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.

COUNCIL MEMBERS JOIN MARYLAND’S MUNICIPAL LEADERS FOR THE 2023 SUMMER CONFERENCE & EXPO

There were no scheduled Council or committee meetings scheduled from Monday, June 26th through Thursday, June 29th, due to Council participation in the 2023 Maryland Municipal League (MML) Summer Conference “Leadership to Legacy,” in Ocean City, Maryland. All agree it was a great opportunity to connect with municipal leaders, and discuss issues, concerns and solutions.  The MML is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments, that works to strengthen and support municipal government through advocacy and the development of effective leadership.  Representing 157 municipal governments and two special taxing districts throughout the State of Maryland, MML is the only statewide organization in Maryland composed solely of municipal officials.  Prince George’s County is home to 27 municipal governments, the highest number in the state of Maryland.

LEARN MORE about MML and the Summer Conference.  

Click HERE to see the 27 cities and towns of Prince George’s County. 

And to hear some of the Council’s reflections of the 2023 MML Conference in their own words, WATCH the video. 

July 5 - County Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

July 5 - Sitting as the District Council - 12:00 PM - DETAILS

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

July 6 - Sitting as the District Council - 12:00 PM -DETAILS

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

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

OUTDOOR PARKS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY REMAIN SMOKE-FREE

Under the Cannabis Reform Act signed into state law, adults 21 and over can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries as of Saturday, July 1, 2023.  Visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration for more information.

The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, sends a reminder to the community that its parks have been and will continue to be smoke free. This includes all forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes and marijuana.

To recognize the Department’s compliance with applicable laws governing background smoking, and the increased public health concern regarding the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes and marijuana, there is no smoking allowed in parks. This rule was adopted in 2017, to strengthen the Department’s commitment to promoting a healthful environment for employees and patrons.  LEARN MORE

COUNCIL CHAIR TOM DERNOGA WELCOMES CONGRESSMAN GLENN IVEY TO DISTRICT ONE ‘COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS’  

Council Chair Tom Dernoga and District One residents welcomed featured guest, Congressman Glenn Ivey, representing Maryland’s Fourth District, for a Virtual Community Conversation on Thursday, June 29, 2023.  Before taking questions, Congressman Ivey shared an update from Capitol Hill and discussed a host of issues including climate change, youth concerns, mental health, and this week’s Supreme Court affirmative action ruling.  Council Chair Dernoga also provided updated residents on County matters.     

COUNCIL VICE CHAIR WALA BLEGAY, ESQ. HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING FOR WOODMORE, GLENN DALE, FAIRWOOD AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq., (District 6), held a Town Hall event at Reid Temple AME Church on Thursday, June 29^th.  Over 100 constituents from Woodmore, Glenn Dale, Fairwood, and surrounding communities were in attendance. During the town hall meeting, Vice Chair Blegay, joined by the District 24 Delegation including Senator Joanne C. Benson, Delegate Tiffany Alston, Delegate Jazz Lewis, and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy provided a District 6 legislative update for residents. Senator Alonzo T. Washington (D-22) was also in attendance. The topics discussed include development, replacement of Woodmore Elementary School, legalization of marijuana, crime, and more.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ERIC OLSON AND WANIKA FISHER CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH!

County residents joined District 3 Council Member Eric Olson and District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher for a 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride Month Celebration at Denizens Brewing Company in Riverdale, on Thursday, June 29^th.  As part of the celebration, the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to Prince George’s County and our society were also acknowledged.  La Clinica del Pueblo also joined the celebration, taking the opportunity to share the great public health work they are doing in the community. 

COUNCIL MEMBERS JOLENE IVEY, INGRID WATSON AND ERIC OLSON TEAM TO HOST MML BREAKFAST

On the final day of the 2023 MML Summer Conference, District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey, District 4 Council Member Ingrid Watson and District 3 Council Member Eric Olson continued the “Breakfast tradition,” by co-hosting the MML Summer Conference Breakfast for municipal leaders at the Dough Roller Restaurant in Ocean City. 

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

HAPPY JULY 4TH!

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY CLOSINGS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

County Government offices (except for public safety agencies), including County Council and Legislative Branch offices, will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in observance of Independence Day. 

LEARN MORE