Council Connections

LEGISLATION AND PROCLAMATION CELEBRATE APRIL AS ‘SECOND CHANCE MONTH’

The County Council, during session on Tuesday, April 9^th, adopted Council Resolution CR-027-2024, recognizing the month of April as “Second Chance Month,” which celebrates the power of redemption and renewal in the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Following adoption of the measure, a Joint Proclamation from the County Council and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks designating April as Second Chance Month in Prince George’s County was presented to Returning Citizens Affairs Division Director Michael Williams, and Eddie Mathis, Re-Entry Liaison in the Office of At-Large Council Member Calvin Hawkins. 

TEMPORARY RENT STABILIZATION ACT OF 2023 EXTENDED

The Temporary Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 was enacted last year in response to the public emergency of homelessness caused by a lack of affordable housing. The Act limits landlords’ ability to increase rent for certain tenants above 3-percent. The Act had a sunset provision of one year after the date of enactment and will expire on April 17, 2024. The Council passed CB-008-2024 to extend the sunset date for six months, until October 17, 2024.

SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WORKGROUP ESTABLISHED

In response to several car accidents involving pedestrians, including one that resulted in the death of a five and ten-year-old on their way to Riverdale Elementary School, the Council adopted CR-009-2024 creating a Child Pedestrian Safety Workgroup during Tuesday’s session. The workgroup is charged with proposing solutions to the Council to make County roads and streets safe for pedestrian travel, and in particular, children traveling to and from school.

COUNCIL PASSES LEGISLATION SUPPORTING COMMISSION ON REPARATIONS

To highlight the Council’s encouragement and strong support for the creation of a commission on providing reparations to African American descendants of those previously enslaved in Maryland, the Council adopted CB-005-2024 during Council session on April 9^th. The measure appeals to the General Assembly to create the Maryland Reparations Commission in remembrance of Harriet Tubman and establish the body during the 2024 legislative session.

APRIL 11-17 IS BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black Maternal Health is a serious issue across the nation as Black women in the United States are almost three times more likely than their White counterparts to die from pregnancy-related causes, and Prince George’s County has some of the highest rates of maternal mortality rates in the State of Maryland. To improve maternal health outcomes, an investment must be made in maternity care policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care that is free from gender and racial discrimination. In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, which is observed annually April 11-17th, the Council adopted CR-028-2024, a resolution sponsored by District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, to bring county-wide attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among women of color.

BOARD OF HEALTH CONVENES FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UPDATES The County Council, in its role as the Board of Health, convened on Tuesday, April 9th for an overview of the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Programs available through the Behavioral Health Division and the local Behavioral Health Authority. The presentation was provided by Health Officer, Dr. Matthey Levey, MD, MPH, who was joined by Local Behavioral Health Authority Manager Imani Booker-Lewis, and  Behavioral Health Services Division Public Health Program Chief, Denise Dunbar.

The County Council, sitting as the District Council on land use matters, convened on Monday, April 8^th for Oral Arguments, Items Referred for Document and Items Pending Finality.

COMMITTEE RECEIVES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FY 2025 BUDGET PRESENTATION

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) works to cultivate and promote a strong local economy that supports the growth and prosperity of entrepreneurs and businesses. On Thursday, April 11^th, during the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) meeting, Economic Development Corporation President and CEO David Iannucci and members of his leadership team provided committee members with a budget presentation for FY 2025.

TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CONDUCT BUDGET WORKSESSIONS

The Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee (TIEE) convened on Thursday, April 11^th to review the proposed FY 2025 budgets for the Soil Conservation District and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE CONDUCTS BUDGET WORKSESSIONS; REVIEWS MEASURES

The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee (GOFP) convened on Thursday, April 11^th to review the proposed FY 2025 budgets for the Office of Ethics and Accountability, Office of Information Technology, Office of Law, and the Personnel Board. Committee members also reviewed CB-012-2024, CB-024-2024, and CB-025-2024, procurement related measures, which received favorable consideration.

COUNCIL MEMBER ERIC OLSON HOSTS TOWN HALL AND RESOURCE FAIR

District 3 Council Member Eric Olson saw a great turnout for his Town Hall and Resource Fair on April 11. The event took place at William Wirt Middle School in Riverdale and featured a long list of county agencies offering crucial updates and useful information. “It was wonderful to see such strong community turnout,” said Council Member Olson. “District 3 is active and engaged, and we work together to make progress in our community!”

COUNCIL MEMBER WALA BLEGAY PROVIDES BUDGET UPDATE

District 6 Council Member Wala Blegay enjoyed speaking with the Largo Civic Association about Blue Line Corridor funding for infrastructure, as well as the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget for Prince George’s County. Visit the Council Budget Portal for the latest budget details and public hearing dates HERE. 

April 15 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

April 16 - County Council - 9:30 AM - Agenda Briefing

April 16 - County Council - 10:30 AM - DETAILS

April 16 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:30 AM - DETAILS

April 16 - County Council - 1:00 PM 

April 18 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS 

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.