Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We have been working extremely hard alongside our federal, state, and local partners to secure critical funding for projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Improving our County’s climate resilience remains one of my administration’s top priorities, and today, I am excited to share what we have delivered on.
Last week, we proudly announced that we have secured $2.8 million in community project funding allocated towards Anacostia River Watershed flood control, improving WSSC Water utility service for underserved communities, and improving pedestrian safety and walkability around the West Hyattsville Metro Station. These infrastructure projects will greatly contribute to both the growth and the climate resilience of our County.
We have secured over $1 million to promote environmental justice for residents who historically have been disproportionately impacted by flooding near areas around the Anacostia River Watershed. Unfortunately, we often see flooding along the Anacostia, which is why we are excited that this funding will provide us the opportunity to help protect these urban communities. This project means hope for thousands of Prince Georgians who are impacted by flooding, and hope for a future where we complete restoration of this historic waterway.
WSSC Water has also received $950,000 in funding to extend public sewer service to many low-income households who simply cannot afford the major expense of connecting to the sewer system. Under state law, these systems must be paid for by the property owner, driving many of these communities to rely on septic systems that are currently failing or cannot be repaired. With this new funding, we can build out our public sewer system to better serve all of our homeowners, protect homes, and preserve the character of many of our historic communities in Prince George’s.
Finally, we are grateful to have secured $500,000 in funding to improve pedestrian safety and the walkability of nearby communities to the West Hyattsville Metro Station through paths and trials. We are striving to create more walkable, bikeable, amenity-rich communities that bring people together. With that, we are looking to the future with investments in expanding green space, incorporating visual art, and making flood-plain improvements to ensure the optimal operation of this stop for years to come. This is another way fulfill our promise of transit-oriented development that builds community, adds amenities, and promotes environmental sustainability.
These investments echo confidence from our partners in our ongoing effort to re-imagine and re-develop the County we call home, and it is our hope that the actions we take now will be the foundation needed for the future of growth and revitalization of our County. We want to thank all of our partners who were each instrumental in helping us secure this major funding as well as WSSC Water and WMATA for their efforts to help us create a brighter future in Prince George’s County.
Yours in Service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
Board and Commission Appointments
We recently appointed several new members to our Boards and Commissions. We know that all of these individuals will do a great job serving in their respective roles. Please join me in congratulating the following Prince Georgians!
Agricultural Resources Advisory Committee
 Mr. Steven E. Darcey
Board of Ethics
 Dr. Kara N. Hunt
Redevelopment Authority Board
 Ms. Michelle L. Rice
Have a Fun, Safe, End of Summer!
 The Department of Parks and Recreation is still in full swing with its Safe Summer campaign, an initiative designed to provide teens and pre-teens an array of programming, activities, and events this season. The Safe Summer 2024 campaign is designed to empower and inspire youth to go outside for recreation in safe spaces and includes late-night recreation. With a steadfast commitment to providing enriching experiences while prioritizing safety, the Department offers a summer filled with growth, fun, and adventure. Learn more and view the full list on the Department of Parks and Recreation website here.
Volunteers Needed for Latino Affairs
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Prince George’s County Latino Affairs is looking for dedicated individuals to join them in their mission to make a positive impact in our community. If you have a passion for volunteerism and community outreach and want to make a meaningful difference in your community, we want to hear from you. Complete the interest form here. |
Apply to the Neighborhood Planning Academy
 Apply today for the next Neighborhood Planning Academy! The free, seven-week course offered by the Prince George’s County Planning Department provides a unique opportunity for community-minded individuals to learn about urban planning and actively shape the future of Prince George’s County. The fall session runs on Wednesdays from October 9 to November 20, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. For more details, visit the Planning Department website here.
Eviction Defense in Prince George’s County
 Join the Municipal Affairs Liaison, Doretea Burton, for a webinar on Eviction Defense in the County on Thursday, August 1 at 12:00 PM. Presenters from Maryland Legal Aid and the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development will facilitate the webinar. Pre-register to attend here.
Join the Focus Group on Healthy Aging
 The Department of Family Services (DFS) is conducting a comprehensive needs assessment on healthy aging and wants to hear from you! Your insights are invaluable as we strive to understand the diverse perspectives and experiences of residents across the County. Join DFS in this important conversation and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas to help us create a better tomorrow for all. Register to attend here.
Department of Social Services Receives $2M Grant to Combat Youth Homelessness
 Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) a $2M grant to combat youth homelessness in the County. A local organization, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, was a recipient of this funding and held a ribbon-cutting for the Bruce Empowerment Zone in Hyattsville. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Health, Human Services, and Education, Dr. Sanmi Areola, spoke at the ribbon-cutting for this new community resource hub on how excited we are to utilize this funding.
Deputy Secretary for HHS Visits Prince George’s County
 On Thursday, July 18, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm and Regional Director Melissa Herd from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) visited the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act and ways in which the Biden-Harris Administration is lowering drug costs for seniors. Check out photos the event here.
Prince George’s County Awarded Grant for Clean Energy Projects
Prince George’s County was awarded $681,220 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, a funding opportunity from the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The County will use this funding to lower energy use, reduce emissions, and promote energy efficiency in the community. Specifically, these funds will help advance priority recommendations from the County’s Climate Action Plan.
The Department of the Environment (DoE), Sustainable Energy (SE) will lead this initiative to increase solar access to residents who have historically lacked access to solar energy systems. SE will relaunch the County’s solar incentive program, offer residents limited rebates ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and create a targeted outreach and marketing campaign. Rebate information will be available on the DoE website here. Learn more about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program here.
PGFD Career Recruit School 67
 Congratulations to the more than five dozen men and women who completed our rigorous firefighter/EMS training and joined the ranks of Prince George’s County’s finest. We salute Career Recruit School 67 and thank them for committing to protect and serve Prince Georgians.
2024 Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience
 We are striving to best support parents in developing our youth who are the future of our community through programs like the Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience (ASPE). Over the past few weeks, ASPE participants have gotten started in the Beauty Boss Academy, learning foundational cosmetology skills with full kits to customize. Other participants have gotten the opportunity to learn hands-on cooking techniques and money management. They have also participated in experiential learning with science and animals from the making of candles and body butter to doing experiments with watersheds and learning about wetland animals.
OVA Addressing Cybersecurity
Our Office of Veterans Affairs and Surviving Military Spouses joined forces with our Police Department on Friday, July 12, to raise awareness of cybercrime and scams affecting the veteran and older adult community.
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Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
 On Sunday, July 21, County Executive Alsobrooks attended the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival at the MGM National Harbor. What started as a one-day festival in the Lake Arbor community has grown into a multi-day, multi-venue event and rich cultural celebration. We want to thank Kevin and Lisa Alexander as well as the Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation on another amazing festival!
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