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 It is a New Day. We are charting in a new course, a new direction, toward a Council evermore committed to service to the People - The People's Council. We pledge to a new day where transparency and accountability are the watchwords that guide our Council and our commitment to the People’s Agenda.
The PEOPLE’S AGENDA is bringing the Council to the people and committed to the following focus areas:
- Ensuring Transparency in Our Government
- Increasing Services for Our Residents
- Preserving our Green Space and Protect Our Environment
- Supporting Smart and Quality Development for Our Community
- Supporting Our Working Families
- Increasing Opportunities for Our Local Minority Businesses and Nonprofits
- Bringing Access to Quality Healthcare to Our Communities
In the words of one of the greatest authors of our time, Dr. Maya Angelou, "Nothing will work unless you do." And nothing will work unless we do.
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 The County Council is proud to announce its return to in-person meetings. However, given the current state of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to maintain the safety of the Council, staff, and members of the public, the Council is operating under modified hybrid operational procedures for other Legislative Branch services.
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DISTRICT COUNCIL ADDRESSES ZONING AND LAND USE MATTERS
Pursuant to the Maryland Regional District Act, the County Council, sitting as the District Council, has the authority to review and decide zoning and land use matters for most of Prince George’s County. On Monday, February 27th, the District Council convened for the Mandatory Review of Items, Items Referred for Document, and Items Pending Finality.
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COUNCIL PASSES RENT STABILIZATION LEGISLATION
The Prince George’s Council, during session on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, voted 9-1 to support CB-007-2023, legislation establishing the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023. The measure temporarily amends the Landlord-Tenant Code to limit landlords’ ability to increase rent for tenants above 3% over a 12-month period.
Council Member Oriadha proposed CB-007-2023 to temporarily stop excessive rent increases and help residents stay in their homes. Under the measure, a landlord cannot increase rent above 3% for any tenant and cannot issue a notice of rent increase over 3% during the twelve months of the Rent Stabilization Act.
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 Following the public hearing, and just prior to voting, Council Member Oriadha offered impassioned remarks to a standing room only crowd in the Council Hearing Room, confirming her commitment to the people of Prince George’s County.
“I am excited to pass this bill today. This bill is an opportunity for us to say loud and clear that renters matter. For too long the message has been that they don’t. Residents are suffering because of rent increases, and rent stabilization creates stability so renters know that they are not going to wake up and their rent is doubled. We want Prince Georgians to have access to affordable, habitable, and fair housing and this bill gets us to closer to that goal.”
In other action, Council Members addressed Proposed Correspondence, and enacted CB-006-2023, legislation creating a pilot program that will require landlords with a certain amount of dwelling units to give their tenants the option of having their rental payments reported to at least one of the three major credit bureaus. The Executive appointment of Dr. Jane Carpenter-Rock and Dr. Arlisha Norwood to the Historic Preservation Commission for Prince George’s County was also approved.
 Council Member Oriadha, joined by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Council Chair Tom Dernoga and Council Members Jolene Ivey and Eric Olson, the Prince George’s County Housing Coalition, and other community advocates, held a press conference in the Tech Lounge at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building (Tech Lounge) on Tuesday morning before Council Session, to encourage support for CB-007-2023, the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023. Council Member Oriadha was joined by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Council Chair Tom Dernoga and Council Members Jolene Ivey and Eric Olson, the Prince George’s County Housing Coalition, and other community advocates to encourage final support and enactment of the measure before Tuesday’s the final vote on the measure.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CONVENES FOR REVIEW OF LOCAL AND STATEWIDE BILLS IMPACTING PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The General Assembly Committee convened this week to review and take position on several local and statewide bills impacting Prince George’s County under consideration by the County’s House and Senate Delegation. Measures receiving committee support include, HB 784 Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages; HB 193/SB 211 - Probation Before Judgment; HB 892/SB 813 - Environment - Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program; HB 215/SB 450 - Real Property - Limitations on Summoning Law Enforcement or Emergency Services; SB 409 / HB 518 - Police Accountability Boards and Administrative Charging Committees; and SB 360 / HB 458 - Public School Construction - Grant Programs, Approvals, and Administration. For a complete list of measures reviewed during General Assembly, Click HERE.
