Prince George's Proud:
An Update From Acting County Executive Jackson
Dear Prince Georgians:
As we enter this special time of the year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or simply reflecting on the joy of the season, we hope you are able to enjoy this time with family and friends, while also remembering the deeper meaning behind each tradition.
To those celebrating Christmas, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! May this season of happiness and joy bring you peace, love, and treasured moments with your loved ones. As we come together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, may we be reminded of the importance of kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. We hope this holiday season fills your hearts with warmth and your homes with love.
For those beginning their Kwanzaa celebrations later this week, we wish you a joyous and meaningful holiday. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate unity, family, community, and heritage. As you light the candles and reflect on the seven principles—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—we hope that these values inspire you to continue spreading love and joy in our communities.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish our Jewish friends and neighbors a wonderful celebration of rededication, hope, and commitment during the Hanukkah season. It is our hope that this Festival of Lights brings you peace and joy, and that the blessings of this season continue to shine brightly in your lives.
Looking ahead, we also want to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year! This is a time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. We are excited to continue working together to build a prosperous future for our County and have no doubt that the year ahead will bring even greater success and fulfillment.
My sincerest wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful and prosperous holiday season, and a blessed new year filled with hope, peace, and progress.
Tara H. Jackson
Acting Prince George's County Executive
Holiday Waste Collection Schedule:
Christmas and New Year's Day
  
County Government offices, except for public safety agencies, will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of the holidays.
Due to the holidays, there will be no curbside collection of trash and recycling on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
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Christmas Week: Curbside collection of yard trim and food scraps remain on a regular schedule. Trash and recycling will slide to the next day for residents receiving County-provided services, starting Thursday, December 26.
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New Year's Week: Curbside collection of yard trim and food scraps remain on a regular schedule. Trash and recycling will slide to the next day for residents receiving County-provided services, starting Thursday, January 2, 2025.
For information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here and for information on suspended County services, visit the County Government website here.
Join the Climate Stewards Academy
The County Climate Stewards Academy seeks motivated residents to join a transformative program that will prepare them to lead local climate action efforts. Apply today! Applications are due Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
The Department of the Environment (DoE) makes it easy for residents to "recycle" live cut Christmas trees (no artificial trees) by offering curbside pickup and a drop-off location.
Christmas tree collection will run from Monday, January 6 to Monday, January 27, 2025. Residents with County-provided yard trim collection may place their undecorated, unbagged, live Christmas trees at the curb by 6:00 AM on Mondays. For more information, please call PGC311 or visit the DoE website here.
Compost Your Holiday Food Scraps!
 PGC Composts is making it easier than ever to dispose of food scraps and yard trimmings with curbside composting! Transform your peels and trimmings into nutrient-rich soil amendments that help make our County greener and more sustainable. Learn more here.
Donate Don’t Toss
 A reported 85% of used clothes and textiles in the U.S end up in landfills. Instead, donate gently used clothing and bedding to the County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center! Learn more here.
Pet Adoption During the Holidays
 The County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) is firmly committed to placing pets under their care in the right forever home. Check out the tips below to prepare to become a pet parent this holiday season. For more information, visit the ASFAC website here.
Stay Connected and Supported This Holiday Season with 988
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of joy for many, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. The County Health Department encourages you to prioritize mental health, with resources available to help.
Call or text 988, the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for immediate support. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress, including those facing mental health, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Veterans can press 1 after calling 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Learn more about mental health and substance abuse services here.
Don’t Drink and Drive
 The County Health Department reminds residents that driving under the influence during the holiday season is dangerous and can have serious consequences. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the risk of accidents. With more people on the road, the chances of a crash are higher. Always choose a designated driver, rideshare service, or other safe alternatives if you plan to drink. The best gift this season is ensuring everyone gets home safely. If you or your loved one need help with alcohol or substance use, call PGC311 for free help.
Prevent T2 Program: Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Take charge of your health and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes with the Prevent T2 Program, offered by the County Health Department. This year-long program, developed by the CDC, provides proven strategies for a healthier lifestyle. Virtual classes are led by trained coaches.
Join the virtual information session on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. If you're 18 or older, have prediabetes, are overweight, or have risk factors, this program is for you! The Prevent T2 Program is a fee-for-service program, and health plan members may qualify for low or no-cost access.
Once eligible, the program will begin on Thursday, January 30, 2025. For more information, email WellnessInfo@co.pg.md.us or call (301) 856-9643.
Stop an Overdose, Save a Life with Free Narcan Training
The County Health Department offers free NARCAN® (naloxone) training to help save lives amid the ongoing opioid crisis. Naloxone is a nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses, whether from drug use or accidental ingestion of prescription opioids. Whether you are a healthcare professional, family member, or community advocate, this training provides the tools to save lives and support those struggling with substance use.
