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Dear Neighbors,
I am excited to share recent developments that directly impact you, your neighborhood, and our community.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2019, the Prince George’s County Council adopted its Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020) general fund budget in the amount of $3.6 billion, to take effect July 2019. The total of County Budget for all funds is $4.3 billion. Thank you to the many residents who participated in the budget listening sessions where you all shared with me what you care about and what matters most to you. Rest assured, we heard your voice and helped us establish strategic initiatives and shape next year’s priorities within the FY2020 spending plan.
This approved budget works to best serve you, our citizens, with spending allocations that are a direct testament to our values as a collective community. The County’s education-first budget is aggressively focused to offer increased, invested opportunities for youth achievement and growth. Other FY2020 budgetary priorities—inclusive, yet not limited to public safety, economic development, quality of life, transportation and infrastructure—are set to solve related issues and advance developments within and throughout our community.
In the upcoming months, I encourage you to enjoy summertime: the great weather, family fun, vacation, outdoor activities, and the many community events throughout our proud Prince George’s County. Join me at one of the Educational Equity Task Force Meetings, any of our four (4) Arts & Literacy Summer Pop-Ups, and any of our five (5) Outdoor Summer Movie Series (see Upcoming Events). There’s plenty to do this season. Rediscover your District 2; it has a lot to offer.
I am proud of our work together to promote a safe, clean community and improve the quality of life for all of our families, children, and residents. Thank you for your continued support.
In service,
Deni Taveras
"Working 2 better our community!"
June Spotlight: Prince George’s County FY2020 Budget Approved
Prince George’s County Council Approves FY2020 Budget With Keen Focus on Education
The Prince George’s County Council has worked diligently with residents and associated partners to prioritize citizens’ needs and concerns in preparation for next year’s community investments.
Last month, the County Council team successfully adopted the FY 2020 County General Fund Budget totaling $3.6 billion, the first approved under County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' administration with planned expenditures for education, public safety, economic development, quality of life, environment, transportation, infrastructure, and youth development.
Partnered teamwork and a key focus on economic growth for the County were critical to achieving a new balanced County budget to ensure support for County services, programs, and facilities that enhance the quality of life for all Prince Georgians. Our County’s planned spending is based on our shared priorities and values and include a full range of services.
The highlights from, balanced budget supports:
- 100 new Police Officers
- 48 New Firefighters
- 15 New DPIE Inspectors
- 5 New Bulky Trash Vehicles
- 3 New Bulky Trash Workers
- 20 New Illegal Dumping Cameras
- 6,000 Expanded Positions for the Summer Youth Enrichment Program
- 22 New 311 Call Takers
So, how does the County’s budget directly affect District 2 residents and business owners?
Allocated funds will be used to renovate and develop new schools in District 2; 2) make necessary safety enhancements at neighboring parks and pools; and most important and highly requested, increase trash collection with rollback of twice weekly pickup by adding composting—among other crucial priorities aimed to enhance education, youth initiatives, beautification, public roads and safety. Ultimately, here is how the FY2020 budget helps District 2 based on planned funding for:
Education
- Education is the top priority, receiving $2.3 billion in operating cost and including over $15 million in lost step recovery for our teachers. A total of $46 million to be allocated over the next 3 years ($15 million per year). Over 60 percent of the County’s General Fund spending is devoted to our education system.
- International School at Langley Park High School (New Construction)
- Cherokee Lane Elementary School (New Construction)
- Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center at Cool Spring Elementary School (Renovations)
- Site Fit Analysis for the New Adelphi High School
- New Adelphi Middle School, Hyattsville Middle School and High Point High School (P3)
- Lewisdale Elementary School Playground Equipment
- Pedestrian Safety Improvements (including signage and sidewalks) at: Mount Rainier Elementary School, Thomas Stone Elementary School, Carole Highlands Elementary School, Caesar Chavez Dual Immersion Elementary School, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Langley Park McCormick Elementary School
Library:
- Hyattsville Branch Library: $10.8 Million
- Langley Park Branch Library: $1.4 Million
- Increased funding for extended Sunday and Friday hours and expanded bilingual services
Public Safety and Safe Neighborhoods
- Increased funding to support homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing initiatives
- Increased funds for Immigrant Services and Language Access
- Langley Park Community Center Trail/Park Lighting
Economic Development
- Increased funds in operating expenses for the Maryland Money Market
- Purple Line Business Assistance Program through FSC First and Small Business Development Corporation
- Additional funding to the EMPLOY Prince George's program to assist returning citizens and Veterans in accessing professional training and employment
Quality of Life and Environment
- County Revitalization for Northern Gateway
- Northern Gateway Park Improvements
- Increased funding to the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council
- Rollingcrest Community Center Feasibility Study on a proposed renovation and expansion of the community center
- Prince George's Plaza Community Center Feasibility Study on a proposed renovation and expansion of the community center
Transportation and Infrastructure
- Green Street Improvements With Feasibility Study to Bury Power Lines on Ager Road
- Access Road to Cherokee Lane Elementary School
- Flood Protection and Drainage Improvements: Feasibility Study in the Adelphi/Cool Spring and Lewisdale/Green Meadows areas
- Hamilton Street Garage new construction will provide 287 parking spaces
- Hyattsville Justice Center Garage full renovation
Youth Development
- Create new Youth and Countywide Sports Division within the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in support of the new Youth Sports Initiative
- 6,000 Expanded Positions for the Summer Youth Enrichment Program
In addressing the County’s budget and future spending, I am confident in the investments that we made and extremely proud of the many mutual priorities set before us which I continue to support and I recognize that there’s a lot of work to do; and with honor and pleasure, I will continue to advocate for our District 2 community.
