Council Connection

COUNCIL MEMBERS MEET WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE, SCHOOL BOARD, STATE DELEGATION

To promote collaboration between all levels of government, Council Members hosted a breakfast meeting with County Executive Aisha Braveboy and members of the Prince George’s County Board of Education and Prince George’s County House and Senate Delegation on Tuesday, September 16 at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building.  They conversed about timely issues, shared insight, and discussed a cohesive approach to policymaking that will enhance the quality of life for all Prince Georgians.

COUNCIL ENACTS PAUSE ON DATA CENTER APPROVALS

As the debate surrounding data centers in the county continues, the Council adopted a resolution, on Tuesday, September 16, pausing the approval process for these technology facilities. CR-98-2025, proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6), Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7), and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 5), Ingrid S. Watson (District 4), and Thomas Dernoga (District 1), initiates a 180-day moratorium to allow the county’s Qualified Data Center Task Force to complete its work analyzing the costs and benefits of data centers, and present its final recommendations to the Council by November 30. Following those recommendations, the Council plans to enact comprehensive legislation regarding the future of data centers in the county.  Tuesday’s resolution also supports the data center moratorium issued by County Executive Aisha Braveboy through an executive order. “Our resolution, in addition with the executive order, together, shows that we are in collaboration moving forward to ensure that there is a pause right now,” said Council Member Blegay.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Council Members introduced a handful of new bills and resolutions that will head to committees for further discussion. Among them is CB-81-2025, a bill proposed by Council Member Watson to establish an Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. The nine-member committee would be made up of animal experts from various non-profit organizations, veterinarian clinics, shelters, and more, and would advise the Council and County Executive and provide recommendations and best practices for managing animal shelters, fostering, rescues, disease prevention, and other key areas of animal and wildlife welfare.

Council Members Dernoga and Sydney Harrison (District 9) also introduced bills, CB-79-2025 and CB-80-2025, aimed at enacting stiffer penalties for people who act as “promoters” for large house parties. Promoters who ignore orders from the Nuisance Abatement Board could face criminal charges and fines up to $5,000.

HHSPS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS CONFIRMATION OF POLICE, FIRE CHIEFS

Chief George Nader and Chief Thelmetria “Meme” Michaelides have been leading Prince George’s County Police and Fire/EMS, respectively, as “acting chiefs” since being appointed by County Executive Aisha Braveboy over the summer. The Council will preside over the confirmation of those appointments. On Thursday, September 18, the Council’s Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee interviewed both chiefs and unanimously recommended their confirmation. Next, a confirmation vote will go before the full Council.

Chief Nader is a Prince George’s County native, with 31 years of law enforcement experience. He spent 20 years with PGPD before leaving to become an assistant chief with the Metro Transit Police Department. He returned to lead the department starting in June. Chief Michaelides rejoined PGFD in July after initially retiring in 2013 following a 26-year career, rising through the ranks from dispatcher to battalion commander. She was the first woman and first African American female bomb technician in both Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland. 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUPPORTS SUBMISSION OF SIX NEW STATE BILLS

On the heels of favorably recommending five state bills last week, the General Assembly Committee, this week, voted to support six new bills Council Members hope to get introduced by the Prince George’s House and Senate Delegation in Annapolis next session. In total, the General Assembly Committee has voted to support 11 Prince George’s County-specific bills ahead of the Maryland General Assembly’s October 1 deadline for the submission of county-specific legislation. Among the bills supported by the Committee on Tuesday, September 16, is a pilot program allowing the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores in food deserts. The goal is to help attract more grocery stores to areas that are lacking adequate food resources. The Committee also supported a bill that would enable the Council to enact new tax credits incentivizing economic development, like restaurants, to certain areas in need.

PHED COMMITTEE FAVORABLY RECOMMENDS THREE PIECES OF DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION

The Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee favorably recommended two bills and one resolution related to building and development on Thursday, September 18. CB-42-2025, proposed by Council Member Thomas Dernoga (District 1), Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6), and Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7), would alter the detailed site plan and special exemption application process for developers. The bill would require developers to meet with the Council Member for the district where they are planning to file an application. The bill would also require the county’s planning department to maintain an online database for residents to easily learn about new projects going through the application process. CB-26-2025, proposed by Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large), would require senior housing developments in transit-oriented zones, but more than a quarter mile from a transit station, to provide at least one parking space per unit. While developments in transit-oriented zones typically provide minimal parking due to an emphasis on walkability, the goal of this bill is to require ample parking for seniors who are not within immediate walking distance to public transportation. CR-91-2025, a resolution proposed by Council Members Ingrid S. Watson (District 4), Ivey (At-Large), and Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 5), would establish an Accessory Dwelling Units Task Force to offer recommendations as the Council works to draft comprehensive legislation surrounding the use of ADUs by the state deadline of October 1, 2026.

