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 The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on land use, convened on Monday, May 8th and Thursday, May 11th to review zoning and land use matters. Monday, the District Council addressed Oral Arguments and reviewed New Cases and Items Pending Finality.

Thursday’s District Council session included one item Referred for Document, Suffrage Point, located in District 2. The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act.  Learn more about the District Council HERE.

COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT TO THE REVENUE AUTHORITY BOARD; RECEIVES HOUSE DELEGATION BRIEFING  

The County Council convened on Tuesday, May 9^th for the introduction and presentation of several legislative measures, including CB-56-2023, legislation requiring the Prince George’s County Police Department to make certain data and/or reports available to the County Council and the public regarding police activities. Proposed Correspondence to Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass, transmitting the Council's proposed recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets of WSSC, M-NCPPC and WSTC, and Proposed Correspondence transmitting the Council’s appointments to the Fair Election Fund Commission to the County Executive were favorably approved for the Council Chair’s signature. The appointment of Jameel Aalim-Johnson to the Revenue Authority Board also received favorable Council consideration. CR-021-2023, legislation approving and adopting the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development, and CR-033-2023, legislation extending the temporary appointment of Mr. Jared M. McCarthy as the Acting Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) were adopted. Prior to adjournment, the Council welcomed House Delegation Chair Nicholas (Nick) Charles II, and Vice Chair Nicole Williams, for a briefing on Prince George’s County House Delegation Priorities. Delegation leadership provided an overview of bills passed, budget actions, and cannabis reform actions during the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Session, which adjourned April 10, 2023.

COUNTY COUNCIL HOSTS MEET AND GREET WITH COMMISSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

On Monday, May 8th, Council Members welcomed Commission Members to the Council Committee Room in the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building for a ‘Meet and Greet’ to share updates and concerns related to County residents with disabilities and how Council Members and Commissioners might work together to provide greater support and expanded resources for disabled communities. Among the many concerns discussed were housing, schools, public safety, transportation and accessibility. The Prince George’s County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities stated mission is to bring together businesses, citizens, and the government of Prince George's County to discuss and resolve disability issues in the County. The Commission also works with County and State agencies and other Commissions to jointly address and promote the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities.   LEARN MORE about the County’s Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, including how to become a member and meeting schedules.

DISTRICT COUNCIL AND PLANNING BOARD HOLD JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BOWIE-MITCHELLVILLE AND VICINITY SECTIONAL MAP AMENDMENT

County residents and stakeholders filled the Council Hearing Room to provide testimony during Tuesday’s Joint Public Hearing on the Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Sectional Map Amendment (SMA), sharing their concerns how the about how the SMA and its potential impact on their communities. The Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity SMA is the second phase of the 2022 Approved Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Master Plan, which was approved by the Council, with the adoption of CR-018-2022. The SMA solely applies to properties within the 2022 Approved Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Master Plan boundary. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCILS ADOPT FY 2024 BI-COUNTY BUDGETS

Prince George’s and Montgomery County lawmakers, convening for the annual Bi-County Budget meeting at WSSC Headquarters on Thursday, May 11th unanimously adopted the FY 24 budgets for WSSC Water, and Central Administrative Services Budgets for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC).  The Fiscal Year 2024 Bi-County budgets are effective July 1, 2023. During Thursday’s joint session, both Councils approved the WSSC FY 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets of $1.6 billion, reflecting an increase of 7-percent for water and sewer customers. READ MORE ABOUT THE FY 2024 BI-COUNTY BUDGET ADOPTION

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REVIEWS LEGISLATION AND CONDUCTS BUDGET WORKSESSIONS

The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened on Monday, May 8th and Tuesday, May 9th for budget worksessions and the review of legislation. Monday’s meeting included Capital Improvement Program Budget Worksessions for the Office of Central Services, Department of Corrections, Police Department, Fire/EMS, and the Health Department. Several measures related to Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Compensation and Benefits were also addressed.

Tuesday’s COW included Capital Improvement Program Budget Worksessions for the Redevelopment Authority, Prince George’s Community College, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Office of Information Technology, Revenue Authority, Department of the Environment/Stormwater Management, and the Department of Public Works and Transportation.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE CONDUCTS BUDGET WORKSESSION AND RECIEVES BRIEFING

The Council’s Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee (HHSPS) convened on Thursday, May 11^th for the continued review of the Office of the Sheriff FY 2024 Proposed Budget.  Committee Members also received a Regional Primary Care Coalition Briefing from the Prince George’s County Community Health Care Collaborative.

May 15 - Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS 

May 16 - County Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

May 16 - Sitting as the District Council - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

May 16 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:15 AM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

NEW!  ELDERLY PROPERTY TAX CREDIT APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE!  

“CB-29-2022, the Senior Property Tax Credit, allows for us to make meaningful investments in the community members who have built our County into what it is today.  Our seniors have given us so much; it is time we give back to them.”  - Council Member Edward Burroughs III, Lead Bill Sponsor Eligible seniors can now apply for the Elderly Property Tax Credit, established by CB-029-2022.  To find out if you are an eligible property owner and to apply, CLICK HERE.

