Council Connection

COUNCIL SUPPORTS FORECLOSURE MORATORIUM FOR LAID-OFF FEDERAL WORKERS

In an effort to keep recently laid-off federal workers in their homes, the Council adopted CR-22-2025 on Tuesday, May 6. The resolution, introduced by Council Member Calvin Hawkins, II (At-Large), urges Governor Wes Moore to issue a two-year residential mortgage foreclosure moratorium, protecting any former federal employees facing financial hardships. There are around 150,000 federal workers living in Maryland, with 73,000 federal workers and contractors in Prince George’s County. The resolution also states that the Council would consider the deferral of penalty and interest on overdue county taxes during the foreclosure moratorium period.

COUNCIL HOSTS FINAL PUBLIC HEARING ON FY26 BUDGET

As Council Members wrap up the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget process, more than 50 residents and representatives from community organizations spoke before the Council during its final public hearing of the FY26 Budget cycle on Tuesday, May 6. Speakers shared funding recommendations and budget priorities with the Council, covering a wide array of topics. A dozen speakers supported additional funding for Prince George’s Community Television, which was stripped of 75% of its funding in the Acting County Executive’s proposed FY26 Budget. Nine people spoke in favor of additional funding for the county’s animal shelter and the repealing of the county’s pit bull ban. Seven people advocated for additional funding for the Health Assures Program, which provides healthcare services to uninsured residents. The Council has until the end of the month to adopt the FY26 Budget.

COUNCIL JOINTLY APPROVES BI-COUNTY FUNDING ALONGSIDE MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL

The Prince George’s and Montgomery County Councils took part in a joint meeting on Thursday, May 8 to approve Fiscal Year 2026 funding for three bi-county agencies. The Councils agreed to funding reductions of more than $300,000 from each county to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Central Administrative Services budget. Prince George’s County will fund $14.8 million of the budget, while Montgomery County will fund $13 million. Employee compensation should not exceed $8.3 million in Prince George’s County and $5.8 million in Montgomery County. The Councils also approved a 9.5% volumetric and fixed rate increase for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) and signed off on Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC) FY26 budgets of $145,345 for Prince George’s County and $167,845 for Montgomery County.

TIEE MOVES FAVORABLY ON SNOW REMOVAL, CLEAN CURB BILLS

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment Committee moved favorably on a pair of bills aiming to keep roads clear of snow, debris, and objects on Thursday, May 8. The Committee favorably recommended CB-12-2025, a bill introduced by Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8) and Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) requiring the Department of Public Works and Transportation director to submit to the Council, within 24-hours of a forecasted snow storm, a Situational Awareness Report containing the storm forecast, air and ground temperatures, roadway incidents and conditions, dispatched snow removal vehicles, salt supply, and more. The Committee also favorably recommended CB-15-2025, a bill proposed by Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) to prevent residents from placing traffic cones or other objects along the curbs of county roads to save parking spaces. According to Olson, this practice is both unsafe for drivers and produces unsightly conditions in neighborhoods. The bill would give County Police, DPW&T, and the Department of the Environment the authority to remove the cones or objects.

May 12 - Sitting as the Board of Health - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

May 13 - County Council - 10:00 AM - Proclamations

May 13 - County Council - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

May 13 - Sitting as the District Council - 11:30 AM - DETAILS

May 13 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:40 AM - DETAILS

May 14 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

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

May 16 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 2:00 PM - DETAILS

May 16 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

CHAIR BURROUGHS CO-HOSTS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM WITH TARAJI P. HENSON

Council Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8) partnered with actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson for a free youth mental health symposium for Prince George’s County students. Henson is founder of The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and she returned to her alma mater, Oxon Hill High School, for the event. The Can We Talk? Youth Mental Health Symposium featured non-traditional forms of therapy including dance, art, poetry, filmmaking, and gardening, all designed to teach students new ways to cope with stress. Chair Burroughs announced that next school year, the partnership with the foundation will be expanded to six middle and high schools in District 8 to include free individual and family therapy, peer-to-peer mental health training, as well as the types of therapies students experienced at the event. Data shows nearly a fifth of PGCPS high school students seriously considered suicide with ten percent attempting it, and Chair Burroughs is committed to bringing additional mental health resources to students.

