Council Connection

COUNCIL EXPANDS SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

On Tuesday, November 12th, the Prince George’s County Council enacted a bill that will provide property tax breaks to some senior homeowners in the county. CB-007-2024, proposed by Council Member Edward Burroughs III (District 8), revises the county’s existing Senior Property Tax Credit so that any resident over the age of 65 who has been living in the same home, valued at $500,000 or less, for at least 25 years is eligible for a 20% property tax credit. Eligible homeowners would receive the tax credit for up to five years beginning in 2025.

Council Member Burroughs says the goal of his legislation is to ease the financial burden on older residents who may be struggling to afford to stay in the county and allow them to age in place with dignity. “A few months ago, I heard about a 99-year-old former teacher in my district who could no longer afford her property taxes. She and her family were worried about whether she could keep her home,” Council Member Burroughs said. “It’s our responsibility to support senior citizens who have worked so hard to build this county, and I know this bill will provide some much-needed relief.”

COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES EIGHT BILLS, SIX RESOLUTIONS

In addition to the Senior Property Tax Credit, the Council enacted seven other bills on Tuesday, including: 

• CB-66-2024, a bill proposed by Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) to create a public database of all short-term rental properties in the county. The legislation will require the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) to develop and maintain the database, which would include the property’s address, rental license number, and a list of any outstanding code violations. The goal is to make it easier for community members to report problems at neighboring rental properties.
• CB-90-2024, a bill that increases the maximum general penalty fine in the county from $1,000 to $5,000. This change aligns the county code with a recent change in state law.

The Council also adopted six resolutions on Tuesday, including: 

• CR-87-2024, a resolution that increases all DPIE permitting and licensing fees by 20%, while also establishing a 10% technology fee. DPIE fees were last raised in 2021. The increase will help cover the cost of issuing licenses and permits.  The technology fee will help DPIE continue to automate its systems.
• CR-95-2024, a resolution proposed by Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) calling on Prince George’s County Public Schools to ban cell phone use by students during school hours. Under current PGCPS rules, cell phones are supposed to be turned off and put away during the school day but are allowed during lunch periods. Ultimately, the school board would have to change the district’s cell phone policy.

RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH EQUITABLE HEALTH CARE WORK GROUP MOVES FORWARD

Also on Tuesday, the County Council, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, moved favorably on a resolution to create a work group to explore equitable access to health care for all county residents. CR-101-2024 was proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) to assist in creating a countywide program that provides access to primary care services for all residents who are currently ineligible for existing healthcare programs. The 20-member work group would be made up of County Council Members and health care providers as well as representatives from the Prince George’s County Health Department, PGCPS, the Office of Finance, and other organizations. The work group would be tasked with making recommendations for improving the county’s Health Assures Program and the FY 2026 budget.

COUNCIL HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING WITH FIRE CHIEF TO DISCUSS FIREFIGHTER REALLOCATION

Dozens of community members came out for a public meeting held by the Council on Thursday, November 14^th with Prince George’s County Fire Chief Tiffany Green. Council leadership planned the meeting to discuss the firefighter reallocation plan that has impacted multiple communities, and to allow the public to relay their comments and concerns. Chief Green explained that firefighter staffing has been especially challenging since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 66 firefighters leaving the department just this year. Over the summer, the fire department reallocated 50 firefighters from four stations: Station 814 Berwyn Heights, Station 835 Greenbelt, Station 839 Bowie-Belair, and Station 855 Bunker Hill. Citizens who spoke at the meeting cited concerns about issues including response times and the desire for more data and transparency. The Chief stated that there are “no easy answers,” saying there are two choices: holding firefighters for excessive overtime or redeploying resources throughout the county, while hiring new firefighters. Chief Green said the department has launched an aggressive recruitment campaign for 150 new firefighters, the most they have ever hired in a year. In the FY 2025 County Operating Budget, Council negotiated with the Executive Branch to create an additional 50 firefighter positions on top of the 100 positions in the County Executive’s original proposal. Council Chair Jolene Ivey, summarized the challenges faced by the department saying, “I think part of the problem…is that people are leaving faster than we can hire them, and we need to speed up the hiring process.” View photos

COUNTY COUNCIL PRESENTS PROCLAMATION TO DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S ADVOCATES

Prior to Tuesday’s County Council Meeting, the Council presented a proclamation to Maryland and Prince George’s County Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease advocates marking Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and calling attention to the disease which impacts six million people nationwide. Among those honored were Gloria Lawlah, the Former Maryland Secretary of Aging; Dr. Flavia Walton, the Dementia Friends Maryland State Coordinator and South County Lead; Christal Batey, the North County Lead; Rosalyn Morgan, the Mid-County Lead; and Shaunda Bellamy, a Dementia Friendly Prince George's Liaison. It’s so important to continue the conversation about improving Alzheimer’s care because Prince George’s County ranks fourth highest in number of cases nationwide.

