Council Connections

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.

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.

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, March 27th, the District Council convened for Oral Arguments and Items Pending Finality.

COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES LEGISLATION LIMITING CONSOLIDATED STORAGE FACILITIES

“Residents continue to share concerns about the number of consolidated self-storage facilities in the County.  While these facilities serve a purpose, they do not create many jobs, generate economic benefits for surrounding communities, and should not be built in locations where the land can be used to better benefit the County and its residents. This legislation stops these projects from going forward except in industrial zones where they will be allowed.  I’m also very happy to have included in this important measure the nonprofit and business incubator space that will be rent free for those grandfathered businesses.” – Council Member Jolene Ivey

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, March 28^th, voted to enact legislation proposed by Council Member Jolene Ivey (District 5), limiting where consolidated storage facilities will be built in the County.  CB-011-2023, changes the County’s zoning law to prohibit consolidated storage in zones where they were previously allowed, now limiting them to industrial areas. A handful of projects previously approved by the Planning Department will be built with some requiring an incubator space on the ground floor to be made available rent-free to a non-profit or a start-up business.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PASSAGE OF THIS MEASURE:

COUNCIL MEMBER INGRID WATSON WORKS WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SUCCESSFULLY STOP PLANNED CONSOLIDATED STORAGE FACILITY IMPACTING DISTRICT 4 COMMUNITY

“The people have power, and it is that power that makes a difference.   Community action, in partnership with the Council enactment of a new policy on storage facilities that locates them more appropriately in industrial zones, yielded a positive result for the Covington neighborhood, and improves the quality of life for communities throughout Prince George’s County.” – Council Member Ingrid Watson On Tuesday during Council session, District 4 Council Member Ingrid Watson voted for CB-11-2023, legislation authored by Council colleague Jolene Ivey to limit where new Consolidated Storage facilities are located within Prince George’s County.  Plans to build a new storage facility in their neighborhood struck a nerve with District 4 residents in Bowie’s Covington community, who testified during Tuesday’s public hearing on the measure.  Council Member Watson shared during the session that the storage facility located at 3610 Elder Oaks Boulevard in Bowie, would not move forward, thanking Council Member Ivey for her leadership, and commending the work of her colleagues and the partnership of residents who voiced concerns about the impact of storage facilities on their community.

COUNCIL VICE CHAIR WALA BLEGAY PRESENTS LEGISLATION SUPPORTING RESTAURANT OWNERS OFFERING HEALTHIER FOODS

“There are very limited healthy restaurant options throughout communities in Prince George’s County, and our shopping centers are filled with many fast food options, which can lead to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. This legislation is intended to provide more healthy food options in our restaurants and help consumers in our community live a healthier life.” – Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq. Several legislative measures were also introduced and presented during Tuesday’s session, including CB-046-2023, proposed by Vice Chair Wala Blegay to establish a voluntary healthy restaurant program. If enacted, businesses that apply and offer foods deemed “healthy” by a Health Department registered dietician would receive County support in the form of promotions, grants, loans, and other incentives.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS MEASURE

In other Council action on Tuesday, Proposed Correspondence was addressed; the appointment of Marlon Selmon to the Fire Commission for Prince George’s County was favorably considered; and CR-20-2023, legislation concerning a Minor Amendment to the 2006 Approved Master Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for the Henson Creek-South Potomac Planning Area was adopted. Prior to adjournment, Council Members received a Juvenile Crime Update from State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, Police Chief Malik Aziz, and Sherriff John D.B. Carr. A panel of students also participated during the briefing, asking questions of the County’s top law enforcement as part of the District 8 “Youth Takeover Day.”