VICE CHAIR ORIADHA SPONSORS PRIDE BRUNCH, ATTENDS CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNTY DAY, SPEAKS ON HOUSING PANEL

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) sponsored Brunch Out Loud: A Pride Celebration. As the first openly LGBTQIA+ person on the County Council, representation is a priority, and she is so proud of the work by the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations to create a safe space for a beautiful community. Vice Chair Oriadha also joined Hillcrest-Marlow Heights Civic Association members to celebrate Community Day. She is so grateful to partner with this organization and appreciates their work to support communities within District 7. 

Vice Chair Oriadha went on to speak on the Women in County Leadership Housing Panel with some phenomenal women in leadership. It is important to bring quality development to the county that provides generational opportunity, and that we are listening to the voices of Prince Georgians. Thank you to the Urban Land Institute for this amazing event!

COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL CEREMONY

Council Members Wanika Fisher (District 2), Ingrid S. Watson (District 4), and Wala Blegay (District 6) had the solemn honor of attending the Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony— a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their families. The ceremony honors those who paid the ultimate price in service to the community, and recognizes families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

COUNCIL MEMBER DERNOGA RALLIES WITH UNION WORKERS

Council Member Tom Dernoga (District 1) met with the UFCW Local 400 Workers as they negotiate salaries with the College Park MOM's Organic Market CEO. Council Member Dernoga strongly supports the union workers in their efforts and wrote a letter to the CEO of the grocery store regarding the salary negotiations.

COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY JOINS PGFD AND RED CROSS FOR FREE SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATIONS

Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) joined the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and Red Cross in Landover as they installed free smoke alarms. Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning of a fire in your home. If you’re in need of a FREE smoke alarm to be installed in your home, call PGFD at 301-583-2200.

COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER ATTENDS PRIDE BRUNCH, GLENDARDEN VETERANS CELEBRATION

Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) attended the Brunch Out Loud PRIDE celebration and is thankful to the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations for the warm welcome and thoughtful invitation. She congratulates the honorees on their hard work! Council Member Fisher went on to join the Glenarden community in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Veterans Memorial, a powerful reminder that freedom is built on service and progress must always honor the past. She is grateful to the Glenarden City Council, Senator Joanne Bensen, and every veteran who has shaped the city with courage and sacrifice.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON KICKS OFF SENIOR LUNCHEONS

The District 4 Team is always thrilled to spend time with the ladies of The Happy Go Lucky Club in Bowie.  During Council Member Ingrid S. Watson’s first Senior Luncheon for the season, she provided updates and answered questions as the ladies were treated to a wonderful nutrition presentation by expert Sherma Brisseau from the Prince George's County Health Department. 

COUNCIL MEMEBR OLSON TAKES PART IN TOWN OF BERWYN HEIGHTS DAY PARADE

Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) enjoyed being part of the Town of Berwyn Heights Day Parade. Thanks to the Town Council, staff, and community for making it a great event.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY HONORS TEACHERS, JOINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EVENT

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) was proud to collaborate with the Barack Obama Elementary School PTA and School Board Member Dr. Phelton Moss to show gratitude to the incredible educators who shape our future every day. They provided food, drinks, and coffee for our dedicated teachers—and it was a joy to see their smiles and appreciation. A special thank you to Legacy Premier Foundation and Pohanka for generously sponsoring this event as well as Dr. Moss for his leadership in coordinating this effort. 

Council Member Blegay also joined the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation at the SelectUSA’s 2025 SpinOff Industry Networking event with FDI visitors. It was a great opportunity to connect with global business leaders interested in investing in Prince George’s County and to showcase all that our community has to offer.

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS HONORS TEACHERS, HOSTS SPRING HEALTH FAIR, WELCOMES NEW DENTAL PRACTICE

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) had the pleasure of celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at Thomas Jefferson Middle School by bringing breakfast to their incredible educators! A heartfelt thank you to the school for welcoming us and to Dunkin’ Donuts for helping us fuel the morning with delicious treats. Council Member Hawkins alsothanks everyone who came out and supported his Spring Health Fair! He’s so grateful to all the healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and community partners who showed up and shared valuable resources. Special thanks to the Sodality of Our Lady of Families for hosting this impactful event. Additionally, Council Member Hawkins was honored to be part of the grand opening of Calcium Dental! This new practice brings exceptional care and bright smiles to our community.