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COUNCIL MEMBERS SUPPORT LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER FBI GREENBELT HEADQUARTERS
 Members of the County Council joined Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, Governor Wes Moore, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey as they announced the state and Prince George’s County have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the FBI Greenbelt headquarters relocation. The lawsuit alleges the Trump administration’s move to abandon the Greenbelt site in favor of the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown D.C. is illegal. It seeks to block this relocation and prevent the diversion of more than $1 billion in congressionally appropriated funds from the Greenbelt project.
“We won’t let this administration steal jobs and opportunities from Prince George’s County,” said County Executive Braveboy at the press conference on Thursday, November 6.
CHAIR BURROUGHS LAUNCHES $1M FEDERAL EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND FOR DISTRICT 8 RESIDENTS
   In response to the longest federal government shutdown in US history, and the ongoing federal job cuts and furloughs, Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8), in partnership with 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, launched the $1 million Federal Employee Relief Fund at a press conference on Wednesday, November 5. He was joined for the announcement by Dr. Marquez Ball, the organization’s president, as well as several of its members. The fund, supported largely by the MGM Casino Local Impact Grant, distributed $1,000 to federal workers who live in District 8 and have been impacted by federal job cuts or furloughs this year. The program reached the maximum number of recipients in just two days.
“Our federal workers and contractors and their families are going through so much right now. To show up to work every day to serve this country with such dignity and honor, and to now find yourself in a foodbank line, is the reality that so many of our family members and neighbors find themselves in,” said Chair Burroughs.
“This fund is a recognition that Prince George’s County takes care of its own,” added Dr. Ball. “We will not let you fall. We will be there to lift you.”
COUNCIL ENACTS COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY’S ‘FOOD AS MEDICINE’ BILL
 In an effort to improve community health throughout the county, Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) proposed CB-67-2025, the Food as Medicine Health Program Act, which was unanimously enacted by the Council on Tuesday, November 4. Prior to the vote, she hosted a press conference alongside several of her Council colleagues, calling for the bill’s passage. This legislation establishes a new countywide initiative that will use food-based interventions as part of a comprehensive health care approach to reduce chronic disease, address food insecurity, and improve long-term health outcomes for residents. The bill also establishes the Food as Medicine Health Program Workgroup and calls on the Prince George’s County Health Department to partner with local health care providers, nonprofits, grocery stores, health insurers, farms, food producers, researchers, and others to increase access to high-quality healthy foods for residents while improving education and awareness surrounding nutrition and long-term health. The 21-member workgroup will be chaired by Council Member Blegay and will include health care experts, nutritionists, food producers, and government representatives. The group will meet monthly and advise the County Council and County Executive on best practices for a healthier county, in addition to producing an annual report.
 “We’re doing prevention, not at the hospital, but starting in the kitchen,” said Council Member Blegay. “We want to eat healthy; we just need access. Once we have the access, we will be a healthy community.”
COUNCIL ADOPTS THREE RESOLUTIONS CHAMPIONED BY VICE CHAIR ORIADHA
Additionally, on Tuesday, the Council voted to adopt three resolutions proposed by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7):
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CR-86-2025 establishes the Community Wealth Building Compact, a new program that encourages anchor institutions in the county, including hospitals and health systems, universities, large nonprofits, government agencies, and more, to voluntarily elect to commit at least 10% of annual procurement spending with local Black-owned businesses.
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CR-88-2025 establishes the Prince George’s County Literacy Commission. The 18-member commission will include representatives from PGCPS, Bowie State University, the University of Maryland, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, and several other education and literacy-based groups or nonprofits. The commission will work to identify literacy gaps among different age groups and communities and design and implement programs tailored to the specific needs of both adults and students in need of assistance.
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CR-99-2025 ensures every birthing mother understands her rights to respectful, safe, and bias-free care through use of the Black Maternal Bill of Rights Checklist. It also establishes the Prince George’s County Black Maternal Health Equity Task Force, a group made up of Black mothers, doulas, obstetricians, hospital leaders, and public health officials who will review survey data, training compliance, and hospital trends before issuing recommendations to the County Council, County Executive, and Maryland Department of Health.
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HHSPS COMMITTEE FAVORABLY RECOMMENDS ESTABLISHING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WORKGROUP
To reduce domestic violence and enhance support for victims in Prince George’s County, Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) proposed the establishment of a Domestic Violence Workgroup through CR-125-2025. That resolution was favorably recommended by the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee on Thursday, November 6. In 2024, nearly 20% of the homicides in the county were domestic killings, according to Prince George’s County Police. The 24-member workgroup would be charged with examining the causes, current response practices, and gaps in assistance for victims, while proposing strategies and recommendations to improve domestic violence prevention and response efforts within the county. The group would be made up of representatives from the Prince George’s County Police Department, Fire/EMS Department, Sheriff’s Office, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Prince George’s County Public Schools, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, and several other agencies and nonprofits. After a year, the workgroup would be required to present a final report of its findings and recommendations to the County Council and County Executive.
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PHED COMMITTEE FAVORABLY RECOMMENDS PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TIME TASK FORCE
Following the adoption of CR-80-2025 in July, which suspends the use of a 20-year-old formula to calculate police response times in the county due to accuracy issues, the Council is now taking steps to craft a more accurate and consistent process for determining public safety response times and application of the public safety surcharge for new residential construction. On Thursday, November 6, the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee favorably recommended CR-109-2025, a resolution proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6), to establish the Adequate Public Safety Response Times Test Task Force. The 10-member task force would be made up of two Council Members, a representative from Prince George’s County Police, a representative from the Department of Homeland Security, four representatives from civic associations, and two developers. The task force would be required to submit its findings to the Council within six months.