Together, we are Prince George’s Proud!
Thank you to the residents who offered recommendations and testimonies at public hearings, town halls, advocacy meetings, and through emails, phone calls, and conversations. We value your input and could not have made these budget decisions without you. We have much to be proud of this year and future years to come. The Council remains committed to working with its partners to invest in collaborative, progressive work that supports a thriving, sustainable Prince George’s County.
For more information about the FY2020 County budget, check out the following resources:
In Case You Missed It: Gateway Open Studio Tour Was a Hit!
Thank you to all who joined us at the 15th Annual Gateway Open Studio Tour on May 11th! Locals and visitors had the opportunity to visit over 180 art studios, galleries and cultural venues located in the Gateway Arts District, along Route 1, in the towns of Mount Rainier, North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Hyattsville.
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Teacher Appreciation Week
Council Member Taveras joined Adelphi and Cool Spring Elementary Schools for Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Council Member Taveras was honored to give back to teachers who change the lives not just of children but also families, colleagues and the greater community everyday. Thank you to all the Teachers and Educators for all that you do!
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Growing Green with Pride
On Saturday, May 4th Chillum Ray Civic Association, residents and Council Member Taveras participated in Prince George’s County Growing Green with Pride community clean-up event. This county-wide initiative encourages communities to give a day of service to beautify their neighborhood. A special thank you to all that participated.
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International High School at Langley Park Celebrates the First Graduating Class
At a Senior Award Ceremony on May 23, 2019, Council Member Deni L. Taveras presented proclamations to Principal Carlos Beato and Counselor Inesha Caisey for the outstanding student graduations at the International High School at Langley Park. The first graduating class of 70 students represents 29 countries and was able to receive $6 million in merit scholarship funds, 159 acceptances to higher education institutions, and have 80% of its class graduate, exceeding county averages. Through Principal Beato’s championship of students and Ms. Caisey’s commitment, the International High School at Langley Park was able to facilitate outstanding achievement.
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100 Most Influential People in Nation's Capital Metro-Area
El Tiempo Latino honors Council Member Deni L. Taveras as one of the 100 most influential people in the Nation’s Capital Metro-Area. The Powermeter 100 list recognizes the influence individuals have had on the Latino community and the community at large. More than 400 nominees were considered based on their merits throughout 2018-2019.
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2019 Free Summer Meals Sites
Prince George’s County Public Schools is ensuring our children have a meal available, even when school is out for summer. Beginning June 24, youth under the age of 18 can receive free summer meals at select schools, apartment communities and libraries throughout Prince George’s County. Please see the below list of District 2 sites, and check out PGCPS website for a complete list.
Open school sites offering free meals June 24 - August 15, Monday-Thursday:
- Edward M. Felegy Elementary: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Rosa Parks Elementary: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Apartment communities offering meals:
June 24 - August 9: Monday - Friday
- Langley Gardens, Takoma Park
Lunch: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.
June 24 - August 16: Monday – Friday
- Langley Terrace, Hyattsville
Breakfast: 9:00 -9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Arts & Literacy Summer Pop-Ups
Join Council Member Deni Taveras, Prince George’s County Memorial Library and Parks & Recreation, for a fun-filled summer with books and art for children grades 1–6. The Arts & Literacy Summer Pop-Ups provide kids the opportunity to build and retain literacy skills through multicultural story time and visual arts workshops. To attend one of the following events, please RSVP by phone: 301-952-4436, or email: councildistrict2@co.pg.md.us.
Saturday, June 29, 2019, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Super Clean Laundromat,
1425 University Blvd, Suite 213
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Saturday, July 13, 2019, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Hyattsville Library
6502 America Blvd,
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 10 a.m-12 p.m.
Mount Rainier Nature Center
4701 31st Place,
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 10 a.m-12 p.m.
Water Works Laundromat
2311 University Blvd,
Hyattsville, MD 20783
 Outdoor Summer Movie Series
Join Council Member Deni Taveras, M-NCPPC Parks and Recreation, and our local School PTA/Os for an Outdoor Summer Movie Series throughout District 2! Our local PTA/Os will have a concession stand filled with a yummy selection of treats. Come out and enjoy a movie, all while you support our local school PTA/Os.
Friday, July 12, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
Moana
Mount Rainier Nature Center
4701 31st Place,
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Friday, July 19, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
Incredibles 2
Lane Manor Park
7601 West Park Drive,
Adelphi, MD 20783
Friday, August 2, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Heurich Park
2800 Nicholson St,
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Friday, August 16, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
Coco
CASA de Maryland
8151 15th Avenue,
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Friday, August 30, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse
Ridgecrest Elementary School
6120 Riggs Rd,
Hyattsville, MD 20783
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