Council Connection

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEETS WITH PRINCE GEORGE’S DELEGATION LEADERSHIP

On the heels of a busy General Assembly session in Annapolis, the Council’s General Assembly Committee met with State Delegate Nicole Williams, the Chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, and State Senator Ron Watson, the Vice Chair of the Prince George’s County Senate Delegation on Tuesday, April 22. The state legislators shared insight into the recently passed state budget and how new revenue sources and more than $2 billion in cuts helped close a $3 billion deficit. 

Additionally, they discussed several key bills passed during the General Assembly session that will impact Prince George’s County, including HB 1424/SB 683, which expands the fund used to help federal government employees during a government shutdown, to now allow recently-laid off federal workers to take advantage of interest-free loans from the state while they seek new employment. The “Protect our Federal Workers Act” also expedites the process for hiring former federal employees to the state government. Sen. Watson also spoke about recently passed SB 11/HB 179, the “Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025”, which he proposed. The new law aims to crack down on organized crime throughout the state and allows prosecutors to aggregate crimes committed by the same person across multiple counties into one case to pursue more serious charges. Council Members and delegation leadership also discussed their future goals and vision for Prince George’s County, agreeing on the importance of maintaining constant contact and a strong working relationship.

COUNCIL SUPPORTS TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT DESIGNATION FOR SEABROOK

The Council has formally requested the Maryland Department of Transportation designate the Seabrook MARC station and surrounding half-mile radius as a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) site. On Tuesday, April 22, Council Members voted unanimously to adopt CR-25-2025, a resolution proposed by Council Member Eric Olson (District 3), applying for the designation. The resolution states Seabrook demonstrates significant potential for development as a vibrant neighborhood center, offering alternative housing choices and walkable amenities. According to the state, the TOD designation is an important tool in tackling the affordable housing shortage and leveraging infrastructure to bolster inclusive economic growth. Currently, Prince George’s County has five TOD sites at the following transportation stations: Bowie State MARC, Branch Avenue Metro, Greenbelt Metro, Naylor Road Metro, and New Carrollton Metro/MARC/Amtrak.

BUDGET WORK SESSIONS INTENSIFYING WITH ADOPTION LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY

With the Council set to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget before the end of May, budget work sessions took center stage during four Committee meetings over the last week. Council Members met with representatives from nine departments or agencies funded by the county. On Monday, April 21, the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee met with leadership from the Department of Corrections and the Department of Family Services, while the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy, and the Environment Committee met with the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. On Thursday, the TIEE Committee was briefed by leaders from the Department of the Environment and the Department of Public Works and Transportation, while the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee met with the Office of Community Relations, Revenue Authority, Office of Ethics and Accountability, and Office of Human Rights. Council Members learned about future plans for each department, daily operations, capital projects, and budget priorities. That information will help inform their budgetary decisions as they finalize the FY 2026 Budget.

April 28 - EWD Committee - 2:30 PM - DETAILS

April 28 - County Council - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

April 29 - General Assembly Committee - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

April 29 - County Council - 1:00 PM - DETAILS

April 29 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 2:30 PM - DETAILS

April 30 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM - DETAILS

April 30 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 3:00 PM - DETAILS

May 1 - GOFP Committee - 10:00 AM

May 1 - HHSPS Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

VICE CHAIR ORIADHA SPEAKS AT MBIA BREAKFAST, CUTS RIBBON AT NEW MARLOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTER

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) was grateful for the opportunity to speak at the Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA) Legislative Breakfast! She spoke about the exciting new vision for the County Council that she shares with Chair Edward Burroughs. 

Vice Chair Oriadha also had a fantastic time celebrating the ribbon cutting of the brand-new Marlow Heights Community Center. This beautiful new space is sure to become a vibrant hub where neighbors can connect, grow, and build lasting community together.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY HOSTS COMMUNITY JAZZ BRUNCH HONORING MARGARET WHITE’S 96TH BIRTHDAY

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) hosted a Jazz Brunch celebrating the 96th birthday of community icon, Ms. Margaret White—a beloved and tireless servant of the Millwood and Wilburn neighborhoods. The April 19 event at Walker Mill Middle School featured a jazz performance by saxophonist Brian Lanier. Ms. White has received numerous awards from Prince George’s County leaders and organizations, including the International Medal from the Washington Center for Aging. Her professional journey included decades of service at D.C. General Hospital, Howard University Hospital, the Washington Center for Aging, and the D.C. Prison System. Since 2004, she has served as the President of the Millwood Waterford Citizens Association, advocating for smarter growth and improved quality of life in her community.

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS HOSTS COFFEE WITH A COP EVENT

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) hosted a Coffee with a Cop event on April 21 at Woodyard Landing in Clinton. The event brought neighbors together with local police officers to build connections, share resources, and discuss community concerns. Thank you to everyone who joined the Council Member in his effort to strengthen the bond between residents and those who serve our neighborhoods!

COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY CELEBRATES EASTER AT WOMEN’S SHELTER, ATTENDS MBIA BREAKFAST

Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) had the pleasure of enjoying Easter dinner at Shepherd’s Cove Emergency Shelter, alongside her husband Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Prince George’s). A big thank you to Chef Zella for providing such a delicious meal for residents and their children. The 2nd annual Easter egg hunt was a hit and a fun highlight of the day. Council Member Ivey loved seeing fellow Mocha Moms and is grateful for Post 275, Linda Whittingham, and DJ Tee for helping make the day so special.

Council Member Ivey also enjoyed the MBIA Legislative Breakfast, a great opportunity to hear from the builder community and relay priorities of the county. 

COUNCIL MEMBER HARRISON HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETING ON WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECTS 

Council Member Sydney Harrison (District 9) partnered with WSSC and PGCPS for a community meeting on the Old Branch Avenue and South Osborne Road Water Main Replacement Projects. Residents asked thoughtful questions and received important information about the progress, impact, and next steps of these critical infrastructure improvements. Council Member Harrison appreciates the continued engagement and commitment from District 9 residents as we work together to strengthen our community.