February meeting. In recognition of Heart Health Month, AYLI members were trained on BMI, blood pressure, and fitness activities that can make a difference in their overall health and wellness. Celebrity Chef Kay also joined us and served up a heart healthy salad bar and answered questions about food choices, grocery shopping, and food substitutes that can improve their eating habits. In addition, our AYLI members collected and donated more than 300 seasonal items, including hats, scarves, blankets, socks.
ICYMI: Bag it Right
 Effective January 1, 2024, businesses are no longer providing plastic carryout bags. Bring a bag to avoid the fee or pay for reusable and paper bags provided by retailers. “Bag it Right” Prince George’s to make a huge difference in reducing plastic seen in our environment. Learn more on the Department of the Environment website here.
Know What to Compost
 Now that you have your green-wheeled cart and are composting weekly, learn what materials are compostable. Learn more information about composting on the Department of the Environment website here.
Being Dumped Sucks
 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.
This winter, do your part to keep Prince George's County clean and beautiful! Contact PGC311 to report illegal dumping and make a point to put litter in its place. Learn more about the County’s efforts to combat illegal dumping and how you can be "Part of It, Proud of It" here.
Curbside Bulky Trash Services
 Residents with County-provided trash and recycling services can place up to 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart for collection on your regular trash day. Appointments for white goods/appliances and scrap tires are still required via PGC311.
Remodeling and construction debris are not accepted. This includes bricks, concrete, lumber, plaster, drywall, and other materials. View a list of acceptable items on the Department of the Environment website here.
SYEP Applications Opening March 1
 The countdown is on for the 2024 Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP)! Starting Friday, March 1, eligible youth ages 14-24 will be able to apply for an enriching and constructive summer work experience. The 2024 SYEP application will close on Sunday, March 31. Learn more information and get updates on the SYEP website here or email SYEP@co.pg.md.us for individual inquiries.
Now Accepting Applications for Camp Embers
 Attention young ladies ages 14 to 18! The Fire/EMS Department Page is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Camp Embers weekend from Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, June 23, 2024! This free two-day camp will empower, inspire, and support strong women leaders, and introduce them to the field of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Registration is limited! Apply here today.
County Preserves 214 Affordable Housing Units Along the Blue Line Corridor
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) exercised its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on Pleasant Homes Apartments, a 286-unit multi-family apartment building located at 6606 Greig Street in Seat Pleasant, in an effort to keep the majority of the units in this complex affordable. Pleasant Homes is less than one mile from both the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and the Capitol Heights Metrorail stations, in the heart of the Blue Line Corridor, the County’s anchor initiative for economic development. The Blue Line Corridor represents the next big destination for the County and region. It will become a major economic engine for the County by catalyzing development, creating jobs, and incentivizing the development of a sports and entertainment-branded corridor.
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Updated Verification Requirements to ERAP Now Make It Easier for Low Income Tenants to Apply
The Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) continues to accept tenant and landlord ERAP applications for eviction prevention. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) strongly encourages landlords to file for ERAP assistance on behalf of the tenant household prior to initiating a court-filed eviction process against the household for failure to pay rent or tenant holding over. The County has approximately $10 million to deploy for eviction prevention, rental, and utility assistance.
Tenant households with total household income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), will no longer be required to provide court-filed eviction documents. Tenant households at or between 51 to 80% AMI, will be required to submit at least an eviction court summons and/or a court judgment, along with their ERAP application. In accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines, DHCD will prioritize ERAP applicants at extremely low and very low-income levels, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Please note that DHCD will review and validate all household income information. Any attempts to withhold household income will delay the review of an ERAP tenant application.
Learn more about ERAP and apply here.
Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force’s Digital Billboard Campaign
 The Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force (PGCHTTF), through a partnership between the Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Department of Family Services’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division, recently extended their billboard and bus shelter campaign, designed to raise awareness about human trafficking around the County, to include digital billboards. OHR’s Human Trafficking Division combats human trafficking through its leadership of the HTTF, as well as through education, training, advocacy, and securing improved legislation to better combat human trafficking. This latest ad campaign, meant to be highly visible, alerts viewers to the work being done in the County to combat human trafficking and invites them to help. Learn more about OHR and their efforts to combat human trafficking around the County and the region on the website here. Residents can also email OHR at OHRStaff@co.pg.md.us, or call 301-883-6170.