NON-PROFITS SEEKING FY2024 COUNTY COUNCIL NON-DEPARTMENTAL GRANTS MUST SUBMIT REQUIRED FORMAL CONSIDERATION REQUEST LETTER BY MAY 26

Non-Profit organizations seeking County Council consideration of being tentatively designated to receive FY2024 County Council Non-Departmental grant funds must complete the fillable form located here:  FY24 Grant Consideration Request Form.  The submittal deadline is Friday, May 26, 2023. 

For additional details, please visit https://pgccouncil.us/320/Grants

OPEN CALL – SEEKING CIVILIANS TO SERVE ON THE POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD  

The Police Accountability Board is seeking candidates to serve as Civilian Members on the Administrative Hearing Board.  Interested Prince George’s County residents are encouraged to email a letter of interest and their resume to: pgpab@co.pg.md.us  Civilian Members selected to serve on the Administrative Hearing Board are required to attend a two-day training held by the Police Training and Standards Commission. See the attached Administrative Hearing Board Civilian Position Announcement (flyer) for more details.

COUNCIL VICE CHAIR WALA BLEGAY, ESQ. AND NONPROFIT SHERISES PARTNER TO SUPPORT COUNTY’S YOUNG MOTHERS AND BABIES IN NEED 

"For many mothers, affording diapers and baby essentials is a challenge. Babies can use thousands of disposable diapers in their first years of life, and data has revealed that one out of three families struggle to provide diapers, which is a very basic need for little ones,” said Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq.

Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq. (District 6) partnered with local nonprofit SheRises, Inc., on Friday, May 12th, to host a Community Diaper Drive Event at the SheRises headquarters in Largo.  All donations benefit the SheRises, Inc. “Mommy Closet,” which provides mothers in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas, under the age of 25, with free baby care essentials, including diapers, formula, wipes and nursing care products.  The SheRises “Mommy Closet” receives over 100 registrations each month for participation.   LEARN MORE ABOUT SheRises, Inc.

COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA DISCUSSES RENT STABLIZATION DURING 32^ND ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT

District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha discussed the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 (CB-7-2023) and passage of the bill in Prince George’s County, during the 32nd Affordable Housing Summit hosted by the  Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County on May 5th.  Council Member Oriadha addressed the importance of keeping families in their homes and protecting renters, and she spoke about efforts to ensure that affordable housing and rent stabilization are discussed as measures to protect renters, and not to harm development in the County. Council Member Oriadha, the bill’s lead sponsor, commented upon Council passage of the Rent Stabilization Bill, “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.”

COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY ADDRESSES MBIA LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey, who also chairs the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee, was among the featured speakers addressing Friday’s Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA), Prince George’s County Chapter, 2023 Legislative Breakfast.  Attended by elected officials and government officials, including Council Members, MBIA members discussed key issues and concerns.   Also included among the speakers for the event was Maryland Senator Melony Griffith (D-District 25), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who provided the keynote.  The MBIA is a not-for-profit trade organization representing the interests of over 1,100 member firms and more than 100,000 employees, including home builders, remodelers, developers and affiliate professional and service providers in Maryland counties, including Prince George’s and Washington, D.C.

COUNCIL CHAIR TOM DERNOGA AND THE DISTRICT ONE TEAM CELEBRATE COLLEGE PARK 

County Council Chair Tom Dernoga and the District One Team had a spectacular time with District 1 residents celebrating with community at this past weekend's 2nd Annual College Park Parade! Spectators lined up along Rhode Island Avenue to see local groups, organizations, entertainers, performers, and this year string bands, marching bands, dance groups, and musicians were among the many performers.  Thanks to the participants, volunteers and  great community turnout, the event was deemed yet another success and College Park is looking ahead to next year’s parade on May 4, 2024!

DISTRICT THREE COUNCIL MEMBER ERIC OLSON JOINS BERWYN HEIGHTS DAY PARADE 

Spring offers lots of opportunities to celebrate community, and District 3 Council Member Eric Olson and his team were happy to join in on the Berwyn Heights Day parade and fun on Saturday, May 6^th !  The event featured food, music, awards and proclamations, fun run around Lake Artemesia, a senior bake sale,  and a chance to connect with residents.

COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER HEADLINES LIBRARY’S ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, County Council Member Wanika Fisher headlined the Asian Pacific American Political Identities in Prince George’s County event at the Hyattsville Library on Wednesday, May 10th.  The keynote event featured Council Member Fisher’s discussion about community engagement and political identities amongst Asian Pacific Americans.  Council Member Fisher’s election in 2022 was a historic occasion, marking the first time an individual of South Asian heritage would serve on the Prince George’s County Council.  The County is home to a thriving community of Asian Pacific Americans, including over 40,000 Asian Americans, 2,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and a large Filipino community, according to the 2020 Census. 

CELEBRATE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH!  

The month of May and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month offer another important opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of Prince George’s County, as we join the nation in recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States and Prince George’s County!