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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RECEIVES PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM BRIEFING
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 The Council’s Education and Workforce and Development Committee (EWD), on Monday, February 27th, received a Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) Briefing from, Acting Co-CEO Nicholas Brown, Acting Co-CEO Michael Gannon, and Acting COO for Public Services Megan Sutherland. The briefing included an overview of the library’s strategic framework, recent accomplishments, service priorities, and the FY 2024 budget, among other key services and priorities.
RISE IN FORECLOSURES IS THE FOCUS OF PLANNING, HOUSING, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING; RENTAL ASSISTANCE MEASURE IS ADDRESSED
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In response to the County’s rapid rise in foreclosures, the Council’s Planning Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) received a Foreclosure and Prevention Briefing during Thursday’s meeting. Subject matter experts joined the discussion to share information related to resources and services available for distressed homeowners. PHED Committee Chair Jolene Ivey noted the critical nature of the foreclosure issue as approximately 10,000 Prince Georgians currently face foreclosure. “This is not something we can ignore. When this many mortgage holders have received a notice to foreclose, it means that we need to have all hands-on deck. We cannot have anyone with their heads in the sand, whether that’s us or the people who own these homes. We have to make sure people stay in their homes. We need to get this issue out in the open.”
Council Member Ivey shared with residents that she is joining Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey to co-host a Foreclosure and Eviction Prevention Workshop on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, 6801 Sheriff Road in Landover. CB-023-2023, proposed legislation establishing the Prince George’s County Rental Assistance Program and Rental Assistance Fund, was held with a commitment from Council Member Ivey for further discussion.
READ MORE
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HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE SUPPORTS EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT TO POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD; RECEIVES PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY POLICE BRIEFING |
 Under a legislative package of police reforms enacted by the County Council last year, new state requirements for improved policing and the establishment of a Police Accountability Board were implemented. The Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee (HHSPS), during their meeting on Thursday, March 2nd, voted favorable to support County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ appointment of Daniel Armando Jones to the Police Accountability Board. HHSPS Committee members also received a Prince George’s County Police Briefing from Police Chief Malik Aziz. Accompanied by several principals from the Police Department, Chief Aziz provided a presentation highlighting data related to violent crime, gun recoveries and arrests, carjackings property crime and other areas of concern. Before addressing several questions from committee members, Chief Aziz also provided an overview of the department’s crime reduction initiatives, including departmental victim services and other department related services.
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 March 7 - General Assembly Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS
March 7 - County Council - 2:30 PM - DETAILS
March 7 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 3:45 PM - DETAILS
March 7 - Town Hall Meeting - 6:00 PM - DETAILS
March 8 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM
March 9 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM
March 9 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS
Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page
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COUNTY COUNCIL “SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS WEEK” MARCH 6 – 10, FEATURES EVENTS FOCUSED ON STRENGTHENING THE COUNTY’S SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS COMMUNITY
 The County Council will host a “Strengthening Procurement in Prince George’s County Town Hall” event on Tuesday, March 7th, and a Minority Business Networking Reception on Thursday, March 9th, during a week-long series of activities focusing on the County’s small and minority business community. Both events, held in the evening to accommodate working schedules, will be held at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo at 6:00 p.m.
Council Chair Tom Dernoga says the County’s procurement process demands a deeper level of engagement with County-based businesses, and The People’s Council wants to hear their concerns. “We are hosting this town hall because the County’s procurement process needs attention, and we want to bring all interested stakeholders to the table for a discussion concerning what is being done well, and where we might improve. It is critical that the procurement process is conducted in an open, fair, and competitive environment, so everyone benefits, and our County continues to grow and thrive. I look forward to the discussion as we work together for a stronger procurement process in Prince George’s County.
