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COUNCIL MEMBER MEL FRANKLIN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Prince George’s County Council Administrator Jennifer A. Jenkins offered this statement following the resignation of Council Member Mel Franklin: After nearly 14 years of service, At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin has resigned his position, effective June 14, 2024. Franklin served two terms representing District 9 beginning in December 2010 before being elected twice as an At-Large Council Member. We thank Council Member Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work, and service. He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council over many years. His presence will be greatly missed.
We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents. The process to fill the vacancy on the Council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon.
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RENT STABILIZATION BILL HEARD IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
 A bill that would establish permanent protections for renters against excessive rent increases and help stabilize rent prices in Prince George’s County was heard in Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, June 11th, inspiring a large crowd of speakers and robust dialogue on the issue. Sponsored by Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5), Vice Chair Sydney Harrison (District 9), and Council Members Wanika Fisher (District 2), Mel Franklin (At-Large), Calvin Hawkins (At-Large), and Ingrid Watson (District 4), CB-55-2024 would cap rent increases at regional inflation plus 3%, allowing for a maximum 6% increase. The cap would apply to buildings constructed prior to the year 2000. Chair Ivey noted the bill is similar to legislation passed in Montgomery County, emphasizing the need for a regional approach to rent stabilization.
COUNTY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES KEY BRIDGE HEROES AND LOCAL CHAMPIONS
Also on June 11th, Council honored the Prince George's County Police Department’s Marine Unit and Underwater Recovery Team with a proclamation for their swift response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Following the collapse, they deployed nine divers and two boats, saving over two dozen crew members and recovering two bridge workers from the wreckage. Council commends the team for their bravery and skilled actions during this tragic event.
 Council also presented a proclamation to the Prince George's Community College Men's Basketball Team, congratulating the team on winning their 10th Regional Championship in program history. Go Owls!
COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING RECALL OF KIAS AND HYUNDAIS
 Following a nationwide surge in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles due to a security flaw, Council has adopted CR-54-2024 encouraging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall of Kias and Hyundais manufactured between 2011 and 2022, and to request insurance companies’ policies provide coverage on these vehicles and a statement of justification when coverage is denied. The resolution was sponsored by Council Member Ingrid Watson (District 4).
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COUNCIL HEARS PRESENTATION ON IMPROVED BUS SERVICE
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 An effort is underway to build a better bus network throughout the region, with more frequent stops, faster travel times, and additional routes. Council members on the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee heard a presentation by WMATA staff who outlined how they’ve been collaborating with local bus service providers, including TheBus in Prince George’s County, and engaging the public to find the best solutions to connect the region’s bus systems. There will be nine weeks of additional public engagement with a Better Bus Network plan adopted in the fall and implemented in about a year. Prince George’s County transportation officials also provided an update on objectives for improved service, including safety, reliability and sustainability.
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FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, CASINO REVENUE, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT BILLS ADVANCE |
 Several bills moved forward in the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee on Thursday, June 13th, including CB-18-2024 which would require the Office of Management and Budget submit a statement describing the fiscal impact of each Council bill before action on a bill is taken. Vice Chair Sydney Harrison, who sponsored the bill, said the intention is to ensure Council Members fully understand the financial impact of legislation so they can make an educated decision on how to proceed.
A bill that would provide more flexibility on how MGM Casino revenue is spent also advanced in committee. CB-32-2024, sponsored by Council Member Edward Burroughs (District 8) and Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large), would remove some limitations on the gaming revenue funds, allowing for money to be used for youth employment, financial literacy and resources for senior citizens.
Also advancing, CB-33-2024 would require at least half of the positions of any County funded youth employment program be reserved for those from households making 30% or less of the Washington DC Area Median Income, subject to certain conditions. The measure is sponsored by former Council Member Mel Franklin.
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
In celebration of Father’s Day, our Council Members pay tribute to the influential men who have shaped their lives and careers. We’re highlighting these remarkable dads who’ve made a lasting impact!
CHAIR JOLENE IVEY SPEAKS AT STATE OF THE ECONOMY BREAKFAST
 Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) spoke at the annual State of the Economy Breakfast on June 13th, telling the audience that her top priority as Chair has been addressing the County’s budget deficit without compromising on public safety or education. Chair Ivey reinforced the council’s commitment to smart economic growth, touting the development of the FBI Headquarters, Purple Line, and Hospital Hill, while also emphasizing the need for more revenue sources. “Standing at a crucial juncture, I can confidently state that we will forge ahead, ensuring the prosperity of our residents, the growth of our businesses, and the continued development of our county as a desirable place to live, work, and play,” Ivey said.
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ATTEND MANHOOD 101’S CLOSING CEREMONY
 Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and Vice Chair Sydney Harrison (District 9) had a great time participating in Manhood 101's recent 2024 Closing Ceremony, an event celebrating the accomplishments of young men who have successfully completed the program. Vice Chair Harrison shared details of his free Overnight Boys Mentoring and S.T.E.A.M. Camp which will run from August 8th - 11th at Hard Bargain Farm. The deadline to register is July 15th and you can register here: https://tinyurl.com/32h5pvhf
COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS JOINS ‘JOBS NOT GUNS’ RECRUITMENT FAIR
 Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) partnered with The National Association of Minority Contractor – Washington DC Metropolitan Area Chapter (NAMC-WMAC) and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters/Carpenter Contractor Trust (EAS/CCT) to bring the inaugural Jobs Not Guns Recruitment Fair to Prince George’s County. The fair, held in Upper Marlboro on June 13th, allowed recruitment teams to interact with job seekers and provide insight on what skills and training are required to land a role. Recruiters then take active steps to help job seekers, who were primarily students and young people, get the training that’s needed. The goal is to get people working and decrease idle time, especially during summer months when gun violence tends to increase. Council Member Wala Blegay also attended.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY HOLDS IMMIGRATION CLINIC
 More than 100 District 6 constituents attended Council Member Wala Blegay’s Community Immigration Clinic on June 8th in Lanham. The clinic provided free legal services to assist immigrants with various needs, including application assistance and individualized legal screenings and consults. Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) and his staff provided resources, and representatives from Congressman Steny Hoyer’s (D-Md.) office were also in attendance. The clinic was organized in partnership with organizations, including Africans for Mental Health, CASA, C&J Migrant Solutions Foundation, Judge LaKeecia Allen, Law Office of Yolanda M. Thompson, NALA, Nigerian Center Inc., and World Ebony Network.
COUNCIL MEMBERS FISHER AND OLSON HOST ANNUAL PRIDE CELEBRATION
Council Members Eric Olson (District 3) and Wanika Fisher (District 2) hosted a joint Pride Month celebration with the theme “Reflect. Empower. Unite” on June 13th at Pizzeria Paradiso in Hyattsville. The annual event celebrates the unity and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community within Districts 2 and 3, and this year featured Antonio Driver, the LGBTQIA+ liaison for Prince George’s County, who shared insight on the importance of community, solidarity and empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community.
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