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 COUNCIL AWARDS FIVE PROCLAMATIONS
Prior to their meeting on Tuesday, November 4, Council Members presented five proclamations recognizing members of the community or county-based organizations that made a significant impact. Congratulations to all the awardees!
Hazel Katherine Morris Mitchum was honored in celebration of her 100th birthday!
 Ka-Ton and Michelle Grant were honored for their county-based business, Era Wine Bar, being recognized as a 2025 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington RAMMY award winner for wine program of the year.
 Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Iota Gamma Omega Chapter and its president, Kristi Holden Matthews, were awarded a proclamation in celebration of the 55th anniversary of the chapter’s founding as the county’s first AKA chapter.
 Lula Beatty, president of the Carsondale Civic Association, accepted a proclamation on behalf of the Carsondale community in recognition of Carsondale’s 70th anniversary. The community was founded as place where Black soldiers could affordably purchase homes following World War II.
 Georgette Davies was honored for her community impact as an entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses in the county including Anderson Lux Transportation.
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COUNCIL MEMBER HARRISON WELCOMES SOUTHLAND INDUSTRIES TO DISTRICT 9
  After nearly six years of dedicated effort supporting the Brandywine Town Activity Center, Council Member Sydney Harrison and his District 9 team have successfully helped bring Southland Industries to the community, creating 400 union, livable-wage jobs with salaries ranging from $75,000 to $150,000. Southland Industries is a national leader in engineering, construction, and sustainable energy solutions for major projects in healthcare, higher education, and government sectors. This major investment will strengthen the local economy, boost commercial tax revenue, and lay the foundation for hundreds or even thousands more jobs in the near future.
COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON JOINS UNION IMPACTED BY SHOPPERS CLOSURES, HOSTS COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR, ATTENDS HELLO HUSKY NIGHT
  Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) joined UFCW Local 400 members impacted by the closure of Shoppers stores in Laurel, College Park, Capitol Heights, and New Carrollton. These closures threaten union jobs, reduce access to affordable food, and hurt working families. Council Members are calling on United Natural Foods, Inc. to reverse this harmful decision. Council Member Olson also hosted a College & Career Fair at Parkdale High School, connecting students with colleges, training programs, and employers to help students plan their next steps after graduation. A huge thank you to all the vendors and organizations who came out to share opportunities and resources, the Parkdale staff and administration for their partnership, and especially the students for their enthusiasm and great questions. Finally, Council Member Olson had an amazing time attending Berwyn Heights Elementary School’s Hello Husky night, meeting students, parents, and teachers.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ADAMS-STAFFORD AND WATSON HOST RESOURCE FAIR AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 5) and Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) partnered to host a Resource Fair and Food Distribution, tailored to small business owners, veterans, and federal workers looking for their next career or business opportunity. It connected attendees with representatives from the Prince George's County Office of Procurement in addition to providing free food boxes to those in need due to loss of job or SNAP benefits, furloughs, or the ongoing federal government shutdown. A special thank you to Redeemers Church of Christ for generously donating the food, the support truly made a difference for the community.
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COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY ATTENDS OPEN HOUSE AT SICKLE CELL TREATMENT CENTER
 Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) joined the University of Maryland Capital Region Health team for the Open House at their Adult Sickle Cell Treatment and Infusion Center. This center is a true lifeline for sickle cell warriors in our community, providing compassionate care and innovative treatment close to home. When concerns were raised about funding for one of their critical machines, the Council took immediate action to secure a solution, ensuring this life-saving treatment remains available to our residents.
COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON SPEAKS AT CLEAN CITIES COALITION CONFERENCE
 Council Member Ingrid S. Watson was honored to speak at the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) Annual Conference at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt to share remarks promoting clean energy and environmentally friendly initiatives. Council Member Watson also presented a Council proclamation to Mr. Antoine Thompson, Executive Director for the GWRCCC for his outstanding work and leadership in “advancing a cleaner, greener future for the Washington Metropolitan region.” She is pictured with Executive Director Thompson and Board Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER SUPPORTS CHURCH FOOD DRIVES
Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) partnered with her church, Redeemers Church of Christ, to provide free food, hygiene products, and essential household items to residents in need. She also joined a second food drive hosted by Ebenezer Church of God. With SNAP benefits being delayed due to the shutdown, the county government is teaming up with the faith community and nonprofits to combat food insecurity and take care of Prince Georgians who need help.
COUNCIL MEMBERS HAWKINS AND WATSON ATTEND VITAMIN SUITE GRAND OPENING
Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) and Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) attended the grand opening of The Vitamin Suite in Bowie. They are thankful for the invitation and for businesses like this one investing in the health and wellness of our community.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY ATTENDS VETERANS LUNCH, TOURS COMMUNITY HEALTH SITES, SPEAKS ON PANEL ABOUT MICROPLASTICS
 
Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) was honored to attend the County Executive’s Veterans Luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the veterans in our community who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Council Member Blegay is also exploring solutions to the primary care crisis in the county, which was a recent topic discussed by the Board of Health. She visited several innovative community health sites in the region, seeing firsthand how partnerships between churches, nonprofits, and medical providers can transform access to care. She is grateful to partners at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church for their commitment to community wellness and for sharing best practices that will help build a healthier future for our County. Finally, she spoke at the “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics” screening at Prince George’s Community College. The documentary shed light on microplastics existing not just in our environment, but in our bodies, and the need to start connecting the dots between environmental pollution and the high rates of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses in our community.
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