Reserve Public School Athletic Fields with the Department of Parks and Recreation
 The Department of Parks and Recreation is happy to announce the migration of athletic field reservations from Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) to its web site. The one-stop shop offers a convenient, 24/7 online booking system for individuals, sports teams, and organizations to secure time on the County’s top-quality artificial turf fields. To streamline the process, the Department has entered into a joint agreement with PGCPS for the construction and operation of athletic field permitting. Reserve yours today here.
Happy Holidays from the Department of Parks and Recreation
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The Department of Parks and Recreation would like to wish Prince Georgians a happy holiday and a joyful New Year! Thank you for your participation and continuous support that makes our parks, trails, facilities, and programs so special. As we gear up for an exciting year ahead, be sure to stay connected with the Department! Learn more information on the Department website here and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on upcoming programs and events. Live More, Play More this holiday season! |
Fall 2024 Cohort Graduate from the Neighborhood Planning Academy
 The County Planning Department hosted a graduation ceremony with capstone project presentations to celebrate the Fall 2024 Cohort of the Neighborhood Planning Academy. The County Planning Board Chair Peter A. Shapiro and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic Development Angie Rodgers joined the celebration to greet and congratulate the participants. This fall, 60 representatives, reflecting all regions of Prince George’s County, were selected to participate in a seven-week program to learn the ins and outs of the planning framework in Prince George’s County, how to engage in the development review process, and how to advocate for their community goals and visions. Click here to learn more about the Neighborhood Planning Academy and sign up to receive notifications.
M-NCPPC Teen Cotillion
The M-NCPPC Teen Cotillion is back! The 2025 Teen Cotillion is a unique opportunity for students, ages 15-18 years, to enhance their etiquette, leadership, and social grace skills. This ten-week program, beginning on Thursday, February 6, 2025, will include workshops, rehearsals, and group trips, culminating in an elegant formal celebration. Interested teens should submit an application by Thursday, January 9, 2025. Learn more information and apply here.
DPIE Publishes Updated Homeowner and Community Code Enforcement Guide
 
The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) has released a new Homeowner and Community Code Enforcement Guide to help residents understand what is allowed and prohibited in Prince George’s County. Can you play music loud enough for neighbors to hear? Rent your home for parties? Rely on the County for maintenance of vacant property? According to the County Code, the answer is no!
Homeowners associations (HOA), civic groups, and community leaders are encouraged to share the guide, which addresses common code violations, highlights the importance of maintaining community safety and aesthetics, and explains how to report violations to PGC311. View the guide in both English and Spanish on the DPIE website here.
For more information, contact DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us.
Vision Zero Action & Implementation Plan
 The Vision Zero team at the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is conducting a Public Input Survey through the end of the year. This survey gives residents the chance to share their thoughts and feedback on road safety in the County, helping shape the future of our infrastructure. As the County works on an updated Vision Zero Action & Implementation Plan, residents are encouraged to get involved and have your voice heard. Complete the survey here.
MACo Winter Conference
 Acting County Executive Jackson recently had the pleasure of joining County Executives from around the State at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference. Acting County Executive Jackson was selected to serve as a member on the 2025 MACo Board of Directors and looks forward to collaborating with my fellow elected officials and leaders to enhance the quality of life for all Maryland residents.
PGPD's Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
 Acting County Executive Jackson joined the Police Department’s Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to fill holiday bags for local children. We are Prince George's Proud to see our community coming together to ensure every child feels the joy of the season. Our collective efforts can create change, especially this time year, where can all share in the spirit of care and celebration.
AYLI Mini Mogul Dinner
 Acting County Executive Jackson recently attended the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) Class of 2024's last Mini Mogul dinner. Our young leaders had the opportunity to meet and engage with local business owners and community leaders and learn more about them and their experiences working in and doing business in our County. We are Prince George’s Proud of our AYLI participants for all they have accomplished in this program.
AYLI Class of 2024 Graduation
 Acting County Executive Jackson celebrated the 2024 graduating class of the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI)! Over the last year, these young leaders have completed a rigorous program of meetings, trainings, and community engagement, all while learning about the inner workings of Prince George’s County government. Throughout the program, these students have shown incredible determination, character, and leadership. They inspire us and prove that the future of Prince George’s County is brighter than ever. Please join us in applauding their hard work and on congratulating them on this amazing milestone.
Common Ownership Communities
The Office of Community Relations (OCR) and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) wrapped up a successful year of engaging, educating, and empowering communities. CCOC welcomed new appointees and held monthly meetings with stakeholders, covering topics like legislation, budgets, insurance, reserve studies, and emergency preparedness.
OCR and CCOC also hosted the first annual awards ceremony for common ownership communities, an annual retreat, and HOA Agency Response Tours across the County. The COC Unit attended over 150 meetings to provide information on the program and services.
The COC Unit supports homeowners, residents, and governing bodies of homeowner associations, condominiums, and cooperative housing with education, training, and dispute resolution. OCR continues to connect residents with County Government resources.
For more information, email coc@co.pg.md.us.
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