Council Connections Newsletter

The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-48-2021 on May 11, 2021.

The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020. The Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.

DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES ON LAND-USE MATTERS  The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Monday, June 21. The session included Oral Arguments; New Cases; Items Eligible for Final Action; Items Referred for Document; and Items Pending Finality for land use projects in communities across Prince George’s County.  LEARN MORE about the District Council.  WATCH Monday’s District Council meeting.

COUNCIL URGES COMPLETION OF CAPITAL TRAILS NETWORK WITH ADOPTION OF CR-62-2021

The County Council, during its virtual session on Tuesday, June 22nd, unanimously adopted CR-62-2021, supporting the Capital Trails Coalition and the Capital Trails Network, a connected system of multi-use trails located in the jurisdictions that comprise the Metropolitan Washington Region.  The Capital Trails Coalition seeks to create a world-class network of 881 miles of multi-use trails that are equitably distributed throughout the region, including 242 miles in Prince George’s County. The network currently includes 89.6 miles of completed trail.

District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros, proposer of the legislation, says the benefits of trails and open space cannot be underestimated.   “Our residents want and deserve access to trails and open space, not only for leisure activities, but for the environmental and health benefits as well.  Additionally, the Capital Trails Network, if expanded in Prince George’s County, will broaden transit options and employment opportunities, giving residents more options for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  This will be a game-changer for Prince George’s County, and I want to thank my Council colleagues for joining as co-proposers of the legislation.”   

READ the press release. 

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; RECEIVES BRIEFINGS ON YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, June 22.  In addition to its legislative agenda, the Council received briefing updates on Youth Sports programs in the County provided by the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Youth Sports Division, and by Prince George’s County Public Schools/Youth Sports.   

The Council also received a briefing on the Connected DMV Regional Economic Development Strategy 1.0 Report, “One: A Blueprint for Enduring Collaboration to Advance Economic Opportunity and Equity in Greater Washington,” presented by Connected DMV President and CEO, Stu Solomon. Connected DMV works to deliver regional initiatives for a stronger and more equitable future. 

WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session and both briefings.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REVIEWS EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT OF ACTING POLICE CHIEF; HOLDS BRIEFINGS; REVIEWS LEGISLATION The Committee of the Whole (COW) convened Thursday, June 24th, to review County Executive Angela Alsobrook’s appointment of Acting Police Chief Malik Aziz as the permanent Chief for the Prince George’s County Police Department.  Acting Chief Aziz addressed the COW, and committee members voted unanimously to approve the nomination, which will be considered by the full Council following a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 6th. The COW also received briefings on Protections for Seniors and All Consumers from Predatory Actions; Commission on Common Ownership Communities; Housing Opportunities for All Workgroup Updates and Recommendations; and the Local Impact Grant Funds Multi-Year Plan. Prior to adjournment, the COW reviewed Council Resolutions, including CR-068-2021, legislation concerning military leave; CR-069-2021, legislation concerning the extension of temporary restaurant outdoor seating authorization; and CR-075-2021, legislation concerning the M-NCPPC FY 21-22 Operating Budget, which all received a favorable committee recommendation for consideration by the full Council. WATCH Thursday’s COW.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETS VIRTUALLY  The 2021 Prince George’s County Redistricting Commission, appointed pursuant to the prescriptions of Section 305 of the County Charter, conducted a virtual meeting on Monday, June 21.   Pastor James Robinson, Chair of the Commission, presided over the meeting.  Serving as Redistricting Commissioners are Dr. Charlene M. Dukes and David C. Harrington. This meeting is facilitated by Council Administrator Robert J. Williams, Jr. and Associate Council Administrator Colette Gresham, Esq.   Dr. Nathaniel Persily, James B. McClatchy Professor of Law, Stanford Law School, who serves as consultant, presented the Commission with options for a least change redistricting map to address malapportionment or under population in certain Councilmanic Districts.  The presentation on optional maps is based on population projections.  The next meeting, a Virtual Public Hearing on Proposed Maps, is scheduled for Monday, July 19, 2021.   WATCH Monday’s Redistricting Commission meeting.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION HOLDS VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING

The Prince George’s County Climate Action Commission was established by Council Resolution-7-2020, to develop a Climate Action Plan for Prince George’s County to prepare for and build resilience to regional climate change impacts, and to set and achieve climate stabilization goals. The plan will address the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and recommend strategies to reduce vulnerabilities for a more resilient County.  On Thursday, June 24th, the Commission held its second Virtual Community Meeting.  Attendees were introduced to the top climate actions being recommended and participated in interactive breakout room sessions assessing how the proposed action recommendations will impact County residents.   LEARN MORE.