C3 Empowerment Series
 Join the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the first of many virtual and in-person empowerment and networking events through the C3 Experience (Connect, Collaborate and Cultivate Relationships) Empowerment Series! The first session, entitled “How to Operate and Grow Your Non-Profit,” 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.
The C3 Experience will provide the opportunity to explore a variety of information, resources, and networking opportunities specifically tailored for non-profit organizations. This is the perfect opportunity for you to connect, collaborate, and cultivate relationships!
DPIE Introduces LookSee!
 The Department of Permitting, Inpections, and Enforcement is excited to announce LookSee, your go-to tool for seamless research in Prince George's County. The portal will allow you to view information related to permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement by entering the full application/permit number related to a permit issued to an address. Check it out here.
Update of Subtitle 25 Changes for Trees & Vegetation in Prince George’s County
Join the Prince George’s County Planning Department for a virtual public meeting for the Update of Subtitle 25 – Trees and Vegetation on Thursday, February 29, at 6:30 PM. Planners will brief residents and community stakeholders on the new State law (HB 723 / SB 526) entitled “Natural Resources – Forest Preservation and Retention,” which requires revisions to Prince George’s County’s Woodland and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Ordinance and Tree Canopy Cover Ordinance. Meeting participants will learn about ways to provide input and written comments prior to the plan approval. Learn more information on Subtitle 25 here and register to attend the public meeting here.
Open House Events for Central Avenue Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department will host two open house events for the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment (SMA) on Wednesday, March 13, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, March 16, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover. Community members and stakeholders are invited to review, ask questions, and provide feedback on revised vision statements, draft plan goals, market study results, and preliminary urban design visualizations. The community’s input and feedback will guide the development of the plan’s strategies and priorities, help shape the future of the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan area, and address future development in and around Capitol Heights, Addison Road-Seat Pleasant, and Morgan Boulevard Metro Stations. Learn more information about the project on the Planning Department here.
Woof Wednesdays - Big Dogs Need Homes Too!
 Celebrate Woof Wednesdays by giving a fur-ever home to a large, loveable dog! Think of all the big kisses and hugs you will receive throughout the years if you adopt a big dog - it will be priceless.
To help bring awareness and ensure large dogs find loving homes, the Department of the Environment’s Animal Services Division (ASD) is offering a special discount every Wednesday. Every large dog over 50 pounds is just a $50 adoption fee. Learn more information, view our adoptable dogs, and begin the adoption process on the ASD website here or call 301-780-7200.
Pet Parenting Classes Are Back!
 Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and a great family host to a four-legged friend for a lifetime. Time, cost, food, toys, medical, safety, and social - all of these topics will be covered during this one-hour presentation, with question and answer (Q & A) to follow.
Classes will meet the first Saturday of each month at 12:00 PM, at the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center in Upper Marlboro throughout 2024! Call 301-780-7200, option 6, to register for this free class. Walk-ins welcomed.
Momentum Conference
 partnership with the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff, is excited to announce the 9th Annual Momentum Men and Boys Conference on Saturday, March 16, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. This year’s conference, titled “Momentum: Men Empowering Lives, Embracing Values and Discovering Self Worth,” will feature keynote speaker Sadiq Ali, Vice President of Alliance Community at America’s Promise Alliance. The Conference Breakout sessions will include the following topics:
- De-escalation: Response vs Reaction
- Mindset Metamorphosis: Strategies for Transformative Thinking
- Parenting Circle: Planting Purposeful Seeds
- Youth Panel – Prevention, Purpose, and Preparation for Today’s Youth Discussion
Conference attendees are eligible for community services hours. In addition, resource tables and door prizes will be available, and lunch will be served. The event is targeted for middle school aged youth and older. Register for the conference here. For more information, call DFS’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division at 301-265-8423.
Local Ballerina Set to Graduate from Prestigious Royal Ballet School
 Photo Courtesy of NBC4
We are Prince George’s Proud of Rebecca Stewart, a 17-year-old ballerina from Glenn Dale who is currently attending the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London and is on track to graduate in July. Check out this story to learn more about Rebecca and her journey.
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