September 24 - Task Forces-Workgroups  - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

September 24 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

September 25 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

COUNCIL LEADERSHIP HOST PRAYER BREAKFAST AND GOSPEL CONCERT

Council Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8) and Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) partnered with the Gathering Place DC and Community on the Frontline to host a pair of special events centered on the celebration of faith and fellowship. A Prayer Breakfast was held on September 18 at Maple Springs Baptist Church in Capitol Heights featuring Pastors Jamal Bryant, Sam Tarver, Bobby Manning, Krishnan Natesan, and JJ Hairston. Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 5) and Wanika Fisher (District 2) also attended. The following evening, a Gospel Concert featuring Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise was held at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington. Thousands of District 7 and 8 residents attended the events, coming together to celebrate their faith while enjoying fellowship and praise music.

COUNCIL MEMBERS HOST AFRICAN CULTURAL NIGHT

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Council Members Wala Blegay (District 6) and Wanika Fisher (District 2) hosted the 2nd Annual African Cultural Night at Metro Points Hotel in New Carrollton. It was an amazing evening, honoring the accomplishments of African people in Prince George’s County and celebrating their rich and diverse culture. Speakers included County Executive Aisha Braveboy and H.E. Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) also attended. Happy African Heritage Month!

VICE CHAIR ORIADHA HOSTS SENIOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) joined Mel Johnson, founder of The Storehouse, the nation’s first Black-owned food bank, for a healthy food distribution for senior citizens. This is a year-long program that will provide monthly food distributions to District 7 seniors in need.

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS HOSTS BACK-TO-SCHOOL TOWN HALL, ATTENDS DISTRICT 26 LISTENING TOUR

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) thanks everyone who joined him for his Back-to-School Town Hall Meeting! A special thanks to Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph, Council Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8), and all of the educators and parents who attended and asked great questions. The Council will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in our county has access to a world-class education. Council Member Hawkins also attended the District 26 Raising Every Voice, Advancing Every Community Listening Tour alongside Chair Burroughs, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, State Senator C. Anthony Muse, and District 26 Delegates.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND REP. HOYER’S WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY LUNCHEON

Several Council Members had the honor of attending Steny Hoyer’s 23rd Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon. There were many esteemed elected officials in attendance, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Her presence was a reminder of what it means to be a woman warrior and longtime leader. Council Members Jolene Ivey (At-Large), Wanika Fisher (District 2), and Wala Blegay (District 6) were among the attendees.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON HOSTS FREE DOG MICROCHIPPING EVENTS

As part of her animal welfare initiative, Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4), in partnership with the Pet Unity Project, hosted two free microchipping events in District 4.  The first was held at Bowie City Hall where over 160 were microchipped and the second at the Greenbelt Municipal Building where over 40 dogs were chipped.  The events were well received, and Council Member Watson is planning to host another one in the fall.

COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON ATTENDS BERWYN DAY

Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) had a great time at Berwyn Day alongside College Park residents and elected officials.

COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY ATTENDS JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR

Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) had the pleasure of attending the Career Commanders Young Adult Job & Resource Fair, hosted by the Eckerd Connects Youth Career Center, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, and Employ Prince George’s. This event brought together employers, trade schools, and pre-apprenticeship programs to connect young adults with education, job readiness training, and career opportunities. 

COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER ATTENDS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER, UNION PICNIC

Council Member Wanika Fisha (District 2) had an amazing time at the 28th Annual Kappa Scholarship Krab Feast Fundraiser. Shoutout to the Nupes of the Annapolis Alumni Chapter for hosting this wonderful event. Council Member Fisher also attended the Plumbers and Gasfitters Local Union 5 Family and Friends Picnic, alongside Gov. Wes Moore. She was grateful for the chance to strategize and fellowship with like-minded individuals.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY ATTENDS SCHOLARSHIP GOLF EVENT, HOSTS YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, SPEAKS AT AFRICAN DIASPORA DAY ON THE HILL

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) had the pleasure of attending the Prince George’s Community College Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament at Oak Creek Golf Club. She thanks the PGCC Foundation and all the sponsors, golfers, and supporters who are making a difference in the lives of our students. Additionally, Council Member Blegay extends a heartfelt thank you to M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board Chair Darryl Barnes, and to Planning Director Lakeisha Hull for presenting to her District 6 Youth Advisory Council. Young leaders had the opportunity to learn more about the important work of Park & Planning, ask thoughtful questions about opportunities, and share advice on how to better engage youth across our community. Council Member Blegay also had the honor to speak at African Diaspora Day on the Hill on a panel called “Trade – Expanding U.S.-Africa-Caribbean Commerce Through Diaspora Partnerships.” It was an important discussion on how we are advancing trade across Africa, the Caribbean, and right here in Prince George’s County.