NOW AIRING!  “THE PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT” WITH YOUR HOST COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II; PREMIERE EPISODE FOCUSES ON MENTAL HEALTH  “The People’s Movement,” a 15-minute community television program produced by the Prince George’s County Council and hosted by Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, is now airing on Prince George’s Community Television.   The premiere episode, focusing on Mental Health, features a discussion with Deneen Richmond, President, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, about the County’s first Behavioral Health facility under construction at the Lanham site, followed by an interview with C.J. Blair, founder of the nonprofit organization, “SavingOurSelves,” discussing the mental health needs of County youth.   Council Chair Hawkins says “The People’s Movement” will always highlight the greatness of Prince George’s County.  “Focusing on mental health awareness for the premiere episode of ‘The People’s Movement’ sets the tone for what we want to accomplish with the show.   We want to inform and empower residents so they may serve as a catalyst for effective change in their lives and in their communities. I look forward to sharing the stories of those who are part of the ‘movement’ for a stronger Prince George’s County.” “The People’s Movement,” recorded via ZOOM, airs on Prince George’s Community Television (PGCTV) on Comcast Channel 70 and Verizon FIOS Channel 41, every Monday at 1:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.; and on Comcast Channel 76 and Verizon FIOS Channel 42 every Tuesday through Thursday at 2:00 p.m.  Visit http://pgctv.org/ for additional programming information, or WATCH HERE.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WEBINAR – JUNE 29^TH 

The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers relief to landlords on behalf of renters and tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).  On Tuesday, June 29^th at 10 a.m., DHCD is hosting an Emergency Rental Assistance Program Landlord Webinar to review the new U.S. Treasury guidelines, encourage landlords to apply for funding instead of evicting tenants, and to respond to questions about the application process.  Join the discussion.  RSVP to ERAPLandlord@co.pg.md.us to receive a ZOOM link.  Add RSVP Landlord Webinar in the subject line.    

HOMEOWNERS - FHA MORTGAGE FORBEARANCE PERIOD EXPIRES JUNE 30

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) forbearance period, assisting struggling homeowners due to COVID-19, expires on June 30, 2021.  It is important for homeowners to know they are not alone during these unprecedented times and may be assisted in their efforts to save their homes before the June 30^th deadline by visiting the HUD website.

STAND UP AND DELIVER – SATURDAY, JUNE 26  

The County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security issues, will distribute Grab & Go groceries on Saturday, June 26^th at 10:00 a.m., at the New Home Baptist Church in Landover; Kingdom Fellowship @ High Point High School in Beltsville; and the Ebenezer Church of God in Landover Hills.  While supplies last.  One box per vehicle. 

CLICK HERE to donate to the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program.

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

June 30 - Zoning Hearing Examiner  - 9:30 AM   Agenda

July 01 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole  - 10:00 AM  Agenda

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

SPECIAL EDITION LEGISLATIVE ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020

Immediate Past Chair Todd M. Turner and the Prince George's County Council announce the Special Edition 2019/2020 Legislative Annual Report, "Service. Community. Progress.   View the Interactive publication HERE.   

DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER HONORS FIRST RESPONDERS; HOSTS MONTHLY SENIOR GRAB AND GO’S IN BOWIE AND GREENBELT

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner teamed up with Art Works Now Pizza Project and County-based Pizza Paradiso to thank the City of Greenbelt and City of Bowie First Responders, including City and County Fire and Police Departments and UMMS Bowie Health Center staff members, on Thursday and Friday.    Council Member Turner also expressed appreciation for the County-City partnership as he was joined by Greenbelt City Council Members J. Davis, Silke Pope and Leta Mach and Bowie City Council Member Henri Gardner, as well as staff from both cities and the District 4 Team organizers Tomeka Bumbry and Evelyn Archie, to support seniors participating in the 4th District “Senior Grab and Go” meal events this month. 

DISTRICT 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON-WALKER PARTNERS WITH GLOBAL AIR DRONE ACADEMY TO PROVIDE STEAM PROGRAM FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

District 8 Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker, in partnership with the Global Air Drone Academy (GADA), is continuing the successful launch of a four-week Drone Workshop this weekend at Oxon Hill High School. GADA is offering a STEAM-focused drone education workshop for elementary, middle and high school students in a four-week camp from June 19^th - July 17^th.   50 participating youths are receiving instruction from engineering professionals and college-level STEAM students who will guide them to build, program, and pilot their own drone through coding applications.  Some older students will receive drone pilot licenses and internships with the Intelligence Community (IC) which Council Member Anderson-Walker is excited to partner with for the workshop’s Wednesday Speaker Series. Wednesday, June 22nd marked the first of four interactive and informative discussions held on ZOOM and hosted by GADA.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS HONORS A SPECIAL MOM ON HER BIRTHDAY!

On behalf of the County Council, Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, was humbled and privileged to recently present Mrs. Mary E. Russell, with a Council Proclamation in celebration of her 90^th birthday.  Mrs. Russell is the Mother of the late Honorable Ronald V. Russell, former District 6 Council Member, and former Council Chair.  

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS JOINS “THE POLITICS HOUR”

County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, made a guest appearance on WAMU radio’s “The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi,” on Friday, June 25^th, to discuss issues and concerns in Prince George’s County, with Guest Host Tom Sherwood and guest resident analyst Bruce DePuyt.  

LISTEN

DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER RODNEY STREETER FEATURED IN JUNE 17^th PGSUITE ARTICLE, “COUNTY COUNCILMAN RODNEY STREETER HELPS RESIDENTS SPRING FORWARD TOWARD A POST-COVID SUMMER, A SAFER COUNTY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESSES”

READ

DISTRICT 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON WALKER QUOTED IN JUNE 21^st WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE, “THE PANDEMIC ROCKED THIS SMALL HOSPITAL IN A MOSTLY BLACK SUBURB. NOW IT’S TRYING TO GROW” 

READ

COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR DENI TAVERAS APPEARS IN JUNE 16TH NBC 4 STORY ON CLIMATE CHANGE -  “LOCAL LEADERS AIM TO CUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN HALF BY 2030” 

WATCH