The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-48-2021 on May 11, 2021.

The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020. The Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.

DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES ON ZONING MATTERS; PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER, DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INCORPORATED  PROVIDES BRIEFING   The County Council, sitting as the District Council on land-use matters, met virtually on Monday, June 14th. Council Members reviewed several zoning cases, including those pending finality in Districts 3,4,6,7, and 8.  The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, in the Land Use Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.  Before adjourning on Monday, Council Members welcomed a briefing from the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., led by PGCAC President Miriam L. Brewer.  Also presenting were Barbara C. Gardner, PGCAC Social Action Committee Co-Chair; Deborah C. Wilder, Member, National Social Action Commission; Bonnie Sermons Sullivan, PGCAC Social Action Committee Co-Chair; and Denise G. Smith, PGCAC County Engagement Subcommittee.  WATCH Monday’s session.

COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; REVIEWS LEGISLATION; SUPPORTS JUNETEENTH NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY

The County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, June 15^th to review legislation. Council Members adopted several resolutions, including CR-041-2021 and CR-043-2021, concerning the FY 20 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development; CR-072-2021, expressing support for the celebration of Juneteenth National Freedom Day Observance; and CR-70-2021 and CR-71-2021, extending the reporting dates for the Food Security Task Force and the Responsible Legacy Task Force, respectively. Scheduled briefings on youth sports programs in the County were rescheduled. 

WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUAL MEETING; STATE’S ATTORNEY AISHA BRAVEBOY AND RE-ENTRY ADVISORY BOARD PROVIDE UPDATE BRIEFINGS    The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 17th. The COW received a briefing update from State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy focusing on Community Initiatives, and a second briefing update on the Interim Report Recommendations of the Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board.  Council Members also reviewed proposed legislation, including several zoning bills.

The Prince George’s County Council, recognizing the history and contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County and across the nation, is joining residents in the first celebration of Juneteenth as an official County holiday on Friday, June 18, 2021. 

Marking June 19th, the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the word Juneteenth.  Council Bill-058-2020, proposed by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and unanimously enacted by the County Council in October 2020, established June 19th as Juneteenth Day, a regular County holiday in Prince George’s County.

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, says the County holiday proudly recognizes the historical and important legacy of Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.    

“As an official holiday in our County, Juneteenth offers an important opportunity to celebrate as a community the triumphs and contributions of African Americans, and to learn more about Black history, family and culture.  During such a pivotal point in our history, Juneteenth, is also a great time for reflection, as we work together to end longstanding racial and social injustices.” 

In the first federal holiday approved since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, nearly 40 years ago, Congress this week passed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed the legislation on Thursday, making Juneteenth an official federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.  

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced Thursday that State Government agencies and offices will be closed on Friday, June 18, 2021 in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day.  By law, whenever a national holiday falls on a Saturday, state employees observe the holiday on the preceding Friday.

CLICK HERE for a schedule of Juneteenth holiday closings in Prince George’s County.  Join Prince George’s County Memorial Library Juneteenth events at https://www.pgcmls.info/juneteenth

2021 CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH TAKEOVER!   

This year, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a mix of virtual and in-person events celebrating Juneteenth.  To learn more, visit https://pgparks.com/juneteenth

JOIN CLIMATE CHANGE VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING – JUNE 24^th  

Noticing more storms? Does it seem hotter, earlier this year? Whether it's climbing temperatures, extreme storms, heatwaves, or droughts, climate change is not a future challenge - it is a NOW challenge.

The Prince George’s County Climate Action Commission was established by Council Resolution-7-2020, to develop a Climate Action Plan for Prince George’s County.  As part of this effort, residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Climate Action Plan Virtual Community Meeting, on Thursday, June 24th at 6:30 p.m.  Attendees will be introduced to the top climate actions being recommended by the County’s Climate Action Commission and participate in interactive breakout room sessions assessing how the proposed action recommendations will impact County residents. Visit mypgc.us/climateactionplan to learn more. REGISTER HERE for Thursday’s Virtual Community Meeting.  For meeting or process questions, email Mary Abe at mabe@co.pg.md.us

GOVERNOR HOGAN ANNOUNCES END OF MARYLAND’S COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY JULY 1  

During a press conference on Tuesday, Governor Larry Hogan announced the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in the State of Maryland, in two phases: EMERGENCY MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS END ON JULY 1 All emergency mandates and restrictions will be terminated as of July 1. There will no longer be any statewide mask order in effect for any settings, including schools, camps, and child care facilities. 45-DAY ADMINISTRATIVE GRACE PERIOD THROUGH AUGUST 15 Thursday, July 1 will mark the beginning of a 45-day grace period, where certain regulations will continue to be relaxed to complete the administrative transition out of the pandemic. This includes such provisions as renewing driver’s licenses, winding down emergency health operations, and the moratorium on evictions related to COVID-19. CLICK HERE for more information.

YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GET COVID-19. 
GET VACCINATED.

While less likely to be hospitalized, young people can still get the COVID-19 virus, develop severe and lasting symptoms, and spread it to family and friends. Protect yourself by registering for your vaccine today. Learn more at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

There is still money available if you need rental assistance and have been financially impacted by COVID-19.  The Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with several community non-profit organizations to assist County landlords and tenants with completing the application and uploading it to the appropriate online portal, free of charge.   For a list of these organizations and to apply,  CLICK HERE. 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION UTILITY GRANTS; SOME STRUGGLING CUSTOMERS MAY HAVE DEBT REDUCED OR ELIMINATED  The Maryland Public Service Commission has announced $83 million in grant funding to utilities to help residents across the State cover past-due utility bills, especially those incurred as a result of COVID-19.  Those who qualify for funding will not need to take any action. LEARN MORE.

STAND UP AND DELIVER GROCERIES TO GO SATURDAY, JUNE 19^TH & SUNDAY, JUNE 20^th 

The Prince George’s County Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security issues, will distribute Grab & Go groceries at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 19^th , at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, in Landover, and Love A.M.E. Church at Capitol Heights Elementary School in Capitol Heights.  A second distribution will take place on Sunday, June 20^th, at 10:00 a.m., at the Community of Hope Church in Temple Hills.  While supplies last.  One box per vehicle.  CLICK HERE to donate to the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH ACTING POLICE CHIEF MALIK AZIZ – JUNE 21^st   

Don’t miss the upcoming community conversation with County Executive Alsobrooks and Acting Police Chief Malik Aziz on Monday, June 21, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.   Join the event in-person at Suitland High School or join virtually via YouTube.  Ask your questions at the town hall, or submit questions in advance here: http://bit.ly/PGCTownHallJune21

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

June 21 - Council sitting as the District Council  - 10:00 AM  Details

June 21 - Redistricting Commission  - 3:00 PM   Details   Public Notice

June 22 - County Council Session  - 10:00 PM  Details

June 23 - Board of Appeals  - 6:00 PM   Agenda

June 24 - Council sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM   Details

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

COUNCIL VICE CHAIR DENI TAVERAS PARTNERS WITH SAFEWAY FOR DISTRICT 2 VACCINATION CLINICS

County Council Vice Chair Deni Taveras (D- District 2), in partnership with Safeway, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the residents of Takoma Towers, 6773 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, on Wednesday, June 16^th.  A second vaccination clinic will be hosted from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Langley Terrace and Liberty Place, 8007 14th Avenue in Hyattsville, on Friday, June 18th.  The clinics offer the Pfizer vaccine to residents ages 12 and over.  Vice Chair Taveras noted the importance of making the COVID-19 vaccine accessible to residents with transportation or work-related challenges. 

“The number of COVID-19 cases are declining in Prince George’s County, but now is not the time to slow down vaccination efforts.  We want to have as many residents vaccinated as possible, but for some access to clinics is challenging and work commitments make scheduling difficult. By providing vaccination clinics in the evening and where people live, we can connect with residents who otherwise may not receive the vaccine.”

DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER ELECTED VICE-CHAIR OF WASHINGTON SUBURBAN TRANSIT COMMISSION  Congratulations to Council Member Todd M. Turner, who has been elected to serve as Vice-Chair of the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC), a bi-county agency acting as the liaison between the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for public transit, rail, bus and para-transit planning and policy issues.  From today’s Bi-Annual meeting of the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC).  Learn more about the WSTC at https://wstcmaryland.org

COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON
HOSTS DISTRICT 9 SHRED AND BULK TRASH
CLEAN UP DAY

Council Member Sydney Harrison and his District 9 Team were joined by a great team of nonprofit and government partners, volunteers, and the District 9 community on Saturday, June 12^th, for the District 9 Cleanup, Shred and Bulk Trash Day.  Several tons of bulk trash, roadside debris and shredded paper were collected from Accokeek, Clinton and Upper Marlboro.   

DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY JOINS PGC PRIDE RUN WALK OR RIDE EVENT

Council Member Jolene Ivey and her dog Chloe got their steps in last Saturday at the Pride Parade in Mt. Rainier.  She is pictured here with City of Mount Rainier Mayor Celina R. Benitez.  Council Member Ivey also supported the Town of Bladensburg MAI PEACE Mental Health Awareness Day hosted by Ward 1 Council Member Jocelyn Route, and she and Chloe made their way to the PGC Pride Run, Walk or Ride with Pride event at Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. in Hyattsville.

The Prince George’s County Council honors and celebrates fathers and all men who make a difference in the lives our children in Prince George’s County on Father’s Day!  Thanks for all you do to strengthen our families and communities!