COUNCIL ‘MEET AND GREET’ WITH SENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN FOCUSES ON CONCERNS IMPACTING PRINCE GEORGIANS

“Delivering results to Marylanders means working together at all levels of government. It was an honor to meet with members of the Prince George’s County Council this week to discuss how we’re focused on doing just that – including partnering together to bring new investments to the County in infrastructure, economic development projects, small businesses, transit, housing, and more. I’m committed to working alongside the members of the Council to continue bringing new opportunities and investments – including the new FBI headquarters – to the County.” – Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

The County Council welcomed U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D - MD), to the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building on Monday, March 27th for an informal “Meet and Greet.”   In opening remarks to the Council, Senator Van Hollen summarized the last two years in Congress; discussed transportation issues, including the Purple Line, and the recent opening of the new Metro Building in New Carrollton; and updated federal delegation efforts to bring the FBI headquarters to Prince George’s County.

Council Chair Tom Dernoga thanked Senator Van Hollen for providing updates on important issues and addressing the Council’s community concerns and questions.

“We value the effective leadership of Senator Van Hollen on Capitol Hill, and his strong advocacy on behalf of constituents in Prince George’s County, our state of Maryland, and our nation.  Senator Van Hollen shared important information and updates with this Council during this meeting, and we look forward to his continued partnership with us in service to Prince Georgians.”

COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD BURROUGHS III, HOSTS ‘YOUTH TAKEOVER’ DAY

“This is an opportunity for the Council to plant seeds of leadership and service in our young people. I know, firsthand, that Prince George’s County is home to some of our nation’s most creative and talented young people. They will likely have the answers to some of our most pressing challenges and we want to hear what they have to say.” – Council Member Edward Burroughs, III

Prince George’s County’s youth are the leaders of our bright future, and they shared their thoughts and ideas with Council Members during a “Youth Takeover” hosted by District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs III on Tuesday, March 28^th.  Council Member Burroughs welcomed 30 senior high school student leaders to the Council Chambers to observe County Council session and participate in a Juvenile Crime Briefing with the County’s top law enforcement officials: State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, Police Chief Malik Aziz, and Sherriff John D.B. Carr. Students were presented with an opportunity to ask questions and share their ideas for bridging the gap between law enforcement and local youth. Students also participated in policy pitch exercises to share their ideas on how to improve government policies, programs, and services.

Pictured in the top right corner is Bowie Mayor Tim Adams with “Youth Takeover” participants.

COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE MEL FRANKLIN HOSTS FIRST EVER MINORITY BUSINESS ADVOCACY DAY

“Our minority business community is the lifeblood of Prince George’s County’s economy. We are home to literally thousands of minority firms, who create jobs, grow our business tax base, and contribute to funding critical public services. When they thrive, we thrive. But the progress of our minority business community must be intentional for policy makers, through increased access to capital, stronger enforcement of local minority business laws, and opening doors to new economic opportunities in our County.” – Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin

Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin hosted the 2023 “Minority Business (MBE) Advocacy Day” in Downtown Largo on Tuesday, March 28^th, the first event of its kind in Prince George’s County. Minority Business Advocacy Day focused on minority and women-owned businesses, providing opportunities for their engagement and networking with public officials, procurement officers, state officials, and one another, concerning critical priorities and policies for building equity and generational wealth within Prince George’s County’s Black and Brown business communities.

READ MORE ABOUT MINORITY BUSINESS ADVOCACY DAY

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CONVENES FOR LOCAL AND STATEWIDE BILL UPDATES The General Assembly Committee convened this week to receive updates on local and statewide bills impacting Prince George’s County, including HB 556 / SB 516 – Cannabis Reform; HB 437 – Prince George’s County Public Schools – Office of Integrity and Compliance; and HB 12– SB 151 J. Lewis -Augustine Equitable & Inclusive Transit Oriented Development Enhancement Act. For a complete list of measures reviewed during General Assembly, Click HERE.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RECEIVES SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION STAFF UPDATES AND PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EDUCATORS’ ASSOCIATION BRIEFING

The Education and Workforce Development Committee, in response to requests from Council Members to compare current high school construction projects in the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) Capital Improvement Program received a presentation from Legislative and Budget Policy Analyst Arian Albear on Monday, March 27^th. Committee members also received a Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) Briefing from President, Dr. Donna Christy, and members of her leadership team, focusing on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), the PGCPS FY 2023/2024 Budget, and the PGCPS CEO search.