November 18 - Task Forces - Workgroups - 3:30 PM - DETAILS

November 18 - Task Forces - Workgroups - 5:30 PM - DETAILS

November 19 - County Council - 9:30 AM - Agenda Briefing

November 19 - County Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

November 20 - Task Forces - Workgroups - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

November 20 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

COUNCIL MEMBERS CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF FIRST PHASE OF US 1 IN COLLEGE PARK

Council Members celebrated completion of the first phase of the rebuild of US 1/Baltimore Avenue in College Park. After more than 25 years of advocacy, this safer boulevard now includes bike lanes, improved sidewalks, landscaped buffers, and more. Council Member Eric Olson (District 3), who represents the area, said he was proud to see these long-awaited changes that enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. He was joined by Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) in welcoming this big step forward for District 3 and Prince George’s County. Officials say an average of 35,000 cars travel on US 1 every day and the project will help with congestion.

CHAIR IVEY HOSTS TURKEY DISTRIBUTION, TOURS AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS

Chair Jolene Ivey hosted her first District 5 turkey distribution of the season, partnering with New Home Baptist Church to give away turkeys and groceries. Chair Ivey also toured the Main Street Apartments in Rockville, an inspiring model of what inclusive, affordable housing can look like. Main Street is a 70-unit, affordable apartment building where 75% of units are affordable and 25% are for adults with special needs. More than a place to live, it's a vibrant community focused on inclusivity, health, and lifelong learning. The hope is to support the opening of a similar project in Prince George's County, tackling the need for affordable housing and a community for individuals with disabilities.

VICE CHAIR HARRISON HOSTS ROUNDTABLE ON HOSPICE CARE, HOLDS ANNUAL COMMUNITY CLEANUP EVENT

Vice Chair Sydney Harrison (District 9) and Hospice of the Chesapeake hosted a Community Roundtable on Hospice and Palliative Care at Tree of Life Christian Ministries Center. The public engagement and thoughtful questions made the event a powerful space for learning and community support.

Vice Chair Harrison also hosted his annual District 9 Community Cleanup Shred & Bulk Trash Day which was a tremendous success. His team and volunteers shredded unwanted documents securely, cleared out bulk trash, and made strides toward a cleaner, safer and more beautiful District 9. It was inspiring to see neighbors roll up their sleeves and work side-by-side to make a difference for our environment and community. Special thanks to Clinton Baptist Church for hosting and to all the volunteers who helped make the event possible.

COUNCIL MEMBERS BLEGAY AND ORIADHA HOLD MARLBORO PIKE REDEVELOPMENT MEETING

Council Members Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Wala Blegay (District 6) held a public meeting on November 14^th to discuss the future of Marlboro Pike. In partnership with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning, the District 6 and District 7 offices have collaborated to bring together a planning team dedicated to reimagining Marlboro Pike as a vibrant destination in Prince George’s County. The event, held at Bishop McNamara High School, offered residents the opportunity to learn more about the development process, share their input, and help shape the future of the area.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON HOLDS VETERANS APPRECIATION DINNER, SENIOR SQUAD MEETING

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson hosted a Veterans Appreciation Dinner at the Bowie Senior Center on November 12^th, an event featuring Prince George’s County Veteran Affairs Officer Dr. James Dula who spoke to over 60 Veterans on the services and resources available to them. Veterans at the dinner shared where they served, their branch, and their phenomenal contributions to our country. Council Member Watson also held her monthly virtual District 4 Senior Squad meeting featuring a presentation on property taxes and the Senior Tax Credit from Linda Allen, Larissa Broady, and Jane Figueiras with the Prince George’s County Finance Office. The purpose of the Senior Squad is to hear directly from seniors about what is important to them, and each monthly meeting features a presentation and discussion on one of their priorities.

COUNCIL MEMBERS CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY IN DISTRICT HEIGHTS

Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) celebrated Veterans Day at American Legion Post 196 in District Heights, alongside state legislators Sen. Nick Charles, Del. Karen Toles, and Del. Denise Roberts. It was an honor to uplift the men and women who served this country, and Council is dedicated to providing them the resources needed to honor their sacrifice.

COUNCIL MEMBERS HAWKINS AND BURROUGHS SPEAK TO STUDENTS ABOUT VOTING

Council Members Edward Burroughs (District 8) and Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) were invited by National Harbor Chapter Jack and Jill Teens youth organization to speak on a panel about the importance of voting. The Council Members shared insights on the voting process, encouraged students to exercise their civic duty, and emphasized the impact that young voices can have on shaping their communities and the future. The Council Members hoped to inspire and empower the next generation of voters to participate in the democratic process.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY HOSTS SOCIAL INNOVATION WORK GROUP

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) proudly hosted the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Work Group at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building bringing together key partners to discuss creating a sustainable funding engine for innovative business ideas in the county. Attendees included representatives from TEDCO, the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, Employ Prince George’s, and the NAACP. Together, they explored pathways to empower the local business community and drive economic growth through collaborative and forward-thinking initiatives. This work group marks an essential step toward fostering a dynamic ecosystem that supports and nurtures entrepreneurship and social innovation in Prince George’s County.