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Prince George’s County Council Adopts $5.8 Billion FY 2026 Budget
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Prince George’s County Council adopted a balanced $5.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on July 1, 2025. This final product comes after months of hard work during an especially challenging budget cycle, which was complicated by funding reductions at the state and federal levels. Regardless, the Council was able to approve a balanced spending plan without raising taxes and placing an increased burden on residents. Over the last two-and-a-half months, Council Members deeply reflected on all the input they received from their constituents throughout the budget process, incorporating as much as they could into their final proposal.
“This year, more than ever, the budget required us to dig deep, not just into spreadsheets and forecasts, but into the lived experiences of the people we represent,” said Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8). “I am a firm believer that leadership starts with listening, and we have heard loud and clear from our community about what matters to them.”
The result is a myriad of enhancements to the budget proposal put forth by Acting County Executive Tara Jackson on March 13.
The approved budget ensures nearly $6 million for the Council’s non-departmental grants and $1.5 million for County Executive grants. These grants play an essential role in supporting Prince Georgians, providing services like food and mortgage assistance, youth mentoring, and help for seniors. It also ensures $1 million for a small business microgrant program.
Additionally, the Council restored $800,000 for a litter cleanup program, plus full funding for the labor trafficking unit, which investigates and holds those who exploit workers accountable. The Council also restored funding to the Provider Council, which helps disabled community members pay for caregivers, while also providing $250,000 to maintain a program that delivers meals to elderly residents.
The Council allocated $250,000 to the Black Maternal Health Fund, championed by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) through CR-90-2023, meaning the county will, for the first time, have dedicated resources to tackle issues surrounding Black maternal health.
“This is an incredible moment for all women of color in Prince George’s County,” said Vice Chair Oriadha. “This is an issue I am very passionate about, as a Black mother who experienced birth complications. I am so grateful that Chair Burroughs and my fellow Council Members have joined in making Black maternal health a priority, and I know that we will have happier, healthier families here in Prince George’s County as a result of this monumental funding.”
The Council’s final budget prevents a budget cut to the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE), restoring close to $1 million. It also establishes new regional liaisons at DPIE who will work directly with Council Members, community leaders, and HOAs to resolve issues. Additionally, the spending plan provides $120,000 for Council Member Wala Blegay’s (District 6) CB-31-2024, launching funding for her legislation that will help people resolve HOA disputes.
The Council provided $150,000 to expand HIV prevention services in the southern part of the county, which has the highest infection rates, and allocated $1 million in increased funding to the Health Assures program, providing medical and preventative care to the uninsured and underinsured.
The Council eliminated a 30-day hiring delay for first responders, allowing new police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and firefighters to get on the job as quickly as possible, while also providing $184,000 for a psychologist position at the Sheriff’s Office to provide mental health support for staff.
Council Members backed a new website that provides re-entry resources for citizens returning from incarceration, provided half a million dollars to provide seating at county bus shelters, and funded $250,000 for a Raincheck Rebate program that helps people making home improvements to prevent stormwater runoff.
Lastly, the Council found a way forward to preserve funding for Prince George’s County Community Television, a budgetary priority that was highlighted through hours of testimony by concerned citizens and employees.
“I am incredibly proud of this final budget, and all that we were able to squeeze into it, despite challenging circumstances – many of which were out of our control. I am also thrilled about how many of the community’s priorities we were able to fund,” said Chair Burroughs. “While we couldn't say yes to everything, and we had to make difficult compromises that balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability, we worked to protect core services and public safety, support working families, and continue investing in the future. This budget is a reflection of our values and priorities as we shape the future of Prince George’s County, one that is more just and more equitable for all Prince Georgians, in every corner of our county.”
For more information on the budget, visit the Council’s Budget Portal.
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