COUNCIL SEEKS QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE FAIR ELECTION FUND COMMISSION

April 4 - General Assembly - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

April 4 - County Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

April 5 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

April 6 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

April 6 - HHSPS Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

LET’S GET FISCAL!  SIGN UP FOR THE APRIL 11TH PUBLIC HEARING! 

It’s budget season in Prince George’s County and the People’s Council is working to produce a final FY 24 County Budget that reflects our commitment to the People’s Agenda.  Share your budget priorities with us!  Please mark your calendar for important budget public hearing dates.   SIGN UP NOW for the Budget Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., focused on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s Proposed FY 2023-2024 Operating and Capital budgets, and the (WSSC) and the WSSC Capital Improvement Program for Water and Sewerage, for Fiscal Years 2024-2029.  All Council meetings, including budget sessions, are live streamed and available via the Council’s website for on-demand viewing at pgcouncil.us/Live. For updated information on the Council budget process, committee work sessions and public hearings, visit the Council’s FY24 Budget Portal. 

COUNCIL CHAIR TOM DERNOGA JOINS INFORMAL MEET AND GREET WITH COUNCIL CHAIRS FROM SURROUNDING JURISDICTIONS

Prince George’s County Council Chair Tom Dernoga (District 1) enjoyed meeting with council chairs representing the other largest jurisdictions in the state of Maryland last Friday and discussing their various initiatives.  Chair Dernoga looks forward to continued collaboration.   Pictured (left to right) –  Baltimore County Council Chair Julian Jones, Jr.; Anne Arundel County Council Chair Pete Smith; Montgomery County Council Chair Evan Glass; Howard County Council Chair Christiana Rigby; Prince George’s County Council Chair Tom Dernoga; and Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby.

COUNCIL VICE CHAIR BLEGAY FEATURED GUEST ON WHUR’S DAILY DRUM TO DISCUSS ‘ALL THINGS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY’

Council Vice-Chair Wala Blegay, Esq., (District 6), joined veteran broadcaster Harold Fisher for Wednesday evening’s Daily Drum live broadcast, to discuss the People’s Council, People’s Agenda, and ‘All Things Prince George’s County.’  In the interview, Vice-Chair Blegay tackles a variety of important topics, taking a deep dive into critical issues before the Council and facing Prince George’s County. The Daily Drum, airing on WHUR-FM 96.3 and sister station H.U.R. Voices on Sirius XM Channel 141, has been a primetime staple of Howard University Radio for 40 years, and features listener call-ins and feedback.   Missed it or want to listen again?  LISTEN HERE

DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA FEATURED GUEST AT NCBW-PGC EMPOWERMENT COMMITTEE EVENT CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS  

District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha joined the Prince George’s Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women on Thursday, March 30th, for  The Art of Innovation “Illuminate, Influence and Inspire,” Celebrating Women in Business event, at National Harbor.  Council Member Oriadha commented, “As a Black woman myself, I love being in spaces of other Black women breaking barriers and creating opportunity and wealth for themselves and their community!”  The NCBW-PGC Economic Empowerment Committee partnered with Insight Financial Consultants in celebration of women in business for Women’s History Month.

DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER HOSTS LATINO TOWN HALL AND RESOURCE FAIR District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher says the first District 2 Latino Town Hall & Resource Fair held last Saturday at the Langley Park Community Center was a great success! Council Member Fisher thanked special guest speakers, Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, and CASA’s Executive Director Gustavo Torres, both “fierce and relentless champions,” for their community support, adding that she looks forward to continuing their work together on behalf of residents.  Council Member Fisher also noted representation from the offices of Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Glenn Ivey, and Comptroller Brooke Lierman, as well as several County agencies connecting and engaging with the residents of District 2.