Council Vice-Chair Blegay also affirmed The People’s Council’s commitment to efficiently address concerns raised during the Small and Minority Business Week events. “The People’s Council will take a proactive to addressing the concerns expressed at both the Town Hall and Minority Business Networking Reception, and brainstorm solutions for more efficient and effective outcomes.”
DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA FEATURED GUEST ON “THE POLITICS HOUR” WITH KOJO NNAMDI
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District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha was a featured guest on Friday’s edition of “The Politics Hour” with host Kojo Nnamdi and resident analyst Tom Sherwood. Included among the topics for discussion was the Rent Stabilization bill, spearheaded by Council Member Oriadha and passed by the Council this week. The show airs on Fridays from noon to 1 pm on member-supported WAMU-FM 88.5, American University Radio. |
COUNCIL VICE CHAIR WALA BLEGAY JOINS CONGRESSMAN HOYER FOR 42nd ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY BREAKFAST CELEBRATION
Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq. (District 6), attended Maryland's 4th and 5th Congressional District's 42nd Annual Black History Breakfast Celebration featuring keynote speaker Governor Wes Moore, the 63rd Governor of Maryland and the first Black governor in the State’s history, on February 25th at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. Congressman Hoyer, representing Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, has brought together community leaders, elected officials, and residents at the Black History Month Breakfast each year for more than 40 years to celebrate the many achievements of Black Marylanders and Americans. Vice Chair Blegay, pictured here with Congressman Hoyer, also connected with municipal leadership from the City of District Heights and Bladensburg during the event.
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DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER AND THE TOWN OF NORTH BRENTWOOD PRESENT BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
 District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher and the Town of North Brentwood hosted a Black History Month Celebration event on Saturday, February 25th, at the North Brentwood Community Center, featuring a performance by singer, songwriter, advocate, and educator Alison Carney, also known as Ace Ono. “The Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman,” a one-woman show about the life, struggles, and triumphs of the former slave and abolitionist, was also presented by Cortenia Smith. Council Member Fisher thanked residents for attending the inspiring event celebrating the fullness of Black History and culture in Prince George’s County and North Brentwood. “The opportunity to host a Black History Celebration with the Town of North Brentwood was exciting because it presented an important opportunity for residents to learn more about the town’s rich history and the contributions of its earliest settlers.”
COUNCIL HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION – A LEGACY OF SERVICE
 Prince George’s County Council Members, the Legislative Branch, and guests closed out Black History Month with a “Legacy of Service” celebration paying tribute to the Honorable Wayne K. Curry and the Honorable Angela D. Alsobrooks and offering special recognition for the contributions of the Honorable Carol D. Johnson, a dedicated 35-year County employee and former Mayor of District Heights, who recently passed away unexpectedly. The late Mr. Curry made history as the first African American County Executive in Prince George’s County. County Executive Curry was elected to two terms, serving from 1994-2002. County Executive Alsobrooks, currently serving her second term, was elected in November 2018 as the 8th County Executive for Prince George’s County and the first woman to hold the position. Dr. Carol D. Johnson served as the Council’s Special Events Coordinator and was a beloved member of the Legislative Branch staff. Among the many programs she championed throughout the year was the Council’s Annual Black History Month program, and Carol made it a point to include the County’s youth and senior residents in the celebration. Featured performances were delivered by the Bowie State University Choir, Legislative Branch team artist-in-residence Shellie Ferguson and saxophonist Thomas Clark.
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CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO TELL OUR STORIES – HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH!
*The February 27th edition of Council Connections incorrectly noted committee support for the County Executive’s appointment to the Board of Ethics which was considered in the Thursday, February 23, 2023 meeting of the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee. The committee did not vote on the appointment and the review process is continuing.
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