 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-80-2021 on September 8, 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.
COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES FIRST SESSION FOLLOWING AUGUST RECESS
 The County Council convened for its first virtual session following the August Recess, on Wednesday, September 8th. Several legislative measures were presented and introduced, and the Council conducted public hearings for proposed legislation eligible for enactment. In its final action of the day, the Council adopted CR-80-2021, a Resolution concerning the thirteenth continued Declaration of Emergency due to coronavirus. Prior to adjournment, Council Members received a briefing from Department of Housing of Community Development Director Aspasia Xypolia, on the County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Supported by a federal award to Prince George’s County by the U.S. Department of Treasury, ERAP offers relief to landlords on behalf of renters experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19.
WATCH Wednesday’s Council session
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUALLY; REVIEWS PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW,) convened virtually for the first time following the August Recess, on Wednesday, September 8th. The COW reviewed proposed legislation, including CR-080-2021, a Resolution concerning the thirteenth continued Declaration of Emergency due to the coronavirus, which the COW referred to the full Council for consideration after a favorable committee vote. WATCH Wednesday’s COW.
The COW also convened Thursday, September 9th. Council Members reviewed and approved County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ appointments of Andrea Crooms as Director of the Department of the Environment, and Brunson Cooper to the Revenue Authority. Both appointments will be scheduled for full Council consideration following a public hearing. Prior to adjournment, the committee also reviewed proposed legislation, including two zoning measures. WATCH Thursday’s COW.
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COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS ADDRESSES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9-11 ATTACKS
 On this solemn 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation, the Prince George’s County Council joins with fellow citizens to remember with heartfelt compassion, the nearly 3,000 lives sacrificed in New York City, at the Pentagon in the Nation’s Capital, and on United Airlines Flight 93, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Among the victims killed in the attacks were Prince Georgians who lived in the communities of Forestville, Temple Hills, Springdale, Camp Springs, Upper Marlboro, University Park, Clinton, Fort Washington, Lanham, Capitol Heights, Landover, Oxon Hill, Forest Heights, and New Carrollton.
While the passage of time has not lessened the pain of that terrible day, September 11th reminds us of how unspeakable trauma can bring us all together in a unified response. On this 20th anniversary, the Council encourages our continued commitment to the fight against terrorism and injustice, as we embrace our incredible resilience as a nation and community.
We remain grateful to our courageous first responders, hundreds who made the ultimate sacrifice. These brave men and women remain at the highest state of readiness, continuing to risk it all for our protection.
Our prayers for those left forever scarred by this devastating event in our nation’s history will endure.
Prince Georgians will never forget.
COUNTYWIDE MAP AMENDMENT VIRTUAL JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
 The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council and Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will hold virtual Joint Public Hearings on Monday, Sept. 13th and Tuesday, Sept.14th, at 5:00 p.m., to solicit comments from the public on the Countywide Sectional Map Amendment (CMA).
The CMA is the second phase of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project that will apply the new zoning regulations to properties in the County.
“The Council encourages important public input in the upcoming Countywide Map Amendment joint public hearings, “said Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II. “This process is the next step to implementing the first update of our 50-year-old County Zoning Ordinance. We look forward to the continued and active engagement of our residents, which is critically important to the success of this initiative, and to future growth and development in Prince George’s County.” READ MORE.
$500,000 COUNCIL GRANT PROGRAM SEEKS COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FOR ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The County Council continues its commitment to heighten awareness, strengthen the County’s safety net, and enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit partners with its appropriation of $500,000 in the FY 2022 County Budget, to support domestic violence programs in Prince George’s County for the sixth consecutive year.
The FY 2022 Council’s Domestic Violence Grant Program provides funding support to local nonprofit programs serving the housing, workforce development, mental health counseling or legal advocacy needs of County residents who are survivors of domestic violence. For additional information, including the application and process timeline, and to view testimonials by previous grant awardees, visit www.pgccouncil.us/DVGP
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COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS WELCOMES METRO RIDERS BACK TO REBUILT PRINCE GEORGE’S PLAZA & WEST HYATTSVILLE STATIONS
Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II joined Maryland Congressman Anthony Brown and Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld for a tour of the rebuilt Prince George’s Plaza Metrorail station, welcoming riders back on Tuesday, September 7th, the first weekday of enhanced Metro service. Prince George’s Plaza, along with West Hyattsville, College Park, and Greenbelt, have been closed since late May for platform reconstruction and reopened on Tuesday. The tour also included a Metro ride to West Hyattsville to view its safety and customer convenience improvements.
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REDISTRICTING COMMISSION UPDATE
Redistricting in Prince George’s County is the process of redrawing legislative districts every ten years, following the completion of the United States Census. On January 28, 2021, the Council adopted a Resolution appointing the 2021 Prince George’s County Redistricting Commission, pursuant to the provision of Section 305 of the County Charter, to establish Council districts and requesting that a redistricting plan be submitted to the Council by September 1, 2021. CLICK HERE to get the latest redistricting updates, view preliminary maps, and to download and view the Prince George’s County 2021 Redistricting Commission Report.
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TASK FORCES & WORK GROUPS
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
RE-ENTRY ADVISORY BOARD MEETS VIRTUALLY
The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board, established by CR-49-2019 is tasked with determining, evaluating, and implementing a comprehensive Re-Entry Program and Re-Entry services in Prince George’s County, to support formerly incarcerated individuals attempting to acclimate back into communities in the County. The Re-Entry Advisory Board met virtually on Friday, September 10th, and began with a recap of board recommendations, and review of the current timeline and new sub-committee assignments. Members also participated in sub-committee breakout sessions to discuss a wide range of related issues. The next Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board meeting, which will include a public hearing, is scheduled for Thursday, September 30, 2021.
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BRIDGE CENTER REOPENS
 Re-Entry Advisory Board members want to also share that the Bridge Center at Adam’s House has resumed in-person services by appointment only. It’s a one-stop shop for County residents to receive support services for a positive and productive reintegration into the community, especially for formerly incarcerated residents, veterans, and young adults ages 18 to 24 who are trying to attain stability. The Bridge Center at Adam’s House is an inter-agency collaboration between the County Health Department, Department of Corrections, Department of Social Services, Department of Family Services, and other community-based partners. Masks are required in the building for staff and all clients. LEARN MORE. Call 301-817-1900 for an appointment.
FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE
The Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force, established by CR-62-2020, met virtually on Friday. September 10th, to address issues related to the demand and supply of healthy food, food health connections, school meals, and overall food security in Prince George’s County. Friday’s agenda included food assistance provider call updates; an overview of MWCOG recent meetings; and report updates. The next meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2021.
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 GET YOUR VACCINE AND END SUMMER WITH
SIX FLAGS FUN!
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County residents, 12 years and older, can get their COVID-19 vaccine at the Sports & Learning Complex, now through September 17th, and receive two free tickets to Six Flags America! This offer will continue through Friday, September 17th, or while supplies last. Visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine for information on Sports & Learning Complex clinic hours, or to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted |
RENTAL ASSISTANCE REMINDER
 The County has spent more than $24 million to provide emergency rental assistance to more than 3,400 households, and there is still available funding to assist those in need. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together and take advantage of this opportunity. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE. The Office of Community Relations, in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development will host the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Community Fair on Saturday, September 18th , from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Suitland High School. Community partners will be onsite to assist eligible applicants, residents in need of rental and/or utility help due to COVID-19, with submitting the necessary documentation. Advanced registration is not required. For more information, please contact the Office of Community Relations at 301-952-4729.
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