|
 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.
|
|
BOARD OF HEALTH ADDRESSES EMERGENCY ROOM WAIT TIMES
 The Board of Health also introduced its new consultant, Dr. Lakisa Blocker, who led discussions on Needs Assessment, Nurse-Patient Ratios, and Behavioral Health and Crisis Response in the County.
COUNCIL CONVENES FINAL SESSION PRIOR TO SUMMER RECESS
  The Council convened in its final regular session before Summer Recess on Tuesday, July 18th. During Tuesday’s session, the Council passed key legislation; received public testimony from residents and stakeholders; and addressed Proposed Correspondence. CB-046-2023, Healthy Restaurant Legislation proposed by Vice Chair Blegay in response to the rise in chronic illnesses and the County’s lack of healthy food options was enacted. Under the measure, Prince George’s County Government will provide incentives to restaurants offering foods deemed “healthy” by the Health Department’s Healthcare Action Coalition and a registered dietician. CR-071-2023, legislation expressing opposition to locating a PEPCO lithium battery storage facility in the Southlawn and Livingston Woods Area was introduced. Following public testimony from residents opposed to the project, PEPCO leadership addressed the Council, committing that no construction will commence on the project until the utility appears again before the body in September. Executive Appointments to the Fire Commission were rejected in a 6-3-1 vote, with a commitment from Council Chair Dernoga to engage with all interested stakeholders to effectively address concerns of the volunteer and career firefighters as it relates to the Fire Commission nomination process moving forward.
To review other measures passed during the final session prior to recess, click HERE.
COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
The County Council has announced the appointment of Jocelyn Route to the Prince George’s County Board of Education. Route currently serves as a Public Health Advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science and a Master’s degree from Howard University. “I want to thank the Council for this appointment. As a mental health professional, I know how important it is to address PGCPS scholars’ trauma-informed mental health needs. Our youth can’t succeed in school if their mental health needs are not being addressed. Students are the future of Prince George’s County, and we must invest in our Prince George’s County,” said Route, who believes the diverse needs of Prince George’s County scholars and their families always come first.
|
 READ MORE ABOUT THE COUNCIL'S APPOINTMENT OF JOCELYN ROUTE
 |
|
DISTRICT COUNCIL ADDRESSES ZONING AND LAND USE MATTERS
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on land use, convened in its final session prior to summer recess on Monday, July 17th to review Items Referred for Document, followed by Items for Discussion and Items Pending Finality. The County Council, sitting as the District Council, has the authority to review and decide zoning and land use matters for Prince George’s County.
|
COUNCIL HOSTS MEET AND GREET WITH PGCPS SUPERINTENDENT MILLARD HOUSE II
 The County Council welcomed Prince George’s County Public Schools Superintendent Millard House, II, to the Wayne K. Curry Building on Tuesday, July 18th for an introductory “Meet and Greet” lunch meeting to discuss shared concerns and his plans to lead the school system. Superintendent House participated in robust dialogue with the Council, answering several questions from each of the members including those focusing on special education, student achievement, and classroom size. Jocelyn Route, the Council’s newly appointed Board of Education member also attended the Meet and Greet event and expressed concern related to violent behavior among school aged children, specifically upon their return to the classroom following COVID-19.
|
|
COUNCIL IS IN SUMMER RECESS!
 It’s time to take a summer break from a very busy Legislative Year! The County Council is officially in Summer Recess. Scheduled Council sessions will resume in September 2023, at which time you will again begin receiving Council Connection, a weekly wrap-up of Council activities, in your inbox. You can view archived editions HERE. Please continue to contact your Council office with your needs and concerns and have a safe and enjoyable summer in Prince George’s County!
COUNCIL MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN CONFERENCE FOCUSED ON EQUITY FOR BLACK STUDENTS
 Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq., District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, and District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs III, recently attended the 2023 California Association of Black School Educators Conference (CABSE), “A National Crisis: Implicit Bias and the De-Education of Black Boys.” Council Members learned more about partnerships to enhance education practices, policy innovation, and leadership development, with a focus on achieving equity for Black students, as they continue their collective work in these areas.
COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER PARTNERS WITH COUNTY AGENCIES AND POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY WALK
District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher partnered with the County’s Office of Community Relations, the Department of Public Works and Transportation, and the Prince George’s County Police Department this week, for an evening community walk in the Carole Highlands community. Community members also joined the collective discussion about solutions to longstanding concerns in the community.
|
COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA JOINS COMMUNITY EVENT FOCUSED ON PUBLIC SAFETY
 District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha joined the “Our Streets, Our Future, “ community event focused on public safety and gun violence, on Saturday, July 15th. The Office of the State’s Attorney, Office of the Sheriff, and Southern Management partnered to host the event and share important public safety information and resources with residents.
COUNCIL MEMBER INGRID WATSON HOLDS DISTRICT 4 TOWN HALL MEETING IN BOWIE
District 4 Council Member Ingrid Watson held a Town Hall Meeting for residents at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Bowie on Wednesday. Residents filled the room to hear from Council Member Watson and her special guests. The District 23 Delegation, including State Senator Ron Watson, Delegate Marvin E. Holmes, Jr., and Delegate Kym Taylor, presented a legislative update during the meeting. District 5 School Board Member Dr. Zipporah Miller and the County Police Department also participated in the Town Hall Meeting. Among the topics discussed – student engagement, cannabis legalization, and public safety.
|
|
